Ethyl sulfide

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

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

Aggregated GHS information provided per 1476 reports by companies from 7 notifications to the ECHA C&L Inventory.

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 129 [Flammable Liquids (Water-Miscible / Noxious)]:

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 129 [Flammable Liquids (Water-Miscible / Noxious)]:

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

SMALL FIRE: Dry chemical, CO2, water spray or alcohol-resistant foam. Do not use dry chemical extinguishers to control fires involving nitromethane (UN1261) or nitroethane (UN2842).

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)

For small (incipient) fires, use media such as "alcohol" foam, dry chemical, or carbon dioxide. For large fires, apply water from as far as possible. Use very large quantities (flooding) of water applied as a mist or spray; solid streams of water may be ineffective. Cool all affected containers with flooding quantities of water.

To fight fire, use water spray or mist, dry chemical, carbon dioxide, foam.

Wear self contained breathing apparatus for fire fighting if necessary.

· 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 129 [Flammable Liquids (Water-Miscible / Noxious)]:

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.

SRP: Wastewater from contaminant suppression, cleaning of protective clothing/equipment, or contaminated sites should be contained and evaluated for subject chemical or decomposition product concentrations. Concentrations shall be lower than applicable environmental discharge or disposal criteria. Alternatively, pretreatment and/or discharge to a permitted wastewater treatment facility is acceptable only after review by the governing authority and assurance that "pass through" violations will not occur. Due consideration shall be given to remediation worker exposure (inhalation, dermal and ingestion) as well as fate during treatment, transfer and disposal. If it is not practicable to manage the chemical in this fashion, it must be evaluated in accordance with EPA 40 CFR Part 261, specifically Subpart B, in order to determine the appropriate local, state and federal requirements for disposal.

Use personal protective equipment. Avoid breathing vapors, mist or gas. Ensure adequate ventilation. Remove all sources of ignition. Evacuate personnel to safe areas. Beware of vapors accumulating to form explosive concentrations. Vapors can accumulate in low areas. Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so. Do not let product enter drains. Contain spillage, and then collect with non-combustible absorbent material, (e.g. sand, earth, diatomaceous earth, vermiculite) and place in container for disposal according to local / national regulations.

Burn in a chemical incinerator equipped with an afterburner and scrubber but exert extra care in igniting as this material is highly flammable. Observe all federal, state, and local environmental regulations. Contact a licensed professional waste disposal service to dispose of this material.

SRP: The most favorable course of action is to use an alternative chemical product with less inherent propensity for occupational harm/injury/toxicity 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 and plant life; and conformance with environmental and public health regulations.

Handle in accordance with good industrial hygiene and safety practice. Wash hands before breaks and at the end of workday. Choose body protection according to the amount and concentration of the dangerous substance at the work place.

Excerpt from ERG Guide 129 [Flammable Liquids (Water-Miscible / Noxious)]:

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)

Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place. Containers which are opened must be carefully resealed and kept upright to prevent leakage. Store in cool place.

· 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.

Small Fire

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

· Do not use dry chemical extinguishers to control fires involving nitromethane (UN1261) or nitroethane (UN2842).

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.

Excerpt from ERG Guide 129 [Flammable Liquids (Water-Miscible / Noxious)]:

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

Where risk assessment shows air-purifying respirators are appropriate use a full-face respirator with multipurpose combination (US) or type ABEK (EN 14387) respirator cartridges as a backup to engineering controls. If the respirator is the sole means of protection, use a full-face supplied air respirator. Use respirators and components tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or CEN (EU).

Handle with gloves. Safety glasses

Diethyl sulfide appears as a colorless oily liquid with a garlic-like odor. Less dense than water. Vapors heavier than air. May irritate skin and eyes. Used to make other chemicals.

Colorless liquid with a garlic-like odor; [Hawley]

colourless to pale yellow liquid with ethereal odour

Colorless, oily liquid

Garlic-like odor

Ethereal odor

90.00 to 93.00 °C. @ 760.00 mm Hg

-103.9 °C

-102.05 °C

-10 °C (14 °F) closed cup

Soluble in ethanol, diethyl ether; slightly soluble in carbon tetrachloride.

Soluble in oxygenated solvents.

Miscible with alcohol, ether

In water, 3130 mg/L at 25 °C

3.13 mg/mL at 20 °C

insoluble in water; miscible in alcohol and oil

(in ethanol)

0.8362 g/cu cm at 20 °C

0.836-0.841

3.11 (AIR= 1)

60.2 [mmHg]

60.2 mm Hg at 25 °C

log Kow = 1.95

Henry's Law constant = 1.68X10-3 atm-cu m/mol at 25 °C

Hazardous decomposition products formed under fire conditions: Carbon oxides, Sulfur oxides

Odor Threshold Low: 0.0008 [ppm]

Odor Threshold High: 0.0054 [ppm]

[HSDB] Odor threshold from CHEMINFO

Index of refraction: 1.4430 at 20 °C/D

1.440-1.450

Conversion factor: 3.68 mg/cu m = 1 ppm

Hydroxyl radical reaction rate constant = 1.5X10-11 cu cm/molec-sec at 25 °C

Schoenflies notation

Acentric factor

Boiling point

Chemical bond

Critical point

Diamagnetic susceptibility

Dielectric constant

Excess enthalpy

Highly flammable. Slightly soluble in water.

Sulfides, Organic

Highly Flammable

Organosulfides, such as DIETHYL SULFIDE, are incompatible with acids, diazo and azo compounds, halocarbons, isocyanates, aldehydes, alkali metals, nitrides, hydrides, and other strong reducing agents. Reactions with these materials generate heat and in many cases hydrogen gas. Many of these compounds may liberate hydrogen sulfide upon decomposition or reaction with an acid.

Reacts with water, steam, acids, or acid fumes to produce toxic and flammable vapors.

It reacts readily with oxidizing materials

LC50 (rat) > 17,900 mg/m3/4h

LD50 Rat oral 3415 mg/kg

LC50 Rat >17.9 mg/L for 4 hr

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. /Sulfur 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. Monitor for pulmonary edema 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 ... . Administer activated charcoal ... . Cover skin burns with dry sterile dressings after decontamination ... . /Sulfur 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. Positive-pressure ventilation techniques with a bag-valve-mask device may be beneficial. Consider drug therapy for pulmonary edema ... . Consider administering a beta agonist such as albuterol for severe bronchospasms ... . 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 ... . /Sulfur and related compounds/

/SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS/ Delayed toxicity may occur when the bioelectric activity of the respiratory muscles become impaired. Dermally, it is nonirritant, but is moderately irritant to the eye.

LC50; Species: Lebistes reticulatus (Guppy); Concentration: 500 mg/L for 96 hr /Conditions of bioassay not specified in source examined/

/PLANTS/ Vapor is phytotoxic ...

Diethyl sulfide's production and use as solvent and raw material in metal plating baths may result in its release to the environment through various waste streams. If released to air, a vapor pressure of 60.2 mm Hg at 25 °C indicates diethyl sulfide will exist solely as a vapor in the atmosphere. Vapor-phase diethyl sulfide 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 26 hours. Diethyl sulfide does not contain chromophores that absorb at wavelengths >290 nm and therefore is not expected to be susceptible to direct photolysis by sunlight. If released to soil, Diethyl sulfide is expected to have very high mobility based upon an estimated Koc of 50. Volatilization from moist soil surfaces is expected to be an important fate process based upon a Henry's Law constant of 1.68X10-3 atm-cu m/mole. Diethyl sulfide may volatilize from dry soil surfaces based upon its vapor pressure. Although biodegradation data on diethyl sulfide are not available, the closely related compound dimethyl sulfide has shown 100% degradation over 2 days in an aerobic test using freshwater sediment. If released into water, diethyl sulfide is not expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment 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 for a model river and model lake are 1.3 hours and 4 days, respectively. An estimated BCF of 9 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 diethyl sulfide may occur through inhalation and dermal contact with this compound at workplaces where diethyl sulfide is produced or used. Monitoring data indicate that the general population may be exposed to diethyl sulfide via ingestion of food and dermal contact with this compound in contaminated wastewater and groundwater. (SRC)

Diethyl sulfide occurs naturally in petroleum deposits and can be formed by bacterial decomposition of plant and animal matter.

Diethyl sulfide's production and use as a solvent for anhydrous mineral salts, and as a raw material in gold and silver metal plating baths(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 40(SRC), determined from a log Kow of 1.95(2) and a regression-derived equation(3), indicates that diethyl sulfide is expected to have very high mobility in soil(SRC). Volatilization of diethyl sulfide from moist soil surfaces is expected to be an important fate process(SRC) given a measured Henry's Law constant of 1.68X10-3 atm-cu m/mole(4). Diethyl sulfide is expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces(SRC) based upon a vapor pressure of 60.2 mm Hg at 25 °C(SRC). Although biodegradation data on diethyl sulfide are not available(SRC, 2009), the closely related compound dimethyl sulfide showed 100% degradation over 2 days in an aerobic test using freshwater sediment(6); this suggests that biodegradation of diethyl sulfide is an important environmental fate process in soil(SRC).

AQUATIC FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 50(SRC), determined from a log Kow of 1.95(2) and a regression-derived equation(3), indicates that diethyl sulfide is not expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment(SRC). Volatilization from water surfaces is expected(4) based upon a Henry's Law constant of 1.68X10-3 atm-cu m/mole(5). Using this Henry's Law constant and an estimation method(4), volatilization half-lives for a model river and model lake are 1.3 hours and 4 days, respectively(SRC). According to a classification scheme(6), an estimated BCF of 9(SRC), from its log Kow(2) and a regression-derived equation(7), suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low. Although biodegradation data on diethyl sulfide are not available(SRC, 2009), the closely related compound dimethyl sulfide showed 100% degradation over 2 days in an aerobic test using freshwater sediment(8); this suggests that biodegradation of 1,1'thiobisethane is an important environmental fate process in water(SRC).

ATMOSPHERIC FATE: According to a model of gas/particle partitioning of semivolatile organic compounds in the atmosphere(1), diethyl sulfide, which has a vapor pressure of 60.2 mm Hg at 25 °C(2), is expected to exist solely as a vapor in the ambient atmosphere. Vapor-phase diethyl sulfide is degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals(3); the half-life for this reaction in air is estimated to be about 26 hours(SRC), calculated from its rate constant of 1.50X10-11 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(3). Diethyl sulfide does not contain chromophores that absorb at wavelengths >290 nm(4) and therefore is not expected to be susceptible to direct photolysis by sunlight(SRC).

AEROBIC: Biodegradation data are not available for diethyl sulfide(SRC, 2009); however, data are available for the related dimethyl sulfide. Dimethylsulfide, present at 2.5 mg/L, showed 100% degradation in 2 days using a freshwater sediment inoculum(1). Based upon the structural similarity of diethyl sulfide to dimethyl sulfude, diethyl sulfide is expected to biodegrade repidly under aerobic conditions(SRC).

ANAEROBIC: Biodegradation data are not available for diethyl sulfide(SRC, 2009); however, data are available for the related dimethyl sulfide. Dimethylsulfide, present at 3.4 mg/L, showed 100% degradation in 8 days using a freshwater sediment inoculum under anoxic conditions(1). Dimethylsulfide, present at 0.3 mg/L, showed 100% degradation in 2 days using an anoxic salt marsh sediment as inoculum(2). Based upon the structural similarity of diethyl sulfide to dimethyl sulfude, diethyl sulfide is expected to biodegrade repidly under anaerobic conditions(SRC).

The rate constant for the vapor-phase reaction of diethyl sulfide with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals has been measured as 1.50X10-11 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(1). This corresponds to an atmospheric half-life of about 26 hours at an atmospheric concentration of 5X10+5 hydroxyl radicals per cu cm(SRC). The rate constant for the reaction of diethyl sulfide in water with singlet oxygen produced by exposure to sunlight has been measured as 1.8X10+7 L/mole-sec(2). This corresponds to an aqueous half-life of 270 hours for the oxidation of diethyl sulfide at an estimated aqueous concentration of 4X10-14 moles singlet oxygen per liter(2). Diethyl sulfide is not expected to undergo hydrolysis in the environment due to the lack of functional groups that hydrolyze under environmental conditions(3). Diethyl sulfide does not contain chromophores that absorb at wavelengths >290 nm(3) and therefore is not expected to be susceptible to direct photolysis by sunlight(SRC).

93%, 50% 49%, and 46% of diethyl sulfide remained following 2,4,6, and 12 hours irradiation by an artificial ultraviolet lamp (360 nm)(1). Gas-phase products from sunlight irradiations of mixtures of diethyl sulfide and oxides of nitrogen include acetaldehyde, peroxyacetyl nitrate, formaldehyde, methyl nitrate, ethyl nitrate, and sulfur dioxide; the corresponding aerosol consisted of inorganic sulfate and ethane sulfonic acid(2). The rate constant for the reaction of aqueous diethyl sulfide with singlet oxygen at 19 °C is 1.8X10+7/M s; this corresponds to a half-life of 270 hours at pH 8, assuming a steady state singlet oxygen concentration of 4X10-14 M in sunlit waters(3).

An estimated BCF of 9 was calculated in fish for diethyl sulfide(SRC), using a log Kow of 1.95(1) and a regression-derived equation(2). According to a classification scheme(3), this BCF suggests the potential for bioconcentration is aquatic organisms is low.

The Koc of diethyl sulfide is estimated as 50(SRC), using a log Kow of 1.95(1) and a regression-derived equation(2). According to a classification scheme(3), this estimated Koc value suggests that diethyl sulfide is expected to have very high mobility in soil.

The Henry's Law constant for diethyl sulfide has been measured as 1.68X10-3 atm-cu m/mole(1). This Henry's Law constant indicates that diethyl sulfide is expected to volatilize rapidly from water surfaces(2). Based on this Henry's Law constant, the volatilization half-life from a model river (1 m deep, flowing 1 m/sec, wind velocity of 3 m/sec)(2) is estimated as 1.3 hours(SRC). The volatilization half-life from a model lake (1 m deep, flowing 0.05 m/sec, wind velocity of 0.5 m/sec)(2) is estimated as 4 days(SRC). Diethyl sulfide's Henry's Law constant indicates that volatilization from moist soil surfaces may occur(SRC). The potential for volatilization of diethyl sulfide from dry soil surfaces may exist(SRC) based upon a vapor pressure of 60.2 mm Hg(3).

GROUNDWATER: Diethyl sulfide was detected in two of two groundwater samples collected in Switzerland on unknown dates; diethyl sulfide was thought to be a product of the reaction of naturally occurring hydrogen sulfide with haloalkane contaminants in the water(1).

Diethyl sulfide was detected in 1 of 63 industrial waste-water samples collected from unspecified locations in the US at a concentration of less than 10 ug/L(1). Diethyl sulfide was not detected in air samples collected from a highway tunnel in western Pennsylvania in August-September 1979(2).

Diethyl sulfide was detected in samples of beer at concentrations ranging from 3 to 30 ppb(1); it is a byproduct of yeast fermentation of grains. Diethyl sulfide has been detected in samples of chicken and beef(2).

NIOSH (NOES Survey 1981-1983) has statistically estimated that 1,650 workers (442 of these were female) were potentially exposed to diethyl sulfide in the US(1). Occupational exposure to diethyl sulfide in the workplace may occur through inhalation of diethyl sulfide vapor, and through dermal contact in workplaces where this compound is used as a solvent or as raw material in plating baths for metals. Monitoring data indicate that the general population may be exposed to diethyl sulfide via dermal contact with industrial waste-water effluents, dermal contact with contaminated groundwater, and from ingestion of food(SRC).

LC50; Species: Lebistes reticulatus (Guppy); Concentration: 500 mg/L for 96 hr /Conditions of bioassay not specified in source examined/

/PLANTS/ Vapor is phytotoxic ...

Diethyl sulfide's production and use as solvent and raw material in metal plating baths may result in its release to the environment through various waste streams. If released to air, a vapor pressure of 60.2 mm Hg at 25 °C indicates diethyl sulfide will exist solely as a vapor in the atmosphere. Vapor-phase diethyl sulfide 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 26 hours. Diethyl sulfide does not contain chromophores that absorb at wavelengths >290 nm and therefore is not expected to be susceptible to direct photolysis by sunlight. If released to soil, Diethyl sulfide is expected to have very high mobility based upon an estimated Koc of 50. Volatilization from moist soil surfaces is expected to be an important fate process based upon a Henry's Law constant of 1.68X10-3 atm-cu m/mole. Diethyl sulfide may volatilize from dry soil surfaces based upon its vapor pressure. Although biodegradation data on diethyl sulfide are not available, the closely related compound dimethyl sulfide has shown 100% degradation over 2 days in an aerobic test using freshwater sediment. If released into water, diethyl sulfide is not expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment 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 for a model river and model lake are 1.3 hours and 4 days, respectively. An estimated BCF of 9 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 diethyl sulfide may occur through inhalation and dermal contact with this compound at workplaces where diethyl sulfide is produced or used. Monitoring data indicate that the general population may be exposed to diethyl sulfide via ingestion of food and dermal contact with this compound in contaminated wastewater and groundwater. (SRC)

Diethyl sulfide occurs naturally in petroleum deposits and can be formed by bacterial decomposition of plant and animal matter.

Diethyl sulfide's production and use as a solvent for anhydrous mineral salts, and as a raw material in gold and silver metal plating baths(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 40(SRC), determined from a log Kow of 1.95(2) and a regression-derived equation(3), indicates that diethyl sulfide is expected to have very high mobility in soil(SRC). Volatilization of diethyl sulfide from moist soil surfaces is expected to be an important fate process(SRC) given a measured Henry's Law constant of 1.68X10-3 atm-cu m/mole(4). Diethyl sulfide is expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces(SRC) based upon a vapor pressure of 60.2 mm Hg at 25 °C(SRC). Although biodegradation data on diethyl sulfide are not available(SRC, 2009), the closely related compound dimethyl sulfide showed 100% degradation over 2 days in an aerobic test using freshwater sediment(6); this suggests that biodegradation of diethyl sulfide is an important environmental fate process in soil(SRC).

AQUATIC FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 50(SRC), determined from a log Kow of 1.95(2) and a regression-derived equation(3), indicates that diethyl sulfide is not expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment(SRC). Volatilization from water surfaces is expected(4) based upon a Henry's Law constant of 1.68X10-3 atm-cu m/mole(5). Using this Henry's Law constant and an estimation method(4), volatilization half-lives for a model river and model lake are 1.3 hours and 4 days, respectively(SRC). According to a classification scheme(6), an estimated BCF of 9(SRC), from its log Kow(2) and a regression-derived equation(7), suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low. Although biodegradation data on diethyl sulfide are not available(SRC, 2009), the closely related compound dimethyl sulfide showed 100% degradation over 2 days in an aerobic test using freshwater sediment(8); this suggests that biodegradation of 1,1'thiobisethane is an important environmental fate process in water(SRC).

ATMOSPHERIC FATE: According to a model of gas/particle partitioning of semivolatile organic compounds in the atmosphere(1), diethyl sulfide, which has a vapor pressure of 60.2 mm Hg at 25 °C(2), is expected to exist solely as a vapor in the ambient atmosphere. Vapor-phase diethyl sulfide is degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals(3); the half-life for this reaction in air is estimated to be about 26 hours(SRC), calculated from its rate constant of 1.50X10-11 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(3). Diethyl sulfide does not contain chromophores that absorb at wavelengths >290 nm(4) and therefore is not expected to be susceptible to direct photolysis by sunlight(SRC).

AEROBIC: Biodegradation data are not available for diethyl sulfide(SRC, 2009); however, data are available for the related dimethyl sulfide. Dimethylsulfide, present at 2.5 mg/L, showed 100% degradation in 2 days using a freshwater sediment inoculum(1). Based upon the structural similarity of diethyl sulfide to dimethyl sulfude, diethyl sulfide is expected to biodegrade repidly under aerobic conditions(SRC).

ANAEROBIC: Biodegradation data are not available for diethyl sulfide(SRC, 2009); however, data are available for the related dimethyl sulfide. Dimethylsulfide, present at 3.4 mg/L, showed 100% degradation in 8 days using a freshwater sediment inoculum under anoxic conditions(1). Dimethylsulfide, present at 0.3 mg/L, showed 100% degradation in 2 days using an anoxic salt marsh sediment as inoculum(2). Based upon the structural similarity of diethyl sulfide to dimethyl sulfude, diethyl sulfide is expected to biodegrade repidly under anaerobic conditions(SRC).

The rate constant for the vapor-phase reaction of diethyl sulfide with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals has been measured as 1.50X10-11 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(1). This corresponds to an atmospheric half-life of about 26 hours at an atmospheric concentration of 5X10+5 hydroxyl radicals per cu cm(SRC). The rate constant for the reaction of diethyl sulfide in water with singlet oxygen produced by exposure to sunlight has been measured as 1.8X10+7 L/mole-sec(2). This corresponds to an aqueous half-life of 270 hours for the oxidation of diethyl sulfide at an estimated aqueous concentration of 4X10-14 moles singlet oxygen per liter(2). Diethyl sulfide is not expected to undergo hydrolysis in the environment due to the lack of functional groups that hydrolyze under environmental conditions(3). Diethyl sulfide does not contain chromophores that absorb at wavelengths >290 nm(3) and therefore is not expected to be susceptible to direct photolysis by sunlight(SRC).

93%, 50% 49%, and 46% of diethyl sulfide remained following 2,4,6, and 12 hours irradiation by an artificial ultraviolet lamp (360 nm)(1). Gas-phase products from sunlight irradiations of mixtures of diethyl sulfide and oxides of nitrogen include acetaldehyde, peroxyacetyl nitrate, formaldehyde, methyl nitrate, ethyl nitrate, and sulfur dioxide; the corresponding aerosol consisted of inorganic sulfate and ethane sulfonic acid(2). The rate constant for the reaction of aqueous diethyl sulfide with singlet oxygen at 19 °C is 1.8X10+7/M s; this corresponds to a half-life of 270 hours at pH 8, assuming a steady state singlet oxygen concentration of 4X10-14 M in sunlit waters(3).

An estimated BCF of 9 was calculated in fish for diethyl sulfide(SRC), using a log Kow of 1.95(1) and a regression-derived equation(2). According to a classification scheme(3), this BCF suggests the potential for bioconcentration is aquatic organisms is low.

The Koc of diethyl sulfide is estimated as 50(SRC), using a log Kow of 1.95(1) and a regression-derived equation(2). According to a classification scheme(3), this estimated Koc value suggests that diethyl sulfide is expected to have very high mobility in soil.

The Henry's Law constant for diethyl sulfide has been measured as 1.68X10-3 atm-cu m/mole(1). This Henry's Law constant indicates that diethyl sulfide is expected to volatilize rapidly from water surfaces(2). Based on this Henry's Law constant, the volatilization half-life from a model river (1 m deep, flowing 1 m/sec, wind velocity of 3 m/sec)(2) is estimated as 1.3 hours(SRC). The volatilization half-life from a model lake (1 m deep, flowing 0.05 m/sec, wind velocity of 0.5 m/sec)(2) is estimated as 4 days(SRC). Diethyl sulfide's Henry's Law constant indicates that volatilization from moist soil surfaces may occur(SRC). The potential for volatilization of diethyl sulfide from dry soil surfaces may exist(SRC) based upon a vapor pressure of 60.2 mm Hg(3).

GROUNDWATER: Diethyl sulfide was detected in two of two groundwater samples collected in Switzerland on unknown dates; diethyl sulfide was thought to be a product of the reaction of naturally occurring hydrogen sulfide with haloalkane contaminants in the water(1).

Diethyl sulfide was detected in 1 of 63 industrial waste-water samples collected from unspecified locations in the US at a concentration of less than 10 ug/L(1). Diethyl sulfide was not detected in air samples collected from a highway tunnel in western Pennsylvania in August-September 1979(2).

Diethyl sulfide was detected in samples of beer at concentrations ranging from 3 to 30 ppb(1); it is a byproduct of yeast fermentation of grains. Diethyl sulfide has been detected in samples of chicken and beef(2).

NIOSH (NOES Survey 1981-1983) has statistically estimated that 1,650 workers (442 of these were female) were potentially exposed to diethyl sulfide in the US(1). Occupational exposure to diethyl sulfide in the workplace may occur through inhalation of diethyl sulfide vapor, and through dermal contact in workplaces where this compound is used as a solvent or as raw material in plating baths for metals. Monitoring data indicate that the general population may be exposed to diethyl sulfide via dermal contact with industrial waste-water effluents, dermal contact with contaminated groundwater, and from ingestion of food(SRC).

Burn in a chemical incinerator equipped with an afterburner and scrubber but exert extra care in igniting as this material is highly flammable. Observe all federal, state, and local environmental regulations. Contact a licensed professional waste disposal service to dispose of this material.

SRP: The most favorable course of action is to use an alternative chemical product with less inherent propensity for occupational harm/injury/toxicity 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 and plant life; and conformance with environmental and public health regulations.

/GUIDE 129: FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS (Polar/Water-Miscible/Noxious)/ 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 129: FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS (Polar/Water-Miscible/Noxious)/ Health: May cause toxic effects if inhaled or absorbed through skin. Inhalation or contact with material may 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 129: FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS (Polar/Water-Miscible/Noxious)/ 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 129: FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS (Polar/Water-Miscible/Noxious)/ 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 1,1'-Thiobisethane (8 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

UN 2375; Diethyl sulfide

IMO 3.2; Diethyl sulfide

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