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DIETHYL ETHERICSC: 0355 (May 2002)
Ethyl ether
Ethyl oxide
Ether
CAS #: 60-29-7
UN #: 1155
EC Number: 200-467-2

  ACUTE HAZARDS PREVENTION FIRE FIGHTING
FIRE & EXPLOSION Extremely flammable.  Vapour/air mixtures are explosive.  NO open flames, NO sparks and NO smoking. NO contact with hot surfaces.  Closed system, ventilation, explosion-proof electrical equipment and lighting. Prevent build-up of electrostatic charges (e.g., by grounding). Do NOT use compressed air for filling, discharging, or handling. Use non-sparking handtools.  Use alcohol-resistant foam, powder, carbon dioxide.  In case of fire: keep drums, etc., cool by spraying with water. 

   
  SYMPTOMS PREVENTION FIRST AID
Inhalation Cough. Sore throat. Drowsiness. Vomiting. Headache. Laboured breathing. Unconsciousness.  Use ventilation, local exhaust or breathing protection.  Fresh air, rest. Artificial respiration may be needed. Refer for medical attention. 
Skin Dry skin.  Protective gloves.  Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse skin with plenty of water or shower. 
Eyes Redness. Pain.  Wear safety goggles.  First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then refer for medical attention. 
Ingestion Dizziness. Drowsiness. Vomiting.  Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work.  Rinse mouth. Do NOT induce vomiting. Give one or two glasses of water to drink. Refer for medical attention . 

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL CLASSIFICATION & LABELLING
Remove all ignition sources. Evacuate danger area! Consult an expert! Personal protection: filter respirator for organic gases and vapours adapted to the airborne concentration of the substance. Collect leaking liquid in sealable containers. Absorb remaining liquid in sand or inert absorbent. Then store and dispose of according to local regulations. 

According to UN GHS Criteria

 

Transportation
UN Classification
UN Hazard Class: 3; UN Pack Group: I 

STORAGE
Fireproof. Separated from strong oxidants. See Chemical Dangers. Cool. Keep in the dark. Store only if stabilized. 
PACKAGING
Airtight. 
DIETHYL ETHER ICSC: 0355
PHYSICAL & CHEMICAL INFORMATION

Physical State; Appearance
VERY VOLATILE COLOURLESS LIQUID WITH CHARACTERISTIC ODOUR. 

Physical dangers
The vapour is heavier than air and may travel along the ground; distant ignition possible. As a result of flow, agitation, etc., electrostatic charges can be generated. 

Chemical dangers
The substance can form explosive peroxides under the influence of light and air. Reacts violently with halogens, interhalogens, sulfur compounds and oxidants. This generates fire and explosion hazard. Attacks plastics and rubber. 

Formula: C4H10O / (C2H5)2O
Molecular mass: 74.1
Boiling point: 35°C
Melting point: -116°C
Relative density (water = 1): 0.7
Solubility in water, g/100ml at 20°C: 6.9
Vapour pressure, kPa at 20°C: 58.6
Relative vapour density (air = 1): 2.6
Relative density of the vapour/air-mixture at 20°C (air = 1): 1.9
Flash point: -45°C c.c.
Auto-ignition temperature: 160-180°C
Explosive limits, vol% in air: 1.7-48
Octanol/water partition coefficient as log Pow: 0.89  


EXPOSURE & HEALTH EFFECTS

Routes of exposure
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation of its vapour and by ingestion. 

Effects of short-term exposure
The substance is irritating to the eyes and respiratory tract. If this liquid is swallowed, aspiration into the lungs may result in chemical pneumonitis. The substance may cause effects on the central nervous system. This may result in narcosis. 

Inhalation risk
A harmful contamination of the air can be reached rather quickly on evaporation of this substance at 20°C. 

Effects of long-term or repeated exposure
The substance defats the skin, which may cause dryness or cracking. The substance may have effects on the central nervous system. May cause addiction. 


OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS
TLV: 400 ppm as TWA; 500 ppm as STEL.
MAK: 1200 mg/m3, 400 ppm; peak limitation category: I(1); pregnancy risk group: D.
EU-OEL: 308 mg/m3, 100 ppm as TWA; 616 mg/m3, 200 ppm as STEL 

ENVIRONMENT
 

NOTES
Use of alcoholic beverages enhances the harmful effect.
Check for peroxides prior to distillation; eliminate if found. 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
  EC Classification
Symbol: F+, Xn; R: 12-19-22-66-67; S: (2)-9-16-29-33; Note: 6 

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    See Also:
       Toxicological Abbreviations
       DIETHYL ETHER (JECFA Evaluation)