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DIMETHYL ETHERICSC: 0454 (August 2002)
Methyl ether
Oxybismethane
Wood ether
Methoxymethane
CAS #: 115-10-6
UN #: 1033
EC Number: 204-065-8

  ACUTE HAZARDS PREVENTION FIRE FIGHTING
FIRE & EXPLOSION Extremely flammable.  Gas/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.  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.  In case of fire: keep cylinder cool by spraying with water. Combat fire from a sheltered position. 

   
  SYMPTOMS PREVENTION FIRST AID
Inhalation Cough. Sore throat. Confusion. Drowsiness. Unconsciousness.  Use 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.  Wear 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 refer for medical attention. 
Ingestion   Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work.   

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL CLASSIFICATION & LABELLING
Evacuate danger area! Consult an expert! Personal protection: filter respirator for organic gases and vapours adapted to the airborne concentration of the substance. Remove all ignition sources. 

According to UN GHS Criteria

 

Transportation
UN Classification
UN Hazard Class: 2.1 

STORAGE
Fireproof. Cool. 
PACKAGING
 
DIMETHYL ETHER ICSC: 0454
PHYSICAL & CHEMICAL INFORMATION

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. The gas is heavier than air 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. 

Formula: C2H6O / CH3OCH3
Molecular mass: 46.08
Boiling point: -23.6°C
Melting point: -141.5°C
Relative density (water = 1): 0.61
Solubility in water, g/100ml: 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  


EXPOSURE & HEALTH EFFECTS

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

Effects of short-term exposure
The substance is irritating to the eyes and 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. 

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 long-term or repeated exposure
 


OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS
EU-OEL: 1920 mg/m3, 1000 ppm as TWA.
MAK: 1900 mg/m3, 1000 ppm; peak limitation category: II(8); pregnancy risk group: D 

ENVIRONMENT
 

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. 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
  EC Classification
Symbol: F+; R: 12; S: (2)-9-16-33 

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    See Also:
       Toxicological Abbreviations