Chloromethyl ethyl ether

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

H302 (95.5%): Harmful if swallowed [Warning Acute toxicity, oral]

H312 (95.5%): Harmful in contact with skin [Warning Acute toxicity, dermal]

H319 (95.5%): Causes serious eye irritation [Warning Serious eye damage/eye irritation]

H332 (95.5%): Harmful if inhaled [Warning Acute toxicity, inhalation]

H351 (95.5%): Suspected of causing cancer [Warning Carcinogenicity]

P203, P210, P233, P240, P241, P242, P243, P261, P264, P264+P265, P270, P271, P280, P301+P317, P302+P352, P303+P361+P353, P304+P340, P305+P351+P338, P317, P318, P321, P330, P337+P317, P362+P364, P370+P378, P403+P235, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

Aggregated GHS information provided per 44 reports by companies from 4 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.

Excerpt from ERG Guide 131 [Flammable Liquids - Toxic]:

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 131 [Flammable Liquids - Toxic]:

CAUTION: The majority of these products have a very low flash point. Use of water spray when fighting fire may be inefficient. CAUTION: Methanol (UN1230) will 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. If it can be done safely, move undamaged containers away from the area around the fire. Dike runoff from fire control for later disposal. Avoid aiming straight or solid streams directly onto the product.

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)

· 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.

Small Spill

· Absorb with earth, sand or other non-combustible material and transfer to containers for later disposal.

· 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 131 [Flammable Liquids - Toxic]:

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

SPILL: Increase the immediate precautionary measure distance, in the downwind direction, as necessary.

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.

· For highlighted materials: see Table 1 - Initial Isolation and Protective Action Distances.

· For non-highlighted materials: increase the immediate precautionary measure distance, in the downwind direction, as necessary.

· 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.

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.

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

Excerpt from ERG Guide 131 [Flammable Liquids - Toxic]:

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.

SMALL SPILL: Absorb with earth, sand or other non-combustible material and transfer to containers for later disposal. 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)

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

· Wear chemical protective clothing that is specifically recommended by the manufacturer when there is NO RISK OF FIRE.

· 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: Methanol (UN1230) will 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.

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

· Dike runoff from fire control for later disposal.

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

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.

Excerpt from ERG Guide 131 [Flammable Liquids - Toxic]:

Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). Wear chemical protective clothing that is specifically recommended by the manufacturer when there is NO RISK OF FIRE. Structural firefighters' protective clothing provides thermal protection but only limited chemical protection. (ERG, 2024)

Chloromethyl ethyl ether appears as a colorless liquid. Slightly denser than water and insoluble in water. May be moderately toxic by ingestion, inhalation or skin absorption. Severely irritates skin, eyes and mucous membranes.

Colorless liquid; [CAMEO]

1.0188 at 15 °C/4 °C

59.1 [mmHg]

Index of Refraction: 1.4040 @ 20 °C/D

Schoenflies notation

Chemical bond

Chemical shift

Internuclear distance

Lineshape

Molecular structure

Nuclear quadrupole coupling

Nuclear quadrupole moment

Nuclear quadrupole resonance spectroscopy

Optical coefficient

Point group

Quadrupole coupling

Refractive index

Rotational excitation cross section

Vibrational mode frequency

Other Classes -> Halogenated Ethers

Flammable agents - 3rd degree

Reactive agents - 1st degree

Highly flammable. Insoluble in water.

Halogenated Organic Compounds

Highly Flammable

Peroxidizable Compound

CHLOROMETHYL ETHYL ETHER tends to form unstable peroxides when exposed to oxygen or air. These products can sometimes be observed as clear crystals deposited on containers or along the surface of the liquid. Forms salts with strong acids and addition complexes with Lewis acids. May react violently with strong oxidizing agents.

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.

Lacrimator (Lachrymator) - A substance that irritates the eyes and induces the flow of tears.

Basic treatment: Establish a patent airway. 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 normal saline 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 or in respiratory arrest. Monitor cardiac rhythm and treat arrhythmias if necessary ... . Start an IV with D5W TKO /SRP: To keep open, "minimal flow rate"/. Use lactated Ringer's if signs of hypovolemia are present. For hypotension with signs of hypovolemia, administer fluid cautiously. Consider vasopressors for hypotension with a normal fluid volume. Watch for signs of fluid overload ... . Treat seizures with diazepam ... . Use proparacaine hydrochloride to assist eye irrigation ... . /Ethers and related compounds/

... /CNS effect/ causes loss of consciousness on appreciable exposure and, as good fat solvents, they cause dermatitis on repeated or prolonged skin contact. ... Enclosure and ventilation are to be employed /Chloromethyl ethers/

Chloromethyl ethyl ether has been listed as a compound with no specific industrial manufacture or use. Small amounts of it may be formed as a byproduct of water chlorination. The fate of chloromethyl ethyl ether in soil is unknown. However, due to its expected rapid hydrolysis rate in water, which is based upon measured hydrolysis rates for the structurally related chloromethyl methyl ether, it would be expected to disappear rapidly from moist soil. Significant adsorption to soil, therefore, is not expected to occur. If released to water, chloromethyl ethyl ether will hydrolyze rapidly based upon the hydrolysis half-life of <1 sec for the structurally related chloromethyl methyl ether in pure water at 20 °C. Adsorption to sediment or suspended particulates, bioconcentration in aquatic organisms, biodegradation, and volatilization from water are not expected to be important processes in natural waters compared to hydrolysis. If released to the atmosphere, chloromethyl ethyl ether will be subject to reaction with photochemically produced hydroxyl radicals with an estimated half-life of 53 hours. It may be susceptible to surfaces catalyzed hydrolysis in humid air, based upon observed hydrolysis of the structurally related chloromethyl methyl ether in humid air. Due to its expected rapid hydrolysis in water and its susceptibility to hydrolysis in humid air, exposure to significant amounts of chloromethyl ethyl ether is not expected to occur. (SRC)

There are no known natural sources of chloromethyl ethyl ether(1).

Chloromethyl ethyl ether has been listed as a compound with no specific industrial manufacture or use(1). The compound has been listed as a possible byproduct of water chlorination; a probable precursor is methyl ethyl ether(1).

TERRESTRIAL FATE: The fate of chloromethyl ethyl ether in soil is unknown. However, due to its expected rapid hydrolysis rate in water, which is based upon measured hydrolysis rates for the structurally related chloromethyl methyl ether(1), chloromethyl ethyl ether would be expected to disappear rapidly from moist soil. Significant adsorption to soil, therefore, is not expected to occur.

AQUATIC FATE: If released to water, chloromethyl ethyl ether will hydrolyze rapidly based upon the hydrolysis half-life of <1 sec for the structurally related chloromethyl methyl ether in pure water at 20 °C(1). It will not, therefore, be expected to adsorb to sediment or suspended particulates, bioconcentrate in aquatic organisms, biodegrade, or significantly volatilize from water(SRC).

ATMOSPHERIC FATE: If released to the atmosphere, chloromethyl ethyl ether will be subject reaction with photochemically produced hydroxyl radicals with a half-life of 53 hours estimated for this process(1,SRC). It may be susceptible to surface catalyzed(2) hydrolysis in humid air, based upon observed hydrolysis of the structurally related chloromethyl methyl ether in humid air(3).

The hydrolysis half-life in water is expected to be sufficiently fast, based upon the hydrolysis half-life of <1 sec for the structurally related chloromethyl methyl ether in pure water at 20 °C(1), to preclude the possibility of biodegradation in the environment(SRC).

Hydrolysis of chloromethyl ethyl ether is expected to be very rapid(SRC), based upon the hydrolysis half-life of <1 sec for the structurally related chloromethyl methyl ether in pure water at 20 °C(1). It may be susceptible to surface catalyzed(2) hydrolysis in humid air, based upon observed hydrolysis of the structurally related chloromethyl methyl ether in humid air(1). The rate constant for the vapor phase reaction of chloromethyl ethyl ether with photochemically produced hydroxyl radicals has been estimated to be 7.2X10-12 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C which corresponds to an atmospheric half-life of 53 hours at an atmospheric concentration of 5X10+5 hydroxyl radicals per cu cm(3,SRC).

Based upon the hydrolysis half-life of <1 sec for the structurally related chloromethyl methyl ether in pure water at 20 °C(1), bioconcentration of chloromethyl ethyl ether in the food chain is unlikely to occur(SRC).

Based upon the hydrolysis half-life of 18 sec for the structurally related chloromethyl methyl ether in pure water at 20 °C(1), significant volatilization from water is unlikely to occur(SRC). Based upon an estimated vapor pressure of 59 mm Hg(2), evaporation from surfaces and dry near-surface soil may be an important process(SRC).

DRINKING WATER: Chloromethyl ethyl ether has been listed in a literature review as a compound which has been found, but not quantified, in drinking water from unidentified sources(1), in the US(2) and in New Orleans(3); no dates were reported. Detection of considerable amounts of the compound in water is unlikely based upon the expected rapid hydrolysis in water based upon the hydrolysis half-life of 18 sec for the structurally related chloromethyl methyl ether in pure water at 20 °C(4).

Chloromethyl ethyl ether has been listed as a compound with no specific industrial manufacture or use. Small amounts of it may be formed as a byproduct of water chlorination. The fate of chloromethyl ethyl ether in soil is unknown. However, due to its expected rapid hydrolysis rate in water, which is based upon measured hydrolysis rates for the structurally related chloromethyl methyl ether, it would be expected to disappear rapidly from moist soil. Significant adsorption to soil, therefore, is not expected to occur. If released to water, chloromethyl ethyl ether will hydrolyze rapidly based upon the hydrolysis half-life of <1 sec for the structurally related chloromethyl methyl ether in pure water at 20 °C. Adsorption to sediment or suspended particulates, bioconcentration in aquatic organisms, biodegradation, and volatilization from water are not expected to be important processes in natural waters compared to hydrolysis. If released to the atmosphere, chloromethyl ethyl ether will be subject to reaction with photochemically produced hydroxyl radicals with an estimated half-life of 53 hours. It may be susceptible to surfaces catalyzed hydrolysis in humid air, based upon observed hydrolysis of the structurally related chloromethyl methyl ether in humid air. Due to its expected rapid hydrolysis in water and its susceptibility to hydrolysis in humid air, exposure to significant amounts of chloromethyl ethyl ether is not expected to occur. (SRC)

There are no known natural sources of chloromethyl ethyl ether(1).

Chloromethyl ethyl ether has been listed as a compound with no specific industrial manufacture or use(1). The compound has been listed as a possible byproduct of water chlorination; a probable precursor is methyl ethyl ether(1).

TERRESTRIAL FATE: The fate of chloromethyl ethyl ether in soil is unknown. However, due to its expected rapid hydrolysis rate in water, which is based upon measured hydrolysis rates for the structurally related chloromethyl methyl ether(1), chloromethyl ethyl ether would be expected to disappear rapidly from moist soil. Significant adsorption to soil, therefore, is not expected to occur.

AQUATIC FATE: If released to water, chloromethyl ethyl ether will hydrolyze rapidly based upon the hydrolysis half-life of <1 sec for the structurally related chloromethyl methyl ether in pure water at 20 °C(1). It will not, therefore, be expected to adsorb to sediment or suspended particulates, bioconcentrate in aquatic organisms, biodegrade, or significantly volatilize from water(SRC).

ATMOSPHERIC FATE: If released to the atmosphere, chloromethyl ethyl ether will be subject reaction with photochemically produced hydroxyl radicals with a half-life of 53 hours estimated for this process(1,SRC). It may be susceptible to surface catalyzed(2) hydrolysis in humid air, based upon observed hydrolysis of the structurally related chloromethyl methyl ether in humid air(3).

The hydrolysis half-life in water is expected to be sufficiently fast, based upon the hydrolysis half-life of <1 sec for the structurally related chloromethyl methyl ether in pure water at 20 °C(1), to preclude the possibility of biodegradation in the environment(SRC).

Hydrolysis of chloromethyl ethyl ether is expected to be very rapid(SRC), based upon the hydrolysis half-life of <1 sec for the structurally related chloromethyl methyl ether in pure water at 20 °C(1). It may be susceptible to surface catalyzed(2) hydrolysis in humid air, based upon observed hydrolysis of the structurally related chloromethyl methyl ether in humid air(1). The rate constant for the vapor phase reaction of chloromethyl ethyl ether with photochemically produced hydroxyl radicals has been estimated to be 7.2X10-12 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C which corresponds to an atmospheric half-life of 53 hours at an atmospheric concentration of 5X10+5 hydroxyl radicals per cu cm(3,SRC).

Based upon the hydrolysis half-life of <1 sec for the structurally related chloromethyl methyl ether in pure water at 20 °C(1), bioconcentration of chloromethyl ethyl ether in the food chain is unlikely to occur(SRC).

Based upon the hydrolysis half-life of 18 sec for the structurally related chloromethyl methyl ether in pure water at 20 °C(1), significant volatilization from water is unlikely to occur(SRC). Based upon an estimated vapor pressure of 59 mm Hg(2), evaporation from surfaces and dry near-surface soil may be an important process(SRC).

DRINKING WATER: Chloromethyl ethyl ether has been listed in a literature review as a compound which has been found, but not quantified, in drinking water from unidentified sources(1), in the US(2) and in New Orleans(3); no dates were reported. Detection of considerable amounts of the compound in water is unlikely based upon the expected rapid hydrolysis in water based upon the hydrolysis half-life of 18 sec for the structurally related chloromethyl methyl ether in pure water at 20 °C(4).

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.

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

/GUIDE 131: FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS - TOXIC/ 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 and poison 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 131: FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS - TOXIC/ Health: TOXIC; may be fatal if inhaled, ingested or absorbed through skin. Inhalation or contact with some of these materials will irritate or burn skin and eyes. Fire will produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. Vapors may cause dizziness or suffocation. Runoff from fire control or dilution water may cause pollution.

/GUIDE 131: FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS - TOXIC/ 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 131: FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS - TOXIC/ Protective Clothing: Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). Wear chemical protective clothing that is specifically recommended by the manufacturer. It may provide little or no thermal protection. Structural firefighters' protective clothing provides limited protection in fire situations ONLY; it is not effective in spill situations where direct contact with the substance is possible.

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

UN 2354; Chloromethyl ethyl ether

IMO 3.2; Chloromethyl ethyl 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 Poison