ICSC 0454 - DIMETHYL ETHER

[List of Chemicals] [Risk Notes] [Risk Phrases] [Safety Phrases] [Danger Symbols]

DIMETHYL ETHER

ICSC: 0454
_{October 2002}

Methyl ether
Oxybismethane
Wood ether
Methoxymethane

CAS No: 115-10-6
RTECS No: PM4780000
UN No: 1033
EC No: 603-019-00-8

(cylinder)
C₂H₆O / CH₃OCH₃
Molecular mass: 46.08

TYPES OF HAZARD / EXPOSURE	ACUTE HAZARDS / SYMPTOMS	PREVENTION	FIRE FIGHTING
FIRE	Extremely flammable.	NO open flames, NO sparks, and NO smoking. NO contact with hot surfaces.	Shut off supply; if not possible and no risk to surroundings, let the fire burn itself out; in other cases extinguish with dry powder, carbon dioxide.
EXPLOSION	Gas/air mixtures are explosive.	Closed system, ventilation, explosion-proof electrical equipment and lighting.	In case of fire: keep cylinder cool by spraying with water. Combat fire from a sheltered position.

EXPOSURE
Inhalation	Cough. Sore throat. Confusion. Drowsiness. Unconsciousness.	Ventilation, local exhaust, or breathing protection.	Fresh air, rest. Refer for medical attention.
Skin	ON CONTACT WITH LIQUID: FROSTBITE.	Cold-insulating gloves.	ON FROSTBITE: rinse with plenty of water, do NOT remove clothes. Rinse skin with plenty of water or shower.
Eyes	Redness. Pain.	Safety goggles, or eye protection in combination with breathing protection.	First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then take to a doctor.
Ingestion		Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work.

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL	PACKAGING & LABELLING
Evacuate danger area! Consult an expert! Remove all ignition sources. (Extra personal protection: filter respirator for organic gases and vapours.)	F+ Symbol R: 12 S: (2-)9-16-33 UN Hazard Class: 2.1

EMERGENCY RESPONSE	STORAGE
Transport Emergency Card: TEC (R)-21S1033 NFPA Code: H2; F4; R1	Fireproof. Cool.

IMPORTANT DATA

Physical State; Appearance
COLOURLESS GAS, WITH CHARACTERISTIC ODOUR.

Physical dangers
The gas is heavier than air and may travel along the ground; distant ignition possible, and may accumulate in lowered spaces causing a deficiency of oxygen.

Chemical dangers
The substance can form explosive peroxides under the influence of light and air. On combustion, forms irritating fumes. Reacts with oxidants.

Occupational exposure limits
EU OEL: as TWA 1000 ppm; 1920 mg/m³; (EU 2002).

Routes of exposure
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation.

Inhalation risk
On loss of containment, a harmful concentration of this gas in the air will be reached very quickly especially in confined spaces.

Effects of short-term exposure
The substance is irritating to the eyes and the respiratory tract. Rapid evaporation of the liquid may cause frostbite. The substance may cause effects on the central nervous system. Exposure could cause lowering of consciousness.

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES	ENVIRONMENTAL DATA
Boiling point: -23.6°C Melting point: -141.5°C Relative density (water = 1): 0.61 Solubility in water, g/100 ml: 2.4 Relative vapour density (air = 1): 1.6 Flash point: Flammable Gas Auto-ignition temperature: 350°C Explosive limits, vol% in air: 3.4-26.7 Octanol/water partition coefficient as log Pow: 0.1

NOTES

Check oxygen content before entering area.
High concentrations in the air cause a deficiency of oxygen with the risk of unconsciousness or death.
Check for peroxides prior to distillation; eliminate if found.

IPCS
International
Programme on
Chemical Safety

Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International Programme on Chemical Safety and the European Commission
© IPCS 2003

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Updated by AS. Approved by EC. Last update: 22.08.2003