Acetal

H225: Highly Flammable liquid and vapor [Danger Flammable liquids]

H315: Causes skin irritation [Warning Skin corrosion/irritation]

H319: Causes serious eye irritation [Warning Serious eye damage/eye irritation]

P210, P233, P240, P241, P242, P243, P264, P264+P265, P280, P302+P352, P303+P361+P353, P305+P351+P338, P321, P332+P317, P337+P317, P362+P364, P370+P378, P403+P235, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

H225 (98.7%): Highly Flammable liquid and vapor [Danger Flammable liquids]

H315 (> 99.9%): Causes skin irritation [Warning Skin corrosion/irritation]

H319 (97.3%): Causes serious eye irritation [Warning Serious eye damage/eye irritation]

Aggregated GHS information provided per 1842 reports by companies from 8 notifications to the ECHA C&L Inventory. Each notification may be associated with multiple companies.

Information may vary between notifications depending on impurities, additives, and other factors. The percentage value in parenthesis indicates the notified classification ratio from companies that provide hazard codes. Only hazard codes with percentage values above 10% are shown. For more detailed information, please visit ECHA C&L website.

H318: Causes serious eye damage [Danger Serious eye damage/eye irritation]

P264+P265, P280, P305+P354+P338, and P317 (click each P-code to see the statement)

H320: Causes eye irritation [Warning Serious eye damage/eye irritation]

H335: May cause respiratory irritation [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure; Respiratory tract irritation]

H336: May cause drowsiness or dizziness [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure; Narcotic effects]

P210, P233, P240, P241, P242, P243, P261, P264+P265, P271, P280, P303+P361+P353, P304+P340, P305+P351+P338, P319, P337+P317, P370+P378, P403+P233, P403+P235, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

Fresh air, rest. Refer for medical attention.

Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse skin with plenty of water or shower.

First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then refer for medical attention.

Do NOT induce vomiting. Give one or two glasses of water to drink. Refer for medical attention .

INGESTION: Call a physician. Keep victim warm.

EYES: Flush with running water for at least 15 minutes.

SKIN: Remove contaminated clothing and shoes. Flush affected areas with plenty of water. Wash with soap and water.

INHALATION: Move victim to fresh air. If breathing has stopped, give artificial respiration. If breathing is difficult, give oxygen. (USCG, 1999)

General First Aid:

· Call 911 or emergency medical service.

· Ensure that medical personnel are aware of the material(s) involved, take precautions to protect themselves and avoid contamination.

· Move victim to fresh air if it can be done safely.

· Administer oxygen if breathing is difficult.

· If victim is not breathing:

-- DO NOT perform mouth-to-mouth resuscitation; the victim may have ingested or inhaled the substance.

-- If equipped and pulse detected, wash face and mouth, then give artificial respiration using a proper respiratory medical device (bag-valve mask, pocket mask equipped with a one-way valve or other device).

-- If no pulse detected or no respiratory medical device available, provide continuous compressions. Conduct a pulse check every two minutes or monitor for any signs of spontaneous respirations.

· Remove and isolate contaminated clothing and shoes.

· For minor skin contact, avoid spreading material on unaffected skin.

· In case of contact with substance, remove immediately by flushing skin or eyes with running water for at least 20 minutes.

· For severe burns, immediate medical attention is required.

· Effects of exposure (inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact) to substance may be delayed.

· Keep victim calm and warm.

· Keep victim under observation.

· For further assistance, contact your local Poison Control Center.

· Note: Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Life Support (ALS) should be done by trained professionals.

Specific First Aid:

· Wash skin with soap and water.

· In case of burns, immediately cool affected skin for as long as possible with cold water. Do not remove clothing if adhering to skin.

In Canada, an Emergency Response Assistance Plan (ERAP) may be required for this product. Please consult the shipping paper and/or the "ERAP" section.

Excerpt from ERG Guide 127 [Flammable Liquids (Water-Miscible)]:

CAUTION: The majority of these products have a very low flash point. Use of water spray when fighting fire may be inefficient. CAUTION: For fire involving UN1170, UN1987 or UN3475, alcohol-resistant foam should be used. CAUTION: Ethanol (UN1170) can burn with an invisible flame. Use an alternate method of detection (thermal camera, broom handle, etc.).

SMALL FIRE: Dry chemical, CO2, water spray or alcohol-resistant foam.

LARGE FIRE: Water spray, fog or alcohol-resistant foam. Avoid aiming straight or solid streams directly onto the product. If it can be done safely, move undamaged containers away from the area around the fire.

FIRE INVOLVING TANKS, RAIL TANK CARS OR HIGHWAY TANKS: Fight fire from maximum distance or use unmanned master stream devices or monitor nozzles. Cool containers with flooding quantities of water until well after fire is out. Withdraw immediately in case of rising sound from venting safety devices or discoloration of tank. ALWAYS stay away from tanks in direct contact with flames. For massive fire, use unmanned master stream devices or monitor nozzles; if this is impossible, withdraw from area and let fire burn. (ERG, 2024)

Use powder, AFFF, foam, carbon dioxide. In case of fire: keep drums, etc., cool by spraying with water.

If material on fire or involved in fire: Do not extinguish fire unless flow can be stopped or safely confined. Use water in flooding quantities as fog. Solid streams of water may spread fire. Cool all affected containers with flooding quantities of water. Apply water from as far a distance as possible. Use "alcohol" foam, dry chemical or carbon dioxide.

Evacuation: If fire becomes uncontrollable or container is exposed to direct flame - consider evacuation of one-third (1/3) mile radius.

· CALL 911. Then call emergency response telephone number on shipping paper. If shipping paper not available or no answer, refer to appropriate telephone number listed on the inside back cover.

· Keep unauthorized personnel away.

· Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.

· Ventilate closed spaces before entering, but only if properly trained and equipped.

· ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames) from immediate area.

· All equipment used when handling the product must be grounded.

· Do not touch or walk through spilled material.

· Stop leak if you can do it without risk.

· Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas.

· A vapor-suppressing foam may be used to reduce vapors.

· Absorb or cover with dry earth, sand or other non-combustible material and transfer to containers.

· Use clean, non-sparking tools to collect absorbed material.

Large Spill

· Dike far ahead of liquid spill for later disposal.

· Water spray may reduce vapor, but may not prevent ignition in closed spaces.

Excerpt from ERG Guide 127 [Flammable Liquids (Water-Miscible)]:

IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE: Isolate spill or leak area for at least 50 meters (150 feet) in all directions.

LARGE SPILL: Consider initial downwind evacuation for at least 300 meters (1000 feet).

FIRE: If tank, rail tank car or highway tank is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions. (ERG, 2024)

Immediate precautionary measure

· Isolate spill or leak area for at least 50 meters (150 feet) in all directions.

· Consider initial downwind evacuation for at least 300 meters (1000 feet).

· If tank, rail tank car or highway tank is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions.

Personal protection: filter respirator for organic gases and vapours adapted to the airborne concentration of the substance. Remove all ignition sources. Collect leaking and spilled liquid in covered containers as far as possible. Absorb remaining liquid in sand or inert absorbent. Then store and dispose of according to local regulations.

SRP: At the time of review, criteria for land treatment or burial (sanitary landfill) disposal practices are subject to significant revision. Prior to implementing land disposal of waste residue (including waste sludge), consult with environmental regulatory agencies for guidance on acceptable disposal practices.

If material not on fire and not involved in fire: Keep sparks, flames, and other sources of ignition away. Keep material out of water sources and sewers. Build dikes to contain flow as necessary. Attempt to stop leak if without undue personnel hazard. Use water spray to disperse vapors and dilute standing pools of liquid.

Personnel protection: Avoid breathing vapors. Keep upwind. ... Do not handle broken packages unless wearing appropriate personal protective equipment. Wash away any material which may have contacted the body with copious amounts of water or soap and water.

Evacuation: ... If material leaking (not on fire) consider evacuation from downwind area based on amount of material spilled, location and weather conditions.

Excerpt from ERG Guide 127 [Flammable Liquids (Water-Miscible)]:

ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames) from immediate area. All equipment used when handling the product must be grounded. Do not touch or walk through spilled material. Stop leak if you can do it without risk. Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas. A vapor-suppressing foam may be used to reduce vapors. Absorb or cover with dry earth, sand or other non-combustible material and transfer to containers. Use clean, non-sparking tools to collect absorbed material.

LARGE SPILL: Dike far ahead of liquid spill for later disposal. Water spray may reduce vapor, but may not prevent ignition in closed spaces. (ERG, 2024)

Fireproof. Separated from strong oxidants. Cool. Keep in the dark. Well closed. Store only if stabilized.

· Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).

· Structural firefighters' protective clothing provides thermal protection but only limited chemical protection.

CAUTION: The majority of these products have a very low flash point. Use of water spray when fighting fire may be inefficient.

CAUTION: For fire involving UN1170, UN1987 or UN3475, alcohol-resistant foam should be used.

CAUTION: Ethanol (UN1170) can burn with an invisible flame. Use an alternate method of detection (thermal camera, broom handle, etc.)

Small Fire

· Dry chemical, CO2, water spray or alcohol-resistant foam.

Large Fire

· Water spray, fog or alcohol-resistant foam.

· Avoid aiming straight or solid streams directly onto the product.

· If it can be done safely, move undamaged containers away from the area around the fire.

Fire Involving Tanks, Rail Tank Cars or Highway Tanks

· Fight fire from maximum distance or use unmanned master stream devices or monitor nozzles.

· Cool containers with flooding quantities of water until well after fire is out.

· Withdraw immediately in case of rising sound from venting safety devices or discoloration of tank.

· ALWAYS stay away from tanks in direct contact with flames.

· For massive fire, use unmanned master stream devices or monitor nozzles; if this is impossible, withdraw from area and let fire burn.

No indication can be given about the rate at which a harmful concentration of this substance in the air is reached on evaporation at 20 °C.

The substance is irritating to the eyes, skin and respiratory tract. Exposure could cause lowering of consciousness.

Approved respirator, chemical-resistant gloves, safety goggles, other protective clothing. (USCG, 1999)

Personnel protection: ... Wear appropriate chemical protective gloves, boots and goggles.

NO open flames, NO sparks and NO smoking. Closed system, ventilation, explosion-proof electrical equipment and lighting. Do NOT use compressed air for filling, discharging, or handling. Use non-sparking handtools.

Use ventilation, local exhaust or breathing protection.

Protective gloves.

Wear safety spectacles.

Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work.

Acetal appears as a clear colorless liquid with a pleasant odor. Boiling point 103-104 °C. Flash point -5 °F. Density 0.831 g / cm3. Slightly soluble in water. Vapors heavier than air. Moderately toxic and narcotic in high concentrations.

Colorless, volatile liquid with an agreeable odor; [Hawley]

COLOURLESS LIQUID WITH PUNGENT ODOUR.

volatile colourless liquid with a refreshing, pleasant, fruity-green odour

COLORLESS LIQUID

PUNGENT, GREEN, WOODY SOLVENT ODOR

WHISKEY TASTE

nutty after-taste

216 °F at 760 mmHg (USCG, 1999)

102.7 °C AT 760 MM HG; 66.3 °C AT 200 MM HG; 39.8 °C AT 60 MM HG; 31.9 °C AT 40 MM HG; 19.6 °C AT 20 MM HG; +8.0 °C AT 10 MM HG; -2.3 °C AT 5 MM HG; -23 °C AT 1.0 MM HG

102.00 to 104.00 °C. @ 760.00 mm Hg

-148 °F (USCG, 1999)

-5 °F (USCG, 1999)

-20.5 °C

-5 °F (-21 °C) (CLOSED CUP)

-21 °C c.c.

MISCIBLE WITH ALCOHOL, 60% ALCOHOL, ETHER; SOL IN HEPTANE, METHYLCYCLOHEXANE, ETHYL ACETATE; PROPYL, ISOPROPYL, BUTYL & ISOBUTYL ALCOHOLS; 100 G WATER DISSOLVE 5 G ACETAL

SOL IN CHLOROFORM

sol in acetone

Water Solubility = 4.4X10+4 mg/L at 25 °C

44 mg/mL at 25 °C

Solubility in water, g/100ml: 5.0

slightly soluble in water; miscible with most organic solvents, oils

miscible (in ethanol)

0.831 at 68 °F (USCG, 1999) - Less dense than water; will float

0.8254 AT 20 °C/4 °C

Relative density (water = 1): 0.83

0.822-0.831

4.08 (AIR= 1)

Relative vapor density (air = 1): 4.1

56.87 mmHg (USCG, 1999)

27.6 [mmHg]

27.6 mm Hg at 25 °C /from experimentally derived coefficients/

Vapor pressure, kPa at 20 °C: 2.7

Log Kow = 0.84

Volatile; Stable to alkalies but readily decomposed by dilute acids.

446 °F (USCG, 1999)

446 °F (230 °C)

Liquid viscosity = 2.1531X10-3 Pa.s @ 200 deg K

43.20 kJ/mol @ 25 °C

Highly flammable. Forms heat-sensitive explosive peroxides on contact with air. Slightly soluble in water.

Highly Flammable

Peroxidizable Compound

ACETAL can react vigorously with oxidizing agents. Stable in base but readily decomposed by dilute acids. Forms heat-sensitive explosive peroxides on contact with air. Old samples have been known to explode when heated due to peroxide formation [Sax, 9th ed., 1996, p. 5].

...CAN REACT VIGOROUSLY WITH OXIDIZING MATERIALS.

B: Compounds that form peroxides on concentration (distillation/evaporation)

2 samples had 10-30 ppm peroxide; age 6 to >10 yrs

Mee, A. J., School Sci. Rev., 1940, 22(86), 95

https://toxnet.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/sis/search/r?dbs+hsdb:@term+@rn+@rel+105-57-7

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

Cough. Dizziness. Drowsiness. Headache. Nausea. Sore throat.

Redness.

Redness. Pain.

Diarrhoea. Nausea. Vomiting.

Neurotoxin - Other CNS neurotoxin

The Council of Europe (1974) listed acetaldehyde diethyl acetal giving an ADI of 1 mg/kg.

LCLo (rat) = 4,000 ppm/4h

LD50 Rat oral 4.6 g/kg /From table/

LD50 Rat ip 0.9 g/kg /From table/

LD50 Rabbit skin 10 g/kg /From table/

TESTED AT 10% IN PETROLATUM, ACETAL PRODUCED NO IRRITATION AFTER 48-HR CLOSED-PATCH TEST ON HUMAN SUBJECTS.

Moderately toxic and.../SRP: CNS depressive/ in high concn.

Irritant Effects to rabbit: slight skin; slight eye. /From table/

WHEN ACETAL WAS FED AT A LEVEL OF 5% IN DIET TO CHICKS & RATS FOR 6 DAYS, THE DIET WAS PALATABLE & NO DETRIMENTAL EFFECTS WERE OBSERVED. ... MAX TIME FOR INHALATION OF CONCN VAPOR BY RATS WITHOUT DEATHS WAS 5 MIN; INHALATION OF 4000 PPM FOR 4 HR CAUSED DEATH IN 2 OUT OF 6 RATS.

Acetal's production and use as a synthetic flavoring ingredient, a solvent, a hypnotic, in organic synthesis, perfumes, and in cosmetics may result in its release to the environment through various waste streams. Acetal has been identified in drinking water, ground water, surface water, advanced treatment water, and in leachate samples. It has also been detected in orange essences, as a volatile component of pork, beef, and cognac, and in human breath samples. If released to soil, acetal will have high mobility. Volatilization of acetal may be important from moist and dry soil surfaces. Insufficient data are available to determine the rate or importance of biodegradation of acetal in soil or water. If released to water, acetal would not adsorb to suspended solids and sediment, based on an estimated Koc value of 68. Acetal would volatilize from water surfaces with estimated half-lives for a model river and model lake of 13 hours and 7.3 days, respectively. An estimated BCF value of 2.6 suggests that acetal will not bioconcentrate in aquatic organisms. Acetals are easily cleaved by dilute acids but are extremely resistant to hydrolysis by bases. Therefore, hydrolysis of acetal is expected to be an important fate process in water. If released to the atmosphere, acetal will exist in the vapor phase. Vapor-phase acetal is degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with photochemically produced hydroxyl radicals with an estimated half-life of about 19.6 hours. (SRC)

Acetal has been identified in commercial and concentrated aqueous orange essence(1). Acetal has also been identified as a headspace volatile of a sample of genuine French cognac (40 vol% ethanol content)(2).

Acetal's production and use as a synthetic flavoring ingredient(1), a solvent(2), a hypnotic(2), in organic synthesis(2), perfumes(2), and in cosmetics(3) may result in its release to the environment through various waste streams(SRC).

TERRESTRIAL FATE: Based on a recommended classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 68(SRC), determined from an experimental log Kow(2) and a recommended regression-derived equation(3), indicates that acetal will have high mobility in soil(SRC). Volatilization of acetal may be important from moist soil surfaces(SRC) given an estimated Henry's Law constant of 9.75X10-5 atm-cu m/mole(SRC), calculated from experimental values for vapor pressure(4) and water solubility(5), and from dry soil surfaces(SRC) based on an experimental vapor pressure of 27.6 mm Hg(5). Insufficient data are available to determine the rate or importance of biodegradation of acetal in soil(SRC).

AQUATIC FATE: Based on a recommended classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 68(SRC), determined from an experimental log Kow(2) and a recommended regression-derived equation(3), indicates that acetal would not adsorb to suspended solids and sediment(SRC) in the water. Acetal would volatilize from water surfaces based on an estimated Henry's Law constant of 9.75X10-5 atm-cu m/mole(SRC), calculated from experimental values for vapor pressure(4) and water solubility(5). Estimated half-lives for a model river and model lake are 13 hours and 7.3 days, respectively(3,SRC). An estimated BCF value of 2.6(3,SRC), from an experimental log Kow(2), suggests that acetal will not bioconcentrate in aquatic organisms(SRC) according to a recommended classification scheme(6). Acetals are easily cleaved by dilute acids by the SN1 mechanism(7). However, they are extremely resistant to hydrolysis by bases(7). Therefore, hydrolysis of acetal is expected to be an important fate process in acidic water conditions(SRC). Insufficient data are available to determine the rate or importance of biodegradation of acetal in water(SRC).

ATMOSPHERIC FATE: According to a suggested classification scheme(1), an experimental vapor pressure of 27.6 mm Hg at 25 °C(2) indicates that acetal will exist in the vapor phase in the ambient atmosphere. Vapor-phase acetal is degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with photochemically produced hydroxyl radicals(SRC); the half-life for this reaction in air is estimated to be about 19.6 hours(3,SRC).

The rate constant for the vapor-phase reaction of acetal with photochemically produced hydroxyl radicals has been estimated as 1.96X10-11 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(SRC) using a structure estimation method(1,SRC). This corresponds to an atmospheric half-life of about 19.6 hours at an atmospheric concentration of 5X10+5 hydroxyl radicals per cu cm(1,SRC). Acetals are easily cleaved by dilute acids by the SN1 mechanism(2). However, they are extremely resistant to hydrolysis by bases(2). Therefore, hydrolysis of acetal is expected to be an important fate process in water(SRC).

An estimated BCF value of 2.6 was calculated for acetal(SRC), using an experimental log Kow of 0.84(1) and a recommended regression-derived equation(2). According to a recommended classification scheme(3), this BCF value suggests that bioconcentration in aquatic organisms will be low(SRC).

The Koc of acetal is estimated as approximately 68(SRC), using an experimental log Kow of 0.84(1) and a regression-derived equation(2,SRC). According to a recommended classification scheme(3), this estimated Koc value suggests that acetal has high mobility in soil(SRC).

The Henry's Law constant for acetal is estimated as 9.75X10-5 atm-cu m/mole(SRC) from its experimental values for vapor pressure, 27.6 mm Hg(1), and water solubility, 44,000 mg/l(2). This value indicates that acetal will volatilize from water surfaces(3,SRC). Based on this Henry's Law constant, the volatilization half-life from a model river (1 m deep, flowing 1 m/sec, wind velocity of 3 m/sec) is estimated as approximately 13 hours(3,SRC). The volatilization half-life from a model lake (1 m deep, flowing 0.05 m/sec, wind velocity of 0.5 m/sec) is estimated as approximately 7.3 days(3,SRC). Acetal's vapor pressure(1) and Henry's Law constant(1,2,SRC) indicate that volatilization from dry and moist soil surfaces may occur(SRC).

DRINKING WATER: Acetal has been identified in drinking water(1).

GROUND WATER: In a survey of raw and treated waters, acetal was qualitatively identified in ground water(1).

SURFACE WATER: In a survey of raw and treated waters, acetal was qualitatively identified in river and lowland reservoir water(1). Acetal has also been identified in the Glass River, Switzerland(2).

Acetal was qualitatively identified in trench leachate samples collected from commercially operated low-level radioactive waste disposal sites at Maxey Flats, KY and at West Valley, NY(1). Acetal was listed as a contaminant found in advanced wastewater treatment for a survey of US cities including Lake Tahoe, CA and the Blue Plains plant in Washington, DC(2).

Acetal has been identified in commercial and concentrated aqueous orange essences(1). Acetal was identified as a volatile component of pork and beef(2). Acetal has also been identified as a headspace volatile of a sample of a genuine French cognac (40 vol% ethanol content)(3).

NIOSH (NOES Survey 1981-1983) has statistically estimated that 165 workers (83 of these are female) are potentially exposed to acetal in the USA(1).

Acetal has been identified in one out of 12 human breath samples from subjects in New Jersey (nine people) and in North Carolina (3 people)(1).

Acetal's production and use as a synthetic flavoring ingredient, a solvent, a hypnotic, in organic synthesis, perfumes, and in cosmetics may result in its release to the environment through various waste streams. Acetal has been identified in drinking water, ground water, surface water, advanced treatment water, and in leachate samples. It has also been detected in orange essences, as a volatile component of pork, beef, and cognac, and in human breath samples. If released to soil, acetal will have high mobility. Volatilization of acetal may be important from moist and dry soil surfaces. Insufficient data are available to determine the rate or importance of biodegradation of acetal in soil or water. If released to water, acetal would not adsorb to suspended solids and sediment, based on an estimated Koc value of 68. Acetal would volatilize from water surfaces with estimated half-lives for a model river and model lake of 13 hours and 7.3 days, respectively. An estimated BCF value of 2.6 suggests that acetal will not bioconcentrate in aquatic organisms. Acetals are easily cleaved by dilute acids but are extremely resistant to hydrolysis by bases. Therefore, hydrolysis of acetal is expected to be an important fate process in water. If released to the atmosphere, acetal will exist in the vapor phase. Vapor-phase acetal is degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with photochemically produced hydroxyl radicals with an estimated half-life of about 19.6 hours. (SRC)

Acetal has been identified in commercial and concentrated aqueous orange essence(1). Acetal has also been identified as a headspace volatile of a sample of genuine French cognac (40 vol% ethanol content)(2).

Acetal's production and use as a synthetic flavoring ingredient(1), a solvent(2), a hypnotic(2), in organic synthesis(2), perfumes(2), and in cosmetics(3) may result in its release to the environment through various waste streams(SRC).

TERRESTRIAL FATE: Based on a recommended classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 68(SRC), determined from an experimental log Kow(2) and a recommended regression-derived equation(3), indicates that acetal will have high mobility in soil(SRC). Volatilization of acetal may be important from moist soil surfaces(SRC) given an estimated Henry's Law constant of 9.75X10-5 atm-cu m/mole(SRC), calculated from experimental values for vapor pressure(4) and water solubility(5), and from dry soil surfaces(SRC) based on an experimental vapor pressure of 27.6 mm Hg(5). Insufficient data are available to determine the rate or importance of biodegradation of acetal in soil(SRC).

AQUATIC FATE: Based on a recommended classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 68(SRC), determined from an experimental log Kow(2) and a recommended regression-derived equation(3), indicates that acetal would not adsorb to suspended solids and sediment(SRC) in the water. Acetal would volatilize from water surfaces based on an estimated Henry's Law constant of 9.75X10-5 atm-cu m/mole(SRC), calculated from experimental values for vapor pressure(4) and water solubility(5). Estimated half-lives for a model river and model lake are 13 hours and 7.3 days, respectively(3,SRC). An estimated BCF value of 2.6(3,SRC), from an experimental log Kow(2), suggests that acetal will not bioconcentrate in aquatic organisms(SRC) according to a recommended classification scheme(6). Acetals are easily cleaved by dilute acids by the SN1 mechanism(7). However, they are extremely resistant to hydrolysis by bases(7). Therefore, hydrolysis of acetal is expected to be an important fate process in acidic water conditions(SRC). Insufficient data are available to determine the rate or importance of biodegradation of acetal in water(SRC).

ATMOSPHERIC FATE: According to a suggested classification scheme(1), an experimental vapor pressure of 27.6 mm Hg at 25 °C(2) indicates that acetal will exist in the vapor phase in the ambient atmosphere. Vapor-phase acetal is degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with photochemically produced hydroxyl radicals(SRC); the half-life for this reaction in air is estimated to be about 19.6 hours(3,SRC).

The rate constant for the vapor-phase reaction of acetal with photochemically produced hydroxyl radicals has been estimated as 1.96X10-11 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(SRC) using a structure estimation method(1,SRC). This corresponds to an atmospheric half-life of about 19.6 hours at an atmospheric concentration of 5X10+5 hydroxyl radicals per cu cm(1,SRC). Acetals are easily cleaved by dilute acids by the SN1 mechanism(2). However, they are extremely resistant to hydrolysis by bases(2). Therefore, hydrolysis of acetal is expected to be an important fate process in water(SRC).

An estimated BCF value of 2.6 was calculated for acetal(SRC), using an experimental log Kow of 0.84(1) and a recommended regression-derived equation(2). According to a recommended classification scheme(3), this BCF value suggests that bioconcentration in aquatic organisms will be low(SRC).

The Koc of acetal is estimated as approximately 68(SRC), using an experimental log Kow of 0.84(1) and a regression-derived equation(2,SRC). According to a recommended classification scheme(3), this estimated Koc value suggests that acetal has high mobility in soil(SRC).

The Henry's Law constant for acetal is estimated as 9.75X10-5 atm-cu m/mole(SRC) from its experimental values for vapor pressure, 27.6 mm Hg(1), and water solubility, 44,000 mg/l(2). This value indicates that acetal will volatilize from water surfaces(3,SRC). Based on this Henry's Law constant, the volatilization half-life from a model river (1 m deep, flowing 1 m/sec, wind velocity of 3 m/sec) is estimated as approximately 13 hours(3,SRC). The volatilization half-life from a model lake (1 m deep, flowing 0.05 m/sec, wind velocity of 0.5 m/sec) is estimated as approximately 7.3 days(3,SRC). Acetal's vapor pressure(1) and Henry's Law constant(1,2,SRC) indicate that volatilization from dry and moist soil surfaces may occur(SRC).

DRINKING WATER: Acetal has been identified in drinking water(1).

GROUND WATER: In a survey of raw and treated waters, acetal was qualitatively identified in ground water(1).

SURFACE WATER: In a survey of raw and treated waters, acetal was qualitatively identified in river and lowland reservoir water(1). Acetal has also been identified in the Glass River, Switzerland(2).

Acetal was qualitatively identified in trench leachate samples collected from commercially operated low-level radioactive waste disposal sites at Maxey Flats, KY and at West Valley, NY(1). Acetal was listed as a contaminant found in advanced wastewater treatment for a survey of US cities including Lake Tahoe, CA and the Blue Plains plant in Washington, DC(2).

Acetal has been identified in commercial and concentrated aqueous orange essences(1). Acetal was identified as a volatile component of pork and beef(2). Acetal has also been identified as a headspace volatile of a sample of a genuine French cognac (40 vol% ethanol content)(3).

NIOSH (NOES Survey 1981-1983) has statistically estimated that 165 workers (83 of these are female) are potentially exposed to acetal in the USA(1).

Acetal has been identified in one out of 12 human breath samples from subjects in New Jersey (nine people) and in North Carolina (3 people)(1).

SRP: At the time of review, criteria for land treatment or burial (sanitary landfill) disposal practices are subject to significant revision. Prior to implementing land disposal of waste residue (including waste sludge), consult with environmental regulatory agencies for guidance on acceptable disposal practices.

/GUIDE 127: FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS (Polar/Water-Miscible)/ Fire or Explosion: HIGHLY FLAMMABLE: Will be easily ignited by heat, sparks or flames. Vapors may form explosive mixtures with air. Vapors may travel to source of ignition and flash back. Most vapors are heavier than air. They will spread along ground and collect in low or confined areas (sewers, basements, tanks). Vapor explosion hazard indoors, outdoors or in sewers. Those substances designated with a (P) may polymerize explosively when heated or involved in a fire. Runoff to sewer may create fire or explosion hazard. Containers may explode when heated. Many liquids are lighter than water.

/GUIDE 127: FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS (Polar/Water-Miscible)/ Health: Inhalation or contact with material may irritate or burn skin and eyes. Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. Vapors may cause dizziness or suffocation. Runoff from fire control may cause pollution.

/GUIDE 127: FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS (Polar/Water-Miscible)/ Public Safety: CALL Emergency Response Telephone Number on Shipping Paper first. If Shipping Paper not available or no answer, refer to appropriate telephone number listed on the inside back cover. As an immediate precautionary measure, isolate spill or leak area for at least 50 meters (150 feet) in all directions. Keep unauthorized personnel away. Stay upwind. Keep out of low areas. Ventilate closed spaces before entering.

/GUIDE 127: FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS (Polar/Water-Miscible)/ Protective Clothing: Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). Structural firefighters' protective clothing will only provide limited protection.

For more DOT Emergency Guidelines (Complete) data for ACETAL (8 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

UN 1088; Acetal

IMO 3.2; Acetal

No person may /transport,/ offer or accept a hazardous material for transportation in commerce unless that person is registered in conformance ... and the hazardous material is properly classed, described, packaged, marked, labeled, and in condition for shipment as required or authorized by ... /the hazardous materials regulations (49 CFR 171-177)./

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulations are published by the IATA Dangerous Goods Board pursuant to IATA Resolutions 618 and 619 and constitute a manual of industry carrier regulations to be followed by all IATA Member airlines when transporting hazardous materials.

The International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code lays down basic principles for transporting hazardous chemicals. Detailed recommendations for individual substances and a number of recommendations for good practice are included in the classes dealing with such substances. A general index of technical names has also been compiled. This index should always be consulted when attempting to locate the appropriate procedures to be used when shipping any substance or article.

Flammable Liquid

Airtight.

Symbol: F, Xi; R: 11-36/38; S: (2)-9-16-33

UN Hazard Class: 3; UN Pack Group: II