Propyl ether

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

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

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

H225 (100%): Highly Flammable liquid and vapor [Danger Flammable liquids]

H336 (100%): May cause drowsiness or dizziness [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure; Narcotic effects]

Aggregated GHS information provided per 141 reports by companies from 9 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.

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

Fresh air, rest. Refer for medical attention.

Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse and then wash skin with water and soap.

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

Rinse mouth.

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

Refer to the "General First Aid" section. 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. (ERG, 2024)

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 foam, dry powder, carbon dioxide. NO water. In case of fire: keep drums, etc., cool by spraying with water.

If material on fire or involved in fire: Use water in flooding quantities as fog. Solid streams of water may be ineffective Use "alcohol" foam, dry chemical or carbon dioxide. Cool all affected containers with flooding quantities of water. Do not extinguish fire unless flow can be stopped. Apply water from as far a distance as possible. Keep run-off water out of sewers and water sources.

· 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. Ventilation. Remove all ignition sources. Do NOT wash away into sewer. Cover the spilled material with dry earth, sand or other non-combustible material. Collect leaking and spilled liquid in sealable containers as far as possible.

Cover the spilled material with dry earth, sand or other non-combustible material. Collect leaking liquid in sealable containers. Remove all ignition sources. Ventilation. Do NOT wash /spill/ away ... (Extra personal protection: filter respirator for organic gases and vapors.)

SRP: The most favorable course of action is to use an alternative chemical product with less inherent propensity for occupational exposure or environmental contamination. Recycle any unused portion of the material for its approved use or return it to the manufacturer or supplier. Ultimate disposal of the chemical must consider: the material's impact on air quality; potential migration in soil or water; effects on animal, aquatic, and plant life; and conformance with environmental and public health regulations./

This compound should be susceptible to removal from waste water by air stripping. /Bis(2-chloroethyl)ether/

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 knock-down vapors.

Personnel protection: Avoid breathing vapors. Keep upwind. ... Avoid bodily contact with the material. ... 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. If contact with the material anticipated, wear appropriate chemical protective clothing.

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. Cool. Keep in the dark.

· 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.

A harmful contamination of the air will be reached rather slowly on evaporation of this substance at 20 °C.

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

The substance defats the skin, which may cause dryness or cracking.

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

Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). Structural firefighters' protective clothing provides thermal protection but only limited chemical protection. (ERG, 2024)

Ventilation, local exhaust, or breathing protection. Protective clothing. Protective gloves. Safety goggles, or face shield. Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work.

Personnel protection: ... Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus. ... Wear appropriate chemical protective gloves, boots and goggles.

NO open flames, NO sparks and NO smoking. Above 21 °C use a closed system, ventilation and explosion-proof electrical equipment.

Use ventilation, local exhaust or breathing protection.

Protective clothing. Protective gloves.

Wear safety goggles or face shield.

Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work.

Di-n-propyl ether appears as a colorless liquid with a strong odor. Less dense than water and slightly soluble in water. Vapors are heavier than air. In high concentrations the vapors may be narcotic.

Colorless liquid; [CHEMINFO]

COLOURLESS LIQUID.

Mobile liquid

89-91 °C

88-90 °C

70 °F (NFPA, 2010)

70 °F (21 °C) (Closed cup)

21 °C c.c.

Soluble in alcohol, ether

In water, 4.9X10+3 mg/L at 25 °C

Solubility in water, g/100ml at 25 °C: 0.25

0.7466 at 20 °C/4 °C

Relative density (water = 1): 0.7

3.53 (Air =1)

Relative vapor density (air = 1): 3.53

62.5 [mmHg]

62.5 mm Hg at 25 °C

Vapor pressure, kPa at 25 °C: 8.33

log Kow = 2.03

Henry's Law constant = 2.2X10-3 atm-cu m/mole at 25 °C

HIGHLY VOLATILE

370 °F (188 °C)

When heated to decomposition it emits acrid smoke and irritating fumes.

Index of refraction: 1.3807 at 20 °C/D

Hydroxyl radical reaction rate constant = 1.85X10-11 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C

Schoenflies notation

Acentric factor

Boiling point

Chemical bond

Chemical shift

Composition

Critical point

Diamagnetic susceptibility

Dielectric constant

Electric dipole moment

Excess enthalpy

Fusion temperature

Heat capacity

Heat of solution

Highly flammable. Ethers tend to form unstable peroxides when exposed to oxygen. Ethyl, isobutyl, ethyl tert-butyl, and ethyl tert-pentyl ether are particularly hazardous in this respect. Ether peroxides can sometimes be observed as clear crystals deposited on containers or along the surface of the liquid. Slightly soluble in water.

Highly Flammable

Peroxidizable Compound

Ethers, such as DI-N-PROPYL ETHER, can act as bases. They form salts with strong acids and addition complexes with Lewis acids. The complex between diethyl ether and boron trifluoride is an example. Ethers may react violently with strong oxidizing agents. In other reactions, which typically involve the breaking of the carbon-oxygen bond, ethers are relatively inert.

The substance can presumably form explosive peroxides. The substance decomposes on burning producing toxic /emissions/ and irritating fumes.

... Can react vigorously with oxidizing materials.

Dipropyl ether

D: Other compounds that may form peroxides

Merck Index reports that explosive peroxides form readily, especially when anhydrous. See: The Merck Index. 10th ed. Rahway, New Jersey: Merck Co., Inc., 1983., p. 1131

"TENDS TO FORM EXPLOSIVE PEROXIDES, ESP WHEN ANHYDR. DO NOT ALLOW TO EVAPORATE TO NEAR DRYNESS." The Merck Index. 10th ed. Rahway, New Jersey: Merck Co., Inc., 1983., p. 1131

https://toxnet.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/sis/search/r?dbs+hsdb:@term+@rn+@rel+111-43-3

The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation.

Cough. Sore throat. Dizziness. Headache.

Redness. Pain. Dry skin.

Redness. Pain.

Neurotoxin - Acute solvent syndrome

LC50 Mouse inhalation 163 mg/cu m (39 ppm)/15 min

INHALATION: Symptoms: Cough. Sore throat. Dizziness. Headache. First aid: Fresh air, rest. Refer for medical attention. SKIN: Symptoms: Redness. Pain. Dry skin. First aid: Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse and then wash skin with water and soap. EYES: Symptoms: Redness. Pain. First aid: First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then take to a doctor. INGESTION: First aid: Rinse mouth.

Immediate first aid: Ensure that adequate decontamination has been carried out. If patient is not breathing, start artificial respiration, preferably with a demand-valve resuscitator, bag-valve-mask device, or pocket mask, as trained. Perform CPR as necessary. Immediately flush contaminated eyes with gently flowing water. Do not induce vomiting. If vomiting occurs, lean patient forward or place on left side (head-down position, if possible) to maintain an open airway and prevent aspiration. Keep patient quiet and maintain normal body temperature. Obtain medical attention. /Ethers and related compounds/

Basic treatment: Establish a patent airway (oropharyngeal or nasopharyngeal airway, if needed). Suction if necessary. Watch for signs of respiratory insufficiency and assist ventilations if necessary. Administer oxygen by nonrebreather mask at 10 to 15 L/min. Provide a low-stimulus environment. Monitor for shock and treat if necessary ... Anticipate seizures and treat if necessary ... For eye contamination, flush eyes immediately with water. Irrigate each eye continuously with 0.9% saline (NS) during transport ... Do not use emetics. For ingestion, rinse mouth and administer 5 ml/kg up to 200 mL of water for dilution if the patient can swallow, has a strong gag reflex, and does not drool ... Treat frostbite by rapid rewarming ... /Ethers and related compounds/

Advanced treatment: Consider orotracheal or nasotracheal intubation for airway control in the patient who is unconscious, has severe pulmonary edema, or is in severe respiratory distress. Monitor cardiac rhythm and treat arrhythmias if necessary ... Start IV administration of D5W /SRP: "To keep open", minimal flow rate/. Use 0.9% saline (NS) or lactated Ringer's (LR) if signs of hypovolemia are present. For hypotension with signs of hypovolemia, administer fluid cautiously. Consider vasopressors if patient is hypotensive with a normal fluid volume. Watch for signs of fluid overload ... Treat seizures with diazepam or lorazepam ... Use proparacaine hydrochloride to assist eye irrigation ... /Ethers and related compounds/

/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Acute Exposure/ The sensory irritating response of propyl ether (PE) on respiratory rate was measured in mice. Male CF-1-mice were anesthetized and allowed to recover before exposure. In the first experiment, the irritating effect of airborn chemicals on the trigeminal nerve ends was investigated by observing for reflex induced decrease in the respiratory rate and for the characteristic respiratory patterns. In the second study, the effect on the vagus nerve was investigated by observing for reflex induced decrease in the respiratory rate and for the respiratory patterns. PE was delivered at a rate from 2,400 to 60,000 ppm in an exposure chamber. Each animal was placed in a body plethysmograph attached to the exposure chamber whereby the head protruded from the chamber. The respiratory pattern of each animal was displayed on an oscillograph. Concentration response relationships were obtained by plotting the percentage decrease in the average respiratory rate of each group; from these relationships the concentration expected to cause a 50% decrease in respiratory rate (RD50) due to sensory irritation was estimated. At a concentration of 15,000 ppm or less, the sensory irritation response disappeared after approximately 1 min. The average respiratory rate also decreased within the first minute. For the sensory irritation response the threshold and the RD50 were about 620 and 89,000 ppm, respectively; the sensory irritating concentration needed to depress the respiratory rate to 50% could not be reached with saturated vapor at 20 °C. At concentrations >15,000 ppm, the sensory irritation response disappeared within 30 sec and was replaced with patterns characteristic for pulmonary irritation or anesthesia. ...

/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Acute Exposure/ The effects of propyl-ether(PE) on pulmonary irritation and anesthesia were investigated in mice. Each animal was placed in a body plethysmograph attached to the exposure chamber so that the head of the animal protruded into the chamber. The change in tidal volume was obtained from a 10 sec sample once every 1, 2, 5, or 10 min. The respiratory pattern of each animal was displayed on an oscillograph, and the average respiratory rate of each group of four mice was continuously displayed. Exposure to PE was for 30 or 240 min followed by 20 min of recovery. Changes in tidal volume were calculated from the first 10 sec in every experiment. Four mice were given pentobarbitol anesthesia ip and observed on the plethysmograph for the next 240 min; changes in tidal volume were obtained from a 10 sec sample every 10 min. The anesthetic effect of PE was revealed by observing escape activity (body movement) of the mice in the plethysmograph and observing absence of righting reflex at the end of the recovery period. Distinction between changes in respiratory rate and tidal volume due to anesthesia or pulmonary irritation was obtained by comparison of the responses at equal anesthesia concentrations caused by propyl-ether and pentobarbital. After cessation of the sensory irritation response, a mixed response due to pulmonary irritation and anesthesia appeared, resulting in a decrease in respiratory rate and tidal volume. In cannulated mice the decrease in respiratory rate was introduced more slowly. Shortly after injection of pentobarbitol, the respiratory rate decreased in a dose dependent manner; the maximum decrease was found within 10 to 60 minutes. All mice given pentobarbital lost righting reflex at 35 and 50 mg/kg. ...

Dipropyl ether's use as a solvent may result in its release to the environment through various waste streams. If released to air, a vapor pressure of 62.5 mm Hg at 25 °C indicates dipropyl ether will exist solely as a vapor in the ambient atmosphere. Vapor-phase dipropyl ether will be degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals and nitrate radicals; half-lives for these reactions in air are estimated to be 21 hours and 4.9 days, respectively. Direct photolysis is not expected to be an important removal process since aliphatic ethers do not absorb light in the environmental UV spectrum. If released to soil, dipropyl ether is expected to have very high mobility based upon an estimated Koc of 15. Volatilization from moist soil surfaces is expected to be an important fate process based upon a Henry's Law constant of 2.2X10-3 atm-cu m/mole. Dipropyl ether is expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces based upon its vapor pressure. Aqueous screening studies indicate dipropyl ether may be biodegraded under aerobic conditions if acclimated microbial populations are present; following a lag period of 13 days, dipropyl ether reached 63% of its theoretical BOD after 25 days incubation in an activated sludge aqueous screening study. It was not degraded in aquifer materials maintained under anaerobic conditions If released into water, dipropyl ether is not expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment in the water column based upon the estimated Koc. Volatilization from water surfaces is expected to be an important fate process based upon this compound's Henry's Law constant. Estimated volatilization half-lives from a model river and a model lake are 3.6 hours and 4.1 days, respectively. An estimated BCF of 7 suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low. Hydrolysis is not expected to be an important environmental fate process since this compound lacks functional groups that hydrolyze under environmental conditions. Occupational exposure to propyl ether may occur through inhalation and dermal contact with this compound at workplaces where dipropyl ether is used. (SRC)

Dipropyl ether can be used for the same purposes as diethyl ether(1), which is used primarily as a solvent(2). Dipropyl ether's use as a solvent may result in its release to the environment through various waste streams(SRC).

TERRESTRIAL FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 15(SRC), determined from a structure estimation method(2), indicates that propyl ether is expected to have very high mobility in soil(SRC). Volatilization of dipropyl ether from moist soil surfaces is expected to be an important fate process(SRC) given a Henry's Law constant of 2.2X10-3 atm-cu m/mole(3). Volatilization of dipropyl ether from dry soil surfaces is expected(SRC) based upon a vapor pressure of 62.5 mm Hg(4). Limited biodegradation data(5,6) suggest that dipropyl ether may be biodegraded in soil if acclimated microbial populations are present(SRC).

AQUATIC FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 15(SRC), determined from a structure estimation method(2), indicates that propyl ether is not expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment in the water column(SRC). Dipropyl ether is expected to volatilize from water surfaces(3) based on a Henry's Law constant of 2.2X10-3 atm-cu m/mole(4). Using this Henry's Law constant and an estimation method(3), estimated volatilization half-lives for a model river and model lake are 3.6 hours and 4.1 days, respectively(SRC). According to a classification scheme(5), an estimated BCF of 7(SRC), from log Kow of 2.03(6), and a regression derived equation(7), suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low(SRC). Following a lag period of 13 days, dipropyl ether reached 63% of its theoretical BOD after 25 days incubation in an activated sludge aqueous screening study(8). In another activated sludge screening test dipropyl ether did not biodegrade in 240 hours(9).

ATMOSPHERIC FATE: According to a model of gas/particle partitioning of semivolatile organic compounds in the atmosphere(1), dipropyl ether, which has a vapor pressure of 62.5 mm Hg at 25 °C(2), is expected to exist solely as a vapor in the ambient atmosphere. Vapor-phase dipropyl ether is degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals and nitrate radicals(SRC); half-lives for these reactions in air are estimated to be 21 hours and 4.9 days, respectively(3,4). Direct photolysis is not expected to be an important removal process since aliphatic ethers do not absorb light in the environmental UV spectrum(5).

AEROBIC: An activated sludge aqueous screening study found that dipropyl ether was biodegraded quickly after a 13 day lag period with a 63% theoretical biological oxygen demand being measured after 25 days incubation(1). In another activated sludge screening test dipropyl ether was not biodegraded within 240 hours(2). Many ethers are known to be resistant to biodegradation(3).

ANAEROBIC: 0% loss of dipropyl ether was observed in landfill leachate impacted aquifer slurries amended with sulfate or nitrate after 244 and 85 days incubation, respectively(1). Dipropyl ether was not biodegraded in aquifer slurries prepared from the methanogenic portion of a shallow anoxic aquifer polluted by municipal landfill leachate(2).

The rate constant for the vapor-phase reaction of dipropyl ether with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals is 1.85X10-11 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(1). This rate constant corresponds to an atmospheric half-life of about 21 hours at an atmospheric concentration of 5X10+5 hydroxyl radicals per cu cm(SRC). Direct photolysis is not expected to be an important removal process since aliphatic ethers do not absorb light in the environmental spectrum(2). The rate constant for the reaction of dipropyl ether with nitrate radicals is 6.49X10-15 cu cm/molecule-sec at 22 °C(3). This corresponds to an atmospheric half-life of about 4.9 days at an average atmospheric concentration of 5X10+8 nitrate radicals per cu cm(4). Dipropyl ether is not expected to undergo hydrolysis in the environment due to the lack of hydrolyzable functional groups(5).

An estimated BCF of 7 was calculated for dipropyl ether(SRC), using a log Kow of 2.03(1) and a regression-derived equation(2). According to a classification scheme(3), this BCF suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low.

Using a structure estimation method based on molecular connectivity indices(1), the Koc for dipropyl ether can be estimated to be about 15(SRC). According to a classification scheme(2), this estimated Koc value suggests that dipropyl ether is expected to have very high mobility in soil(SRC).

The Henry's Law constant for dipropyl ether is 2.2X10-3 atm-cu m/mole(1). This Henry's Law constant indicates that dipropyl ether is expected to volatilize from water surfaces(2). Based on this Henry's Law constant, the estimated volatilization half-life from a model river (1 m deep, flowing 1 m/sec, wind velocity of 3 m/sec)(2) is approximately 3.4 hours(SRC). The estimated volatilization half-life from a model lake (1 m deep, flowing 0.05 m/sec, wind velocity of 0.5 m/sec)(2) is approximately 4.1 days(SRC). Dipropyl ether's Henry's Law constant(1) indicates that volatilization from moist soil surfaces may occur(SRC). Volatilization of dipropyl ether from dry soil surfaces is expected(SRC) based upon a vapor pressure of 62.5 mm Hg(3).

Occupational exposure to dipropyl ether may occur through inhalation and dermal contact with this compound at workplaces where dipropyl ether is used. (SRC)

Dipropyl ether's use as a solvent may result in its release to the environment through various waste streams. If released to air, a vapor pressure of 62.5 mm Hg at 25 °C indicates dipropyl ether will exist solely as a vapor in the ambient atmosphere. Vapor-phase dipropyl ether will be degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals and nitrate radicals; half-lives for these reactions in air are estimated to be 21 hours and 4.9 days, respectively. Direct photolysis is not expected to be an important removal process since aliphatic ethers do not absorb light in the environmental UV spectrum. If released to soil, dipropyl ether is expected to have very high mobility based upon an estimated Koc of 15. Volatilization from moist soil surfaces is expected to be an important fate process based upon a Henry's Law constant of 2.2X10-3 atm-cu m/mole. Dipropyl ether is expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces based upon its vapor pressure. Aqueous screening studies indicate dipropyl ether may be biodegraded under aerobic conditions if acclimated microbial populations are present; following a lag period of 13 days, dipropyl ether reached 63% of its theoretical BOD after 25 days incubation in an activated sludge aqueous screening study. It was not degraded in aquifer materials maintained under anaerobic conditions If released into water, dipropyl ether is not expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment in the water column based upon the estimated Koc. Volatilization from water surfaces is expected to be an important fate process based upon this compound's Henry's Law constant. Estimated volatilization half-lives from a model river and a model lake are 3.6 hours and 4.1 days, respectively. An estimated BCF of 7 suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low. Hydrolysis is not expected to be an important environmental fate process since this compound lacks functional groups that hydrolyze under environmental conditions. Occupational exposure to propyl ether may occur through inhalation and dermal contact with this compound at workplaces where dipropyl ether is used. (SRC)

Dipropyl ether can be used for the same purposes as diethyl ether(1), which is used primarily as a solvent(2). Dipropyl ether's use as a solvent may result in its release to the environment through various waste streams(SRC).

TERRESTRIAL FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 15(SRC), determined from a structure estimation method(2), indicates that propyl ether is expected to have very high mobility in soil(SRC). Volatilization of dipropyl ether from moist soil surfaces is expected to be an important fate process(SRC) given a Henry's Law constant of 2.2X10-3 atm-cu m/mole(3). Volatilization of dipropyl ether from dry soil surfaces is expected(SRC) based upon a vapor pressure of 62.5 mm Hg(4). Limited biodegradation data(5,6) suggest that dipropyl ether may be biodegraded in soil if acclimated microbial populations are present(SRC).

AQUATIC FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 15(SRC), determined from a structure estimation method(2), indicates that propyl ether is not expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment in the water column(SRC). Dipropyl ether is expected to volatilize from water surfaces(3) based on a Henry's Law constant of 2.2X10-3 atm-cu m/mole(4). Using this Henry's Law constant and an estimation method(3), estimated volatilization half-lives for a model river and model lake are 3.6 hours and 4.1 days, respectively(SRC). According to a classification scheme(5), an estimated BCF of 7(SRC), from log Kow of 2.03(6), and a regression derived equation(7), suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low(SRC). Following a lag period of 13 days, dipropyl ether reached 63% of its theoretical BOD after 25 days incubation in an activated sludge aqueous screening study(8). In another activated sludge screening test dipropyl ether did not biodegrade in 240 hours(9).

ATMOSPHERIC FATE: According to a model of gas/particle partitioning of semivolatile organic compounds in the atmosphere(1), dipropyl ether, which has a vapor pressure of 62.5 mm Hg at 25 °C(2), is expected to exist solely as a vapor in the ambient atmosphere. Vapor-phase dipropyl ether is degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals and nitrate radicals(SRC); half-lives for these reactions in air are estimated to be 21 hours and 4.9 days, respectively(3,4). Direct photolysis is not expected to be an important removal process since aliphatic ethers do not absorb light in the environmental UV spectrum(5).

AEROBIC: An activated sludge aqueous screening study found that dipropyl ether was biodegraded quickly after a 13 day lag period with a 63% theoretical biological oxygen demand being measured after 25 days incubation(1). In another activated sludge screening test dipropyl ether was not biodegraded within 240 hours(2). Many ethers are known to be resistant to biodegradation(3).

ANAEROBIC: 0% loss of dipropyl ether was observed in landfill leachate impacted aquifer slurries amended with sulfate or nitrate after 244 and 85 days incubation, respectively(1). Dipropyl ether was not biodegraded in aquifer slurries prepared from the methanogenic portion of a shallow anoxic aquifer polluted by municipal landfill leachate(2).

The rate constant for the vapor-phase reaction of dipropyl ether with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals is 1.85X10-11 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(1). This rate constant corresponds to an atmospheric half-life of about 21 hours at an atmospheric concentration of 5X10+5 hydroxyl radicals per cu cm(SRC). Direct photolysis is not expected to be an important removal process since aliphatic ethers do not absorb light in the environmental spectrum(2). The rate constant for the reaction of dipropyl ether with nitrate radicals is 6.49X10-15 cu cm/molecule-sec at 22 °C(3). This corresponds to an atmospheric half-life of about 4.9 days at an average atmospheric concentration of 5X10+8 nitrate radicals per cu cm(4). Dipropyl ether is not expected to undergo hydrolysis in the environment due to the lack of hydrolyzable functional groups(5).

An estimated BCF of 7 was calculated for dipropyl ether(SRC), using a log Kow of 2.03(1) and a regression-derived equation(2). According to a classification scheme(3), this BCF suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low.

Using a structure estimation method based on molecular connectivity indices(1), the Koc for dipropyl ether can be estimated to be about 15(SRC). According to a classification scheme(2), this estimated Koc value suggests that dipropyl ether is expected to have very high mobility in soil(SRC).

The Henry's Law constant for dipropyl ether is 2.2X10-3 atm-cu m/mole(1). This Henry's Law constant indicates that dipropyl ether is expected to volatilize from water surfaces(2). Based on this Henry's Law constant, the estimated volatilization half-life from a model river (1 m deep, flowing 1 m/sec, wind velocity of 3 m/sec)(2) is approximately 3.4 hours(SRC). The estimated volatilization half-life from a model lake (1 m deep, flowing 0.05 m/sec, wind velocity of 0.5 m/sec)(2) is approximately 4.1 days(SRC). Dipropyl ether's Henry's Law constant(1) indicates that volatilization from moist soil surfaces may occur(SRC). Volatilization of dipropyl ether from dry soil surfaces is expected(SRC) based upon a vapor pressure of 62.5 mm Hg(3).

Occupational exposure to dipropyl ether may occur through inhalation and dermal contact with this compound at workplaces where dipropyl ether is used. (SRC)

SRP: The most favorable course of action is to use an alternative chemical product with less inherent propensity for occupational exposure or environmental contamination. Recycle any unused portion of the material for its approved use or return it to the manufacturer or supplier. Ultimate disposal of the chemical must consider: the material's impact on air quality; potential migration in soil or water; effects on animal, aquatic, and plant life; and conformance with environmental and public health regulations./

This compound should be susceptible to removal from waste water by air stripping. /Bis(2-chloroethyl)ether/

/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 DIPROPYL ETHER (8 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

UN 2384; Dipropyl ether

IMO 3.1; Dipropyl ether

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

Symbol: F; R: 11-19-66-67; S: (2)-9-16-29-33; Note: C

UN Hazard Class: 3; UN Pack Group: II