Butyl ether

H226: Flammable liquid and vapor [Warning Flammable liquids]

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

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

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

H412: Harmful to aquatic life with long lasting effects [Hazardous to the aquatic environment, long-term hazard]

P210, P233, P240, P241, P242, P243, P261, P264, P264+P265, P271, P273, P280, P302+P352, P303+P361+P353, P304+P340, P305+P351+P338, P319, P321, P332+P317, P337+P317, P362+P364, P370+P378, P403+P233, P403+P235, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

H226 (99.9%): Flammable liquid and vapor [Warning Flammable liquids]

H315 (100%): Causes skin irritation [Warning Skin corrosion/irritation]

H319 (99.6%): Causes serious eye irritation [Warning Serious eye damage/eye irritation]

H335 (100%): May cause respiratory irritation [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure; Respiratory tract irritation]

H412 (99.4%): Harmful to aquatic life with long lasting effects [Hazardous to the aquatic environment, long-term hazard]

Aggregated GHS information provided per 1371 reports by companies from 27 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.

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

H370: Causes damage to organs [Danger Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure]

P210, P233, P240, P241, P242, P243, P260, P261, P264, P264+P265, P270, P271, P280, P302+P352, P303+P361+P353, P304+P340, P305+P351+P338, P308+P316, P319, P321, P332+P317, P337+P317, P362+P364, P370+P378, P403+P233, P403+P235, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

Fresh air, rest. Refer for medical attention.

First rinse with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, then remove contaminated clothes and rinse again.

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

Rinse mouth. Do NOT induce vomiting. Refer for medical attention .

EYES: First check the victim for contact lenses and remove if present. Flush victim's eyes with water or normal saline solution for 20 to 30 minutes while simultaneously calling a hospital or poison control center. Do not put any ointments, oils, or medication in the victim's eyes without specific instructions from a physician. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim after flushing eyes to a hospital even if no symptoms (such as redness or irritation) develop.

SKIN: IMMEDIATELY flood affected skin with water while removing and isolating all contaminated clothing. Gently wash all affected skin areas thoroughly with soap and water. If symptoms such as redness or irritation develop, IMMEDIATELY call a physician and be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital for treatment.

INHALATION: IMMEDIATELY leave the contaminated area; take deep breaths of fresh air. If symptoms (such as wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, or burning in the mouth, throat, or chest) develop, call a physician and be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital. Provide proper respiratory protection to rescuers entering an unknown atmosphere. Whenever possible, Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) should be used; if not available, use a level of protection greater than or equal to that advised under Protective Clothing.

INGESTION: DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING. If the victim is conscious and not convulsing, give 1 or 2 glasses of water to dilute the chemical and IMMEDIATELY call a hospital or poison control center. Be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital if advised by a physician. If the victim is convulsing or unconscious, do not give anything by mouth, ensure that the victim's airway is open and lay the victim on his/her side with the head lower than the body. DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim to a hospital. (NTP, 1992)

Excerpt from ERG Guide 128 [Flammable Liquids (Water-Immiscible)]:

CAUTION: The majority of these products have a very low flash point. Use of water spray when fighting fire may be inefficient. CAUTION: For mixtures containing alcohol or polar solvent, alcohol-resistant foam may be more effective.

SMALL FIRE: Dry chemical, CO2, water spray or regular foam. If regular foam is ineffective or unavailable, use alcohol-resistant foam.

LARGE FIRE: Water spray, fog or regular foam. If regular foam is ineffective or unavailable, use 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. For petroleum crude oil, do not spray water directly into a breached tank car. This can lead to a dangerous boil over. 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, powder, carbon dioxide. In case of fire: keep drums, etc., cool by spraying with water.

Use dry chemical, foam, carbon dioxide or water spray. Water may be ineffective. Use water spray to keep fire-exposed containers cool.

Eliminate all ignition sources. Stop or control the leak, if this can be done without undue risk. Use appropriate foam to blanket release and suppress vapors. Absorb in noncombustible material for proper disposal.

If material on fire or involved in fire: Do not extinguish fire unless flow can be stopped. 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 foam, dry chemical, or carbon dioxide.

Excerpt from ERG Guide 128 [Flammable Liquids (Water-Immiscible)]:

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)

Personal protection: filter respirator for organic gases and vapours adapted to the airborne concentration of the substance. Do NOT let this chemical enter the environment. Cover the spilled material with foam. Collect leaking liquid in sealable containers. Absorb remaining liquid in sand or inert absorbent. Then store and dispose of according to local regulations.

Evacuate and restrict persons not wearing protective equipment from area of spill or leak until cleanup is complete. Remove all ignition sources. Establish forced ventilation to keep levels below explosive limit. Absorb liquids in vermiculite, dry sand, earth, peat, carbon, or similar material and deposit in sealed containers. It may be necessary to contain and dispose of this chemical as a hazardous waste. If material or contaminated runoff enters waterways, notify downstream users of potentially contaminated waters. Contact your Department of Environmental Protection or your regional office of the federal EPA for specific recommendations. If employees are required to clean up spills, they must be properly trained and equipped. OSHA 1910.120(q) may be applicable.

Environmental considerations-land spill: Dig a pit, pond, lagoon, holding area to contain liquid or solid material. /SRP: If time permits, pits, ponds, lagoons, soak holes, or holding areas should be sealed with an impermeable flexible membrane liner./ Dike surface flow using soil, sand bags, foamed polyurethane, or foamed concrete. Absorb bulk liquid with fly ash, cement powder, or commercial sorbents.

Environmental considerations-water spill: Use natural barriers or oil spill control booms to limit spill travel. Remove trapped material with suction hoses.

Environmental considerations-air spill: Apply water spray or mist to knock down 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.

Incineration

The following wastewater treatment technologies have been investigated for butyl ether: Concentration process: Activated carbon.

Used ether containers, which are suspected of containing ether crystals or solids, are especially hazardous and may require bomb-squad assistance for their disposal. /Short alkyl-chain ethers/

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

SRP: The scientific literature for the use of contact lenses in industry is conflicting. The benefit or detrimental effects of wearing contact lenses depend not only upon the substance, but also on factors including the form of the substance, characteristics and duration of the exposure, the uses of other eye protection equipment, and the hygiene of the lenses. However, there may be individual substances whose irritating or corrosive properties are such that the wearing of contact lenses would be harmful to the eye. In those specific cases, contact lenses should not be worn. In any event, the usual eye protection equipment should be worn even when contact lenses are in place.

TO PREVENT EXPOSURE OF WORKERS TO HARMFUL CONCN OF SOLVENT VAPOR, MOST EFFECTIVE MEASURE IS ENCLOSURE OF PROCESS. LOCAL EXHAUST VENTILATION SHOULD BE INSTALLED ON ENCLOSURE ... /IF/ THIS IS NOT PRACTICABLE OPERATIONS MAY BE CONDUCTED UNDER HOOD FITTED WITH EXHAUST VENTILATION ... . /SOLVENTS INDUST/

... COMMON /ETHERS/ ... ARE EASILY IGNITED & HAVE LOW FLASH POINTS. IT IS NECESSARY TO CONTROL SMOKING, OPEN FLAMES OR HOT PLATES IN AREAS WHERE LOW MOL WT ETHERS ARE APT TO REACH 1% CONCN OR MORE IN AIR. /ETHERS/

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. ... 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.

Excerpt from ERG Guide 128 [Flammable Liquids (Water-Immiscible)]:

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. Provision to contain effluent from fire extinguishing. Separated from incompatible materials. See Chemical Dangers. Cool. Keep in the dark. Store only if stabilized. Store in an area without drain or sewer access.

/DUE TO FIRE HAZARD, ETHERS/ ... SHOULD BE KEPT COOL & CONTAINERS ELECTRICALLY GROUNDED TO AVOID SPARKS ... . /ETHERS/

Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated location. Store away from heat, oxidizing materials, sunlight, and acids.

50 [mg/m3]

200 [mg/m3]

1200 [mg/m3]

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 mildly irritating to the eyes and respiratory tract. If swallowed the substance may cause vomiting and could result in aspiration pneumonitis.

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

Goggles or face shield; rubber gloves. (USCG, 1999)

Wear protective gloves and clothing to prevent any reasonable probability of skin contact. Safety equipment suppliers/manufacturers can provide recommendations on the most protective glove/clothing material for your operation. All protective clothing (suits, gloves, footwear, headgear) should be clean, available each day, and put on before work. Contact lenses should not be worn when working with this chemical. Wear splash-proof chemical goggles and face shield unless full-piece respiratory protection is worn. Employees should wash immediately with soap when skin is wet or contaminated. Provide emergency showers and eyewash.

Wear full protective clothing and positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus.

NO open flames, NO sparks and NO smoking. NO contact with hot surfaces. Above 25 °C use a closed system, ventilation and explosion-proof electrical equipment. Prevent build-up of electrostatic charges (e.g., by grounding).

Use ventilation, local exhaust or breathing protection.

Protective gloves.

Wear safety spectacles.

Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work.

N-butyl ether appears as a clear colorless liquid with an ethereal odor. Flash point below 141 °F. Less dense than water and insoluble in water. Vapors heavier than air. Irritates the eyes, nose, throat, and respiratory tract.

Colorless liquid with a mild ethereal odor; [Hawley]

COLOURLESS LIQUID.

Colorless liquid

Mild, ethereal odor

288 °F at 760 mmHg (NTP, 1992)

140.8 °C

142 °C @760 [mm Hg]

-144 °F (NTP, 1992)

-95.2 °C

77 °F (NTP, 1992)

37 °C (CLOSED CUP)

25 °C c.c.

less than 1 mg/mL at 72.5 °F (NTP, 1992)

Miscible with benzene and most org solvents

Sol in all prop in alc, ether; very sol in acetone

Miscible with oxygenated solvents

In water, 300 mg/L at 25 °C

Solubility in water, g/100ml:

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

0.7684 at 20 °C/4 °C

% In saturated air: 0.9 at 25 °C, 760 mm Hg; density of saturated air: 1.1 at 25 °C, 760 mm hg (air= 1)

Density (at 20 °C): 0.8 g/cm³

Relative density of the vapour/air-mixture at 20 °C (air = 1): 1.0

0.7689 @25 °C

4.48 (NTP, 1992) - Heavier than air; will sink (Relative to Air)

1.48 (Air = 1)

Relative vapor density (air = 1): 4.5

4.8 mmHg at 68 °F (NTP, 1992)

6.01 [mmHg]

6.01 mm Hg at 25 °C

Vapor pressure, kPa at 20 °C: 0.46

6.01 [mm Hg] @25 °C

log Kow= 3.21

Henry's Law constant = 6.0X10-3 atm cu-m/mol at 25 °C

382 °F (USCG, 1999)

382 °F (194 °C)

When heated to decomposition it emits acrid smoke and fumes.

0.0069 poise (20 °C)

0.86 mm²/s at 20 °C

Highly flammable. Oxidizes readily in air to form unstable peroxides that may explode spontaneously [Bretherick 1979 p.151-154, 164]. A mixture of liquid air and diethyl ether exploded spontaneously [MCA Case History 616 1960]. Insoluble in water.

Highly Flammable

Peroxidizable Compound

Ethers, such as N-BUTYL 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.

Forms explosive mixture with air. May accumulate static electrical charges, and may cause ignition of its vapors. Incompatible with strong acids, oxidizers. Contact with air or light may form unstable and explosive peroxides, especially anhydrous form.

REACTS VIOLENTLY WITH NITROGEN TRICHLORIDE. ... CAN REACT WITH OXIDIZING MATERIALS.

alpha-Hydroperoxy ethers are obtained readily from the autoxidation of most ethers /including di-n-butyl ether/ containing alpha-hydrogens. From certain ethers ... the initially formed alpha-hydroperoxy ethers can ... with acid treatment, form dangerously sensitive and explosive polymeric peroxides.

Dibutyl ether

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

Moderate peroxides found in new commerically available containers

Bretherick's, Pubchem

Dasler,W.etal.,Ind.Eng.Chem.(Anal.Ed.),1946,18,52

Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology. 3rd ed., Volumes 1-26. New York, NY: John Wiley and Sons, 1978-1984., p. V17: 48

Sax, N.I. and R.J. Lewis, Sr. (eds.). Hawley's Condensed Chemical Dictionary. 11th ed. New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold Co., 1987., p. 186

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

Cough. Sore throat.

Dry skin.

Redness. Pain.

Burning sensation. Nausea. Sore throat.

Neurotoxin - Acute solvent syndrome

Occupational hepatotoxin - Secondary hepatotoxins: the potential for toxic effect in the occupational setting is based on cases of poisoning by human ingestion or animal experimentation.

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

LD50 Rat oral 7.40 (6.41-8.53) mL/kg /from table/

LD50 Rabbit percutaneous 10.08 (4.41-23.04) mL/kg /from table/

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/

/SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS/ ... humans exposed to 100 ppm of dibutyl ether estimated it satisfactory for 8 hr exposures. At 200 ppm for 15 min the vapors produced a sensation of irritation to the eyes and nose, although at 300 ppm the odor was not objectionable to the majority of subjects.

/SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS/ Dibutyl ether, although not highly toxic orally, seems to have a greater toxicity by inhalation than the lower ethers of the series. It is also more irritating to the skin.

/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Acute Exposure/ Primary skin irritation studies on rabbits indicated ... severe irritation but no necrosis.

/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Acute Exposure/ ... Rats survived for 30 min when exposed to concentrated vapors. 2 of 6 rats died after 4-hr exposure to 4000 ppm of the vapor. /from table/

/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Acute Exposure/ Of 13 C5-C17 /compounds/ injected iv into mice, butyl ether was most toxic.

/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Acute Exposure/ Male rats were exposed for 4 hr to various concn of butyl ether. Serum enzymes, glutamic oxalacetic transaminase, glutamic pyruvic transaminase, glucose-6-phosphatase (G-6-pase) & ornithine carbamyl transferase were measured prior to exposure, immediately after & at 24 & 48 hr after. Serum enzymes glutamic oxalacetic transaminase, glutamic pyruvic transaminase & ornithine carbamyl transferase were markedly elevated as result of exposure

/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Subchronic or Prechronic Exposure/ A 4-week oral study was conducted in male rats to characterize and compare the toxicity of four aliphatic ethers (butyl ether, BE; ethyl hexyl ether, EHxE; methyl heptyl ether, MHpE; and 1,6-dimethoxyhexane, DMH) ... Male Sprague-Dawley rats (280+/-20 g) were divided into groups of seven animals each and were administered by gavage low (2 mg/kg body weight), medium (20 mg/kg) or high (200 mg/kg) doses of BE, EHxE, or MHpE, 5 d/wk for 4 weeks. Another group of animals was administered DMH at 200 mg/kg while the control group received the vehicle (corn oil at 1 mL/100 g bw) only. At the end of the treatment period, relative testis weights and thymus weights were significantly decreased in the DMH group but not in animals receiving BE, EHxE, or MHpE. Microscopic examination revealed degeneration of the seminiferous tubules and reduction of sperm density in the epididymides in the DMH treatment group. Urinary creatine/creatinine ratio, a sensitive indicator of testicular damage, was markedly elevated in the DMH treated animals but not in those treated with BE, EHxE, or MHpE. In the bone marrow, DMH caused mild dyserythropoiesis and dysthrombopoiesis, while BE, EHxE, and MHpE produced mild increases in granulocytes and myelocyte/erythrocyte ratio. All four ethers at 200 mg/kg caused mild histological changes in the thyroid but no significant modulation in the circulating thyroxin (T4) or triiodothyronine (T3) levels. All four ethers produced hepatic effects at 200 mg/kg consisting of mild, adaptive histological changes, increased urinary ascorbic acid output, and elevation in the activities of one or more xenobiotic metabolizing enzymes (benzyloxyresorufin-O-dealkylase, UDP-glucuronosyltransferase, glutathione-S-transferases). The level of 2-methoxyacetic acid (MAA), a known testicular and developmental toxin, was significantly increased in the urine and plasma of animals treated with DMH but not in those administered the high dose BE, EHxE, or MHpE. ...

LC50 Cyprinodon variegatus (Sheepshead minnows, juvenile 14-28 days old) above 430 ppm/24, 48, 72 and 96 hr, seawater at 25-31 °C, static bioassay

LC50 Pimephales promelas (fathead minnow) 32.5 mg/L 96 hr flow-through bioassay, wt 0.12 g, water hardness 45.5 mg/L CaCO3, temp: 25 + or - 1 °C, pH 7.5, dissolved oxygen greater than 60% of saturation

LC50 Pimephales promelas (fathead minnow) 52 mg/L for 96 hr /Conditions of bioassay not speicifed/

EC50; Species: Daphnia magna (Water flea); Conditions: freshwater, static, pH 8.0; Concentration: 150 mg/L for 24 hr; Effect: behavior, equilibrium

For more Ecotoxicity Values (Complete) data for DIBUTYL ETHER (6 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

The substance is harmful to aquatic organisms. It is strongly advised not to let the chemical enter into the environment. The substance may cause long-term effects in the aquatic environment. Bioaccumulation of this chemical may occur along the food chain, for example in fish.

Dibutyl ether's production and use as an extracting agent and as a solvent may result in its release to the environment through various waste streams. If released to air, an extrapolated vapor pressure of 6.0 mm Hg at 25 °C indicates dibutyl ether will exist solely as a vapor in the ambient atmosphere. Vapor-phase dibutyl ether will be degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals; the half-life for this reaction in air is estimated to be 13 hours. Direct photolysis is not expected to be an important removal process since aliphatic ethers do not absorb light in the environmental spectrum. If released to soil, dibutyl ether is expected to have high mobility based upon an estimated Koc of 51. Volatilization from moist soil surfaces may be an important fate process based upon a Henry's Law constant of 6.0X10-3 atm-cu m/mole. Dibutyl ether is expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces based upon its extrapolated vapor pressure. Biodegradation of dibutyl ether in soil and water is expected to be a slow process, based upon its slow rate of biodegradation in aqueous screening studies conducted under aerobic conditions, and its lack of biodegradation in aquifer materials maintained under anaerobic conditions. If released into water, dibutyl ether is not expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment in water based on its estimated Koc. Volatilization from water surfaces is expected to occur based on this compound's Henry's Law constant. Estimated volatilization half-lives for a model river and model lake are 3.5 hours and 4.6 days, respectively. BCFs ranging from 30 to 114 measured in fish suggest that bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is moderate to high. 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 dibutyl ether may occur through inhalation and dermal contact with this compound at workplaces where dibutyl ether is produced or used. (SRC)

Dibutyl ether's production and use as an extracting agent and solvent(1) 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 51(SRC), determined from a structure estimation method(2), indicates that dibutyl ether is expected to have high mobility in soil(SRC). Volatilization of dibutyl ether from moist soil surfaces may be important(SRC) given a Henry's Law constant of 6.0X10-3 atm-cu m/mole(3). Volatilization of dibutyl ether from dry soil surfaces is expected(SRC) based upon an extrapolated vapor pressure of 6.0 mm Hg at 25 °C(4). Biodegradation of dibutyl ether in soil is expected to be a slow process(SRC), based upon its slow biodegradation in aqueous screening studies(5,6).

AQUATIC FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 51(SRC), determined from a structure estimation method(2), indicates that dibutyl ether is not expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment in water(SRC). Dibutyl ether is expected to volatilize from water surfaces(3) based on a Henry's Law constant of 6.0X10-3 atm-cu m/mole(4). Using this Henry's Law constant and an estimation method(3), volatilization half-lives for a model river and model lake are 3.5 hours and 4.6 days, respectively(SRC). According to a classification scheme(5), BCFs ranging from 30 to 114 measured in carp(6), suggest that bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is moderate to high(SRC). Biodegradation of dibutyl ether in water is expected to be a slow process(SRC), based upon its slow biodegradation in aqueous screening studies(6,7).

ATMOSPHERIC FATE: According to a model of gas/particle partitioning of semivolatile organic compounds in the atmosphere(1), dibutyl ether, which has an extrapolated vapor pressure of 6.0 mm Hg at 25 °C(2), is expected to exist solely as a vapor in the ambient atmosphere. Vapor-phase dibutyl ether 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 13 hours(SRC) calculated from its rate constant of 2.88X10-11 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(3). Direct photolysis is not expected to be an important removal process since aliphatic ethers do not absorb light in the environmental spectrum(4).

AEROBIC: Dibutyl ether achieved 16% of its theoretical BOD in screening tests which utilized acclimated mixed microbial cultures over a 5 day incubation period(1). Many ethers are known to be resistant to biodegradation(2). Dibutyl ether at 100 mg/L reached 3 to 4% of its theoretical BOD in 4 weeks using an activated sludge inoculum at 30 mg/L and the Japanese MITI test(3).

ANAEROBIC: 0% loss of dibutyl ether was observed in landfill leachate impacted aquifer slurries amended with sulfate or nitrate after 244 and 85 days incubation, respectively(1). Dibutyl 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 dibutyl ether with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals is 2.88X10-11 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(1). This corresponds to an atmospheric half-life of about 13 hours at an atmospheric concn 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). Dibutyl ether is not expected to undergo hydrolysis in the environment due to the lack of hydrolyzable functional groups(3).

BCFs of 47 to 83 and 30 to 114 were measured for carp exposed to 200 and 20 ug/L of dibutyl ether over the course of a 6 week incubation period(1). According to a classification scheme(2), these BCFs suggest bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is moderate to high, provided the compound is not metabolized by the organism(SRC).

Using a structure estimation method based on molecular connectivity indices(1), the Koc for dibutyl ether can be estimated to be 51(SRC). According to a classification scheme(2), this estimated Koc value suggests that dibutyl ether is expected to have high mobility in soil(SRC).

The Henry's Law constant for dibutyl ether is 6.0X10-3 atm-cu m/mole(1). This Henry's Law constant indicates that dibutyl 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 3.5 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 4.6 days(SRC). Dibutyl ether's Henry's Law constant(1) indicates that volatilization from moist soil surfaces may occur(SRC). Volatilization of dibutyl ether from dry soil surfaces is expected(SRC) based upon an extrapolated vapor pressure of 6.0 mm Hg at 25 °C(3).

DRINKING WATER: Diethyl ether has been detected, but not quantified, in drinking water from unidentified sources(1).

GROUNDWATER: Dibutyl ether has been found in contaminated groundwater in The Netherlands at a max concn of 1 ug/L(1).

Dibutyl ether was detected at 1 ug/L in water from 3 sites on the River Rhine in The Netherlands sampled in 1979(1).

LC50 Cyprinodon variegatus (Sheepshead minnows, juvenile 14-28 days old) above 430 ppm/24, 48, 72 and 96 hr, seawater at 25-31 °C, static bioassay

LC50 Pimephales promelas (fathead minnow) 32.5 mg/L 96 hr flow-through bioassay, wt 0.12 g, water hardness 45.5 mg/L CaCO3, temp: 25 + or - 1 °C, pH 7.5, dissolved oxygen greater than 60% of saturation

LC50 Pimephales promelas (fathead minnow) 52 mg/L for 96 hr /Conditions of bioassay not speicifed/

EC50; Species: Daphnia magna (Water flea); Conditions: freshwater, static, pH 8.0; Concentration: 150 mg/L for 24 hr; Effect: behavior, equilibrium

For more Ecotoxicity Values (Complete) data for DIBUTYL ETHER (6 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

The substance is harmful to aquatic organisms. It is strongly advised not to let the chemical enter into the environment. The substance may cause long-term effects in the aquatic environment. Bioaccumulation of this chemical may occur along the food chain, for example in fish.

Dibutyl ether's production and use as an extracting agent and as a solvent may result in its release to the environment through various waste streams. If released to air, an extrapolated vapor pressure of 6.0 mm Hg at 25 °C indicates dibutyl ether will exist solely as a vapor in the ambient atmosphere. Vapor-phase dibutyl ether will be degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals; the half-life for this reaction in air is estimated to be 13 hours. Direct photolysis is not expected to be an important removal process since aliphatic ethers do not absorb light in the environmental spectrum. If released to soil, dibutyl ether is expected to have high mobility based upon an estimated Koc of 51. Volatilization from moist soil surfaces may be an important fate process based upon a Henry's Law constant of 6.0X10-3 atm-cu m/mole. Dibutyl ether is expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces based upon its extrapolated vapor pressure. Biodegradation of dibutyl ether in soil and water is expected to be a slow process, based upon its slow rate of biodegradation in aqueous screening studies conducted under aerobic conditions, and its lack of biodegradation in aquifer materials maintained under anaerobic conditions. If released into water, dibutyl ether is not expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment in water based on its estimated Koc. Volatilization from water surfaces is expected to occur based on this compound's Henry's Law constant. Estimated volatilization half-lives for a model river and model lake are 3.5 hours and 4.6 days, respectively. BCFs ranging from 30 to 114 measured in fish suggest that bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is moderate to high. 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 dibutyl ether may occur through inhalation and dermal contact with this compound at workplaces where dibutyl ether is produced or used. (SRC)

Dibutyl ether's production and use as an extracting agent and solvent(1) 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 51(SRC), determined from a structure estimation method(2), indicates that dibutyl ether is expected to have high mobility in soil(SRC). Volatilization of dibutyl ether from moist soil surfaces may be important(SRC) given a Henry's Law constant of 6.0X10-3 atm-cu m/mole(3). Volatilization of dibutyl ether from dry soil surfaces is expected(SRC) based upon an extrapolated vapor pressure of 6.0 mm Hg at 25 °C(4). Biodegradation of dibutyl ether in soil is expected to be a slow process(SRC), based upon its slow biodegradation in aqueous screening studies(5,6).

AQUATIC FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 51(SRC), determined from a structure estimation method(2), indicates that dibutyl ether is not expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment in water(SRC). Dibutyl ether is expected to volatilize from water surfaces(3) based on a Henry's Law constant of 6.0X10-3 atm-cu m/mole(4). Using this Henry's Law constant and an estimation method(3), volatilization half-lives for a model river and model lake are 3.5 hours and 4.6 days, respectively(SRC). According to a classification scheme(5), BCFs ranging from 30 to 114 measured in carp(6), suggest that bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is moderate to high(SRC). Biodegradation of dibutyl ether in water is expected to be a slow process(SRC), based upon its slow biodegradation in aqueous screening studies(6,7).

ATMOSPHERIC FATE: According to a model of gas/particle partitioning of semivolatile organic compounds in the atmosphere(1), dibutyl ether, which has an extrapolated vapor pressure of 6.0 mm Hg at 25 °C(2), is expected to exist solely as a vapor in the ambient atmosphere. Vapor-phase dibutyl ether 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 13 hours(SRC) calculated from its rate constant of 2.88X10-11 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(3). Direct photolysis is not expected to be an important removal process since aliphatic ethers do not absorb light in the environmental spectrum(4).

AEROBIC: Dibutyl ether achieved 16% of its theoretical BOD in screening tests which utilized acclimated mixed microbial cultures over a 5 day incubation period(1). Many ethers are known to be resistant to biodegradation(2). Dibutyl ether at 100 mg/L reached 3 to 4% of its theoretical BOD in 4 weeks using an activated sludge inoculum at 30 mg/L and the Japanese MITI test(3).

ANAEROBIC: 0% loss of dibutyl ether was observed in landfill leachate impacted aquifer slurries amended with sulfate or nitrate after 244 and 85 days incubation, respectively(1). Dibutyl 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 dibutyl ether with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals is 2.88X10-11 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(1). This corresponds to an atmospheric half-life of about 13 hours at an atmospheric concn 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). Dibutyl ether is not expected to undergo hydrolysis in the environment due to the lack of hydrolyzable functional groups(3).

BCFs of 47 to 83 and 30 to 114 were measured for carp exposed to 200 and 20 ug/L of dibutyl ether over the course of a 6 week incubation period(1). According to a classification scheme(2), these BCFs suggest bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is moderate to high, provided the compound is not metabolized by the organism(SRC).

Using a structure estimation method based on molecular connectivity indices(1), the Koc for dibutyl ether can be estimated to be 51(SRC). According to a classification scheme(2), this estimated Koc value suggests that dibutyl ether is expected to have high mobility in soil(SRC).

The Henry's Law constant for dibutyl ether is 6.0X10-3 atm-cu m/mole(1). This Henry's Law constant indicates that dibutyl 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 3.5 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 4.6 days(SRC). Dibutyl ether's Henry's Law constant(1) indicates that volatilization from moist soil surfaces may occur(SRC). Volatilization of dibutyl ether from dry soil surfaces is expected(SRC) based upon an extrapolated vapor pressure of 6.0 mm Hg at 25 °C(3).

DRINKING WATER: Diethyl ether has been detected, but not quantified, in drinking water from unidentified sources(1).

GROUNDWATER: Dibutyl ether has been found in contaminated groundwater in The Netherlands at a max concn of 1 ug/L(1).

Dibutyl ether was detected at 1 ug/L in water from 3 sites on the River Rhine in The Netherlands sampled in 1979(1).

Dibutyl ether has been detected in 1 out of 63 samples of industrial effluents collected from a wide variety of industries across the U.S. at a concn of <10 ug/L (dates not reported)(1). Dibutyl ether was tentatively identified, but not quantified, in an advanced waste treatment concentrate from Lake Tahoe, CA, sampled in Oct 1974(2). Dibutyl ether was detected at concn of 5.6 and 0.2 ug/L in 2 of 7 sites sampled in Feb 1979 for standing water and impoundments which were discharged into Wilson Creek from a hazardous waste dump site called "Valley of the Drums" in Bullitt County, KY(3).

Dibutyl ether was qualitatively detected in the atmosphere of a chamber containing latex paint which suggests that the compound may be present in indoor air in buildings that have been painted with interior latex paint(1).

NIOSH (NOES Survey 1981-1983) has statistically estimated that 6,292 workers (235 of these are female) are potentially exposed to dibutyl ether in the US(1). Occupational exposure to dibutyl ether may occur through inhalation and dermal contact with this compound at workplaces where dibutyl ether is produced or 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.

Incineration

The following wastewater treatment technologies have been investigated for butyl ether: Concentration process: Activated carbon.

Used ether containers, which are suspected of containing ether crystals or solids, are especially hazardous and may require bomb-squad assistance for their disposal. /Short alkyl-chain ethers/

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

/GUIDE 128: FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS (NON-POLAR/WATER-IMMISCIBLE)/ 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. Substances may be transported hot. /Dibutyl ethers/

/GUIDE 128: FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS (NON-POLAR/WATER-IMMISCIBLE)/ 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 or dilution water may cause pollution. /Dibutyl ethers/

/GUIDE 128: FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS (NON-POLAR/WATER-IMMISCIBLE)/ Public Safety: CALL Emergency Response Telephone Number ... . 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. /Dibutyl ethers/

/GUIDE 128: FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS (NON-POLAR/WATER-IMMISCIBLE)/ Protective Clothing: Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). Structural firefighters' protective clothing will only provide limited protection. /Dibutyl ethers/

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

IMO 3.3; Dibutyl ether

UN 1149; Dibutyl ether

Dibutyl ethers require a "Flammable Liquid" label. They fall into Hazard Class 3 and Packing Group III.

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: Xi; R: 10-36/37/38-52/53; S: (2)-61

UN Hazard Class: 3; UN Pack Group: III