English Safety Data Sheet Database 中文版 MSDS

Methoxyethane

CAS No. 540-67-0 | PubChem CID 10903
Section 1. Identification
Chemical NameMethoxyethane CAS No.540-67-0
Synonymsmethoxyethane; methylethylether Chinese Name甲乙醚
Molecular FormulaC3H8O Molecular Weight60.11
UN No.1039 Data SourcePubChem (NIH/NLM)
GHS Hazard Classification
Signal Word DANGER
Pictograms GHS02 · Flammable GHS04 · Compressed Gas
Hazard Statements H220H280
Precautionary Statements P203P210P222P280P377P381P403P410+P403

Section 2. Hazards Identification

H220: Extremely flammable gas [Danger Flammable gases]

P203, P210, P222, P280, P377, P381, and P403 (click each P-code to see the statement)

H220 (100%): Extremely flammable gas [Danger Flammable gases]

H280 (100%): Contains gas under pressure; may explode if heated [Warning Gases under pressure]

P203, P210, P222, P280, P377, P381, P403, and P410+P403 (click each P-code to see the statement)

Aggregated GHS information provided per 149 reports by companies from 2 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.

Section 4. First-Aid Measures

Excerpt from ERG Guide 115 [Gases - Flammable (Including Refrigerated Liquids)]:

Refer to the "General First Aid" section. Specific First Aid: Clothing frozen to the skin should be thawed before being removed. In case of contact with liquefied gas, only medical personnel should attempt thawing frosted parts. 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:

· Clothing frozen to the skin should be thawed before being removed.

· In case of contact with liquefied gas, only medical personnel should attempt thawing frosted parts.

· 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.

Section 5. Fire-Fighting Measures

Excerpt from ERG Guide 115 [Gases - Flammable (Including Refrigerated Liquids)]:

DO NOT EXTINGUISH A LEAKING GAS FIRE UNLESS LEAK CAN BE STOPPED. CAUTION: Hydrogen (UN1049), Deuterium (UN1957), Hydrogen, refrigerated liquid (UN1966) and Hydrogen and Methane mixture, compressed (UN2034) will burn with an invisible flame. Use an alternate method of detection (thermal camera, broom handle, etc.).

SMALL FIRE: Dry chemical or CO2.

LARGE FIRE: Water spray or fog. If it can be done safely, move undamaged containers away from the area around the fire. CAUTION: For LNG - Liquefied natural gas (UN1972) pool fires, DO NOT USE water. Use dry chemical or high-expansion foam.

FIRE INVOLVING 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. Do not direct water at source of leak or safety devices; icing may occur. 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 water spray to keep fireexposed containers cool. Use water spray, dry chemical, "alcohol resistant" foam, or carbon dioxide. Solid water streams may spread fire.

VAPORS ARE HEAVIER THAN AIR & MAY TRAVEL TO A SOURCE OF IGNITION & FLASH BACK. ... MAY ACCUMULATE STATIC ELECTRICITY.

Section 6. Accidental Release Measures

· 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.

· Many gases are heavier than air and will spread along the ground and collect in low or confined areas (sewers, basements, tanks, etc.).

· 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.

· If possible, turn leaking containers so that gas escapes rather than liquid.

· Use water spray to reduce vapors or divert vapor cloud drift. Avoid allowing water runoff to contact spilled material.

· Do not direct water at spill or source of leak.

CAUTION: For LNG - Liquefied natural gas (UN1972), DO NOT apply water, regular or alcohol-resistant foam directly on spill. Use a high-expansion foam if available to reduce vapors.

· Prevent spreading of vapors through sewers, ventilation systems and confined areas.

· Isolate area until gas has dispersed.

CAUTION: When in contact with refrigerated/cryogenic liquids, many materials become brittle and are likely to break without warning.

Excerpt from ERG Guide 115 [Gases - Flammable (Including Refrigerated Liquids)]:

IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE: Isolate spill or leak area for at least 100 meters (330 feet) in all directions.

LARGE SPILL: Consider initial downwind evacuation for at least 800 meters (1/2 mile).

FIRE: If tank, rail tank car or highway tank is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 1600 meters (1 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 1600 meters (1 mile) in all directions. In fires involving Liquefied Petroleum Gases (LPG) (UN1075), Butane (UN1011), Butylene (UN1012), Isobutylene (UN1055), Propylene (UN1077), Isobutane (UN1969), and Propane (UN1978), also refer to the "BLEVE - Safety Precautions" section. (ERG, 2024)

Immediate precautionary measure

· Isolate spill or leak area for at least 100 meters (330 feet) in all directions.

Large Spill

· Consider initial downwind evacuation for at least 800 meters (1/2 mile).

· If tank, rail tank car or highway tank is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 1600 meters (1 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 1600 meters (1 mile) in all directions.

· In fires involving Liquefied Petroleum Gases (LPG) (UN1075), Butane (UN1011), Butylene (UN1012), Isobutylene (UN1055), Propylene (UN1077), Isobutane (UN1969), and Propane (UN1978), also refer to the "BLEVE - Safety Precautions" section.

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/

Section 7. Handling and Storage

Excerpt from ERG Guide 115 [Gases - Flammable (Including Refrigerated Liquids)]:

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. If possible, turn leaking containers so that gas escapes rather than liquid. Use water spray to reduce vapors or divert vapor cloud drift. Avoid allowing water runoff to contact spilled material. Do not direct water at spill or source of leak. CAUTION: For LNG - Liquefied natural gas (UN1972), DO NOT apply water, regular or alcohol-resistant foam directly on spill. Use a high-expansion foam if available to reduce vapors. Prevent spreading of vapors through sewers, ventilation systems and confined areas. Isolate area until gas has dispersed. CAUTION: When in contact with refrigerated/cryogenic liquids, many materials become brittle and are likely to break without warning. (ERG, 2024)

Section 8. Exposure Controls / Personal Protection

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

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

· Always wear thermal protective clothing when handling refrigerated/cryogenic liquids.

· DO NOT EXTINGUISH A LEAKING GAS FIRE UNLESS LEAK CAN BE STOPPED.

CAUTION: Hydrogen (UN1049), Deuterium (UN1957), Hydrogen, refrigerated liquid (UN1966) and Hydrogen and Methane mixture, compressed (UN2034) will burn with an invisible flame. Use an alternate method of detection (thermal camera, broom handle, etc.)

Small Fire

· Dry chemical or CO2.

Large Fire

· Water spray or fog.

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

CAUTION: For LNG - Liquefied natural gas (UN1972) pool fires, DO NOT USE water. Use dry chemical or high-expansion foam.

Fire Involving 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.

· Do not direct water at source of leak or safety devices; icing may occur.

· 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 115 [Gases - Flammable (Including Refrigerated Liquids)]:

Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). Structural firefighters' protective clothing provides thermal protection but only limited chemical protection. Always wear thermal protective clothing when handling refrigerated/cryogenic liquids. (ERG, 2024)

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

Section 9. Physical and Chemical Properties

Ethyl methyl ether appears as a clear colorless gas with a medicine-like odor. Less dense than water. Vapors are heavier than air. Under prolonged exposure to fire or heat the containers may rupture violently and rocket.

Colorless liquid; bp = 10.8 deg C; [Hawley] bp = 7.4 deg C; [HSDB] Colorless gas with medicinal odor; bp = 11.1 deg C; [CAMEO] Colorless liquefied gas; bp = 7.4 deg C; [MSDSonline]

COLORLESS LIQUID

-35 °F (NFPA, 2010)

-35 °F (closed cup)

SOL IN ACETONE

MISCIBLE IN ETHYL ALCOHOL, ETHYL ETHER

0.7251 @ 0 °C/0 °C

2.1 (Air = 1)

1493 mm Hg @ 25 °C

503.69 KCAL @ 25 °C

INDEX OF REFRACTION: 1.3420 @ 4 °C/D

Sometimes encountered as a mole per mole complex with boron trifluoride

VAPOR PRESSURE: 1 MM HG @ -91.0 °C; 10 MM HG @ -67.8 °C; 40 MM HG @ -49.4 °C; 100 MM HG @ -34.8 °C; 400 MM HG @ -7.8 °C; 760 MM HG @ +7.5 °C

Coriolis coupling

Schoenflies notation

Boiling point

Centrifugal distortion

Chemical bond

Chemical shift

Diamagnetic susceptibility

Equilibrium structure

Heat of sublimation

Hindering potential

Internuclear distance

Lineshape

Magnetic susceptibility

Molecular structure

Moment of inertia

Nuclear quadrupole coupling

Nuclear quadrupole moment

Optical coefficient

Point group

Refractive index

Rotation-vibration spectrum

Rotational excitation cross section

Surface tension

Thermal expansion coefficient

Vapor pressure

Vibrational mode frequency

Section 10. Stability and Reactivity

Highly flammable. Soluble in water. 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)].

Highly Flammable

Peroxidizable Compound

Ethers, such as ETHYL METHYL 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.

... can react vigorously with oxidizing materials (e.g., air, O2).

Section 11. Toxicological Information

Neurotoxin - Acute solvent syndrome

LC50 (mice) = 1,082,000 mg/m3/15min

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/

If released to air, a vapor pressure of 1493 mm Hg at 25 °C indicates ethyl methyl ether will exist solely as a vapor in the ambient atmosphere. Vapor-phase ethyl methyl 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 2.3 days. 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, ethyl methyl ether is expected to have very high mobility based upon an estimated Koc of 48. Volatilization from moist soil surfaces is expected to be an important fate process based upon an estimated Henry's Law constant of 6.7X10-4 atm-cu m/mole. Ethyl methyl ether is expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces based upon its vapor pressure. Limited data are present in the scientific literature regarding the biodegradation of ethyl methyl ether; however, ethers are generally resistant to biodegradation. 0 to 1.1% theoretical BOD was observed over a period of 5 days for diethyl ether and 0 to 1% theoretical BOD was observed over a period of 4 weeks for dimethyl ether, structural analogues of ethyl methyl ether. If released into water, ethyl methyl ether is not expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment in water based upon the estimated Koc. Volatilization from water surfaces is expected to be an important fate process based upon this compound's estimated Henry's Law constant. Estimated volatilization half-lives from a model river and model lake are 3.4 hours and 3.4 days, respectively. An estimated BCF of 1.6 suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low. Hydrolysis is not expected to be an important process due to the lack of hydrolyzable functional groups. Occupational exposure to ethyl methyl ether may occur through inhalation and dermal contact with this compound at workplaces where ethyl methyl ether is used. (SRC)

TERRESTRIAL FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 48(SRC), determined from an estimated log Kow of 0.56(2,SRC) and a regression-derived equation(3), indicates that ethyl methyl ether is expected to have very high mobility in soil(SRC). Volatilization of ethyl methyl ether from moist soil surfaces is expected to be an important fate process(SRC) given an estimated Henry's Law constant of 6.7X10-4 atm-cu m/mole(SRC), using a fragment constant estimation method(4). Volatilization of ethyl methyl ether from dry soil surfaces is expected(SRC) based upon a vapor pressure of 1493 mm Hg at 25 °C(5). Limited data are present in the scientific literature regarding the biodegradation of ethyl methyl ether, but a theoretical BOD of 0 to 1.1% over a period of 5 days and 0 to 1% over a period of 4 weeks for diethyl ether and dimethyl ether(6,7), respectively, suggests biodegradation may be slow(SRC).

AQUATIC FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 48(SRC), determined from an estimated log Kow of 0.56(2,SRC) and a regression-derived equation(3), indicates that ethyl methyl ether is not expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment in water(SRC). Ethyl methyl ether is expected to volatilize from water surfaces(3,SRC) based on an estimated Henry's Law constant of 6.7X10-4 atm-cu m/mole(SRC), developed using a fragment constant estimation method(4). Estimated volatilization half-lives for a model river and model lake are 3.3 hours and 3.4 days, respectively(3,SRC). According to a classification scheme(5), an estimated BCF of 1.6(3,SRC), from an estimated log Kow(2,SRC), suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low(SRC). Limited data are present in the scientific literature regarding the biodegradation of ethyl methyl ether, but theoretical BODs of 0 to 1.1% over a period of 5 days and 0 to 1% over a period of 4 weeks for the structurally similar diethyl ether and dimethyl ether(6,7), respectively, suggests biodegradation may be slow(SRC).

ATMOSPHERIC FATE: According to a model of gas/particle partitioning of semivolatile organic compounds in the atmosphere(1), ethyl methyl ether, which has a vapor pressure of 1493 mm Hg at 25 °C(2), is expected to exist solely as a vapor in the ambient atmosphere. Vapor-phase ethyl methyl 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 2.3 days(3,SRC). Direct photolysis is not expected to be an important removal process since aliphatic ethers do not absorb light in the environmental spectrum(4).

Limited data are present in the scientific literature regarding the biodegradation of ethyl methyl ether(SRC). Many ethers are known to be resistant to biodegradation(1).

The rate constant for the vapor-phase reaction of ethyl methyl ether with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals has been estimated as 7.0X10-12 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(SRC) using a structure estimation method(1,SRC). This corresponds to an atmospheric half-life of about 2.3 days at an atmospheric concentration of 5X10+5 hydroxyl radicals per cu cm(1,SRC). Direct photolysis is not expected to be an important removal process since aliphatic ethers do not absorb light in the environmental spectrum(2). Ethyl methyl ether is not expected to undergo hydrolysis in the environment due to the lack of hydrolyzable functional groups(3).

An estimated BCF of 1.6 was calculated for ethyl methyl ether(SRC), using an estimated log Kow of 0.56(1,SRC) and a regression-derived equation(2). According to a classification scheme(3), this BCF suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low.

The Koc of ethyl methyl ether is estimated as approximately 48(SRC), using an estimated log Kow of 0.56(1,SRC) and a regression-derived equation(2,SRC). According to a classification scheme(3), this estimated Koc value suggests that ethyl methyl ether is expected to have very high mobility in soil(SRC).

The Henry's Law constant for ethyl methyl ether is estimated as 6.7X10-4 atm-cu m/mole(SRC) using a fragment constant estimation method(1). This Henry's Law constant indicates that ethyl methyl ether is expected to volatilize from water surfaces(2,SRC). 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) is approximately 3.3 hours(2,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) is approximately 3.4 days(2,SRC). Ethyl methyl ether's Henry's Law constant(1,SRC) indicates that volatilization from moist soil surfaces may occur(SRC). Volatilization of ethyl methyl ether from dry soil surfaces is expected(SRC)

NIOSH (NOES Survey 1981-1983) has statistically estimated that 10 workers are potentially exposed to ethyl methyl ether in the US(1). Occupational exposure to ethyl methyl ether may occur through inhalation and dermal contact with this compound at workplaces where ethyl methyl ether is used(SRC).

Section 12. Ecological Information

If released to air, a vapor pressure of 1493 mm Hg at 25 °C indicates ethyl methyl ether will exist solely as a vapor in the ambient atmosphere. Vapor-phase ethyl methyl 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 2.3 days. 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, ethyl methyl ether is expected to have very high mobility based upon an estimated Koc of 48. Volatilization from moist soil surfaces is expected to be an important fate process based upon an estimated Henry's Law constant of 6.7X10-4 atm-cu m/mole. Ethyl methyl ether is expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces based upon its vapor pressure. Limited data are present in the scientific literature regarding the biodegradation of ethyl methyl ether; however, ethers are generally resistant to biodegradation. 0 to 1.1% theoretical BOD was observed over a period of 5 days for diethyl ether and 0 to 1% theoretical BOD was observed over a period of 4 weeks for dimethyl ether, structural analogues of ethyl methyl ether. If released into water, ethyl methyl ether is not expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment in water based upon the estimated Koc. Volatilization from water surfaces is expected to be an important fate process based upon this compound's estimated Henry's Law constant. Estimated volatilization half-lives from a model river and model lake are 3.4 hours and 3.4 days, respectively. An estimated BCF of 1.6 suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low. Hydrolysis is not expected to be an important process due to the lack of hydrolyzable functional groups. Occupational exposure to ethyl methyl ether may occur through inhalation and dermal contact with this compound at workplaces where ethyl methyl ether is used. (SRC)

TERRESTRIAL FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 48(SRC), determined from an estimated log Kow of 0.56(2,SRC) and a regression-derived equation(3), indicates that ethyl methyl ether is expected to have very high mobility in soil(SRC). Volatilization of ethyl methyl ether from moist soil surfaces is expected to be an important fate process(SRC) given an estimated Henry's Law constant of 6.7X10-4 atm-cu m/mole(SRC), using a fragment constant estimation method(4). Volatilization of ethyl methyl ether from dry soil surfaces is expected(SRC) based upon a vapor pressure of 1493 mm Hg at 25 °C(5). Limited data are present in the scientific literature regarding the biodegradation of ethyl methyl ether, but a theoretical BOD of 0 to 1.1% over a period of 5 days and 0 to 1% over a period of 4 weeks for diethyl ether and dimethyl ether(6,7), respectively, suggests biodegradation may be slow(SRC).

AQUATIC FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 48(SRC), determined from an estimated log Kow of 0.56(2,SRC) and a regression-derived equation(3), indicates that ethyl methyl ether is not expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment in water(SRC). Ethyl methyl ether is expected to volatilize from water surfaces(3,SRC) based on an estimated Henry's Law constant of 6.7X10-4 atm-cu m/mole(SRC), developed using a fragment constant estimation method(4). Estimated volatilization half-lives for a model river and model lake are 3.3 hours and 3.4 days, respectively(3,SRC). According to a classification scheme(5), an estimated BCF of 1.6(3,SRC), from an estimated log Kow(2,SRC), suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low(SRC). Limited data are present in the scientific literature regarding the biodegradation of ethyl methyl ether, but theoretical BODs of 0 to 1.1% over a period of 5 days and 0 to 1% over a period of 4 weeks for the structurally similar diethyl ether and dimethyl ether(6,7), respectively, suggests biodegradation may be slow(SRC).

ATMOSPHERIC FATE: According to a model of gas/particle partitioning of semivolatile organic compounds in the atmosphere(1), ethyl methyl ether, which has a vapor pressure of 1493 mm Hg at 25 °C(2), is expected to exist solely as a vapor in the ambient atmosphere. Vapor-phase ethyl methyl 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 2.3 days(3,SRC). Direct photolysis is not expected to be an important removal process since aliphatic ethers do not absorb light in the environmental spectrum(4).

Limited data are present in the scientific literature regarding the biodegradation of ethyl methyl ether(SRC). Many ethers are known to be resistant to biodegradation(1).

The rate constant for the vapor-phase reaction of ethyl methyl ether with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals has been estimated as 7.0X10-12 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(SRC) using a structure estimation method(1,SRC). This corresponds to an atmospheric half-life of about 2.3 days at an atmospheric concentration of 5X10+5 hydroxyl radicals per cu cm(1,SRC). Direct photolysis is not expected to be an important removal process since aliphatic ethers do not absorb light in the environmental spectrum(2). Ethyl methyl ether is not expected to undergo hydrolysis in the environment due to the lack of hydrolyzable functional groups(3).

An estimated BCF of 1.6 was calculated for ethyl methyl ether(SRC), using an estimated log Kow of 0.56(1,SRC) and a regression-derived equation(2). According to a classification scheme(3), this BCF suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low.

The Koc of ethyl methyl ether is estimated as approximately 48(SRC), using an estimated log Kow of 0.56(1,SRC) and a regression-derived equation(2,SRC). According to a classification scheme(3), this estimated Koc value suggests that ethyl methyl ether is expected to have very high mobility in soil(SRC).

The Henry's Law constant for ethyl methyl ether is estimated as 6.7X10-4 atm-cu m/mole(SRC) using a fragment constant estimation method(1). This Henry's Law constant indicates that ethyl methyl ether is expected to volatilize from water surfaces(2,SRC). 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) is approximately 3.3 hours(2,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) is approximately 3.4 days(2,SRC). Ethyl methyl ether's Henry's Law constant(1,SRC) indicates that volatilization from moist soil surfaces may occur(SRC). Volatilization of ethyl methyl ether from dry soil surfaces is expected(SRC)

NIOSH (NOES Survey 1981-1983) has statistically estimated that 10 workers are potentially exposed to ethyl methyl ether in the US(1). Occupational exposure to ethyl methyl ether may occur through inhalation and dermal contact with this compound at workplaces where ethyl methyl ether is used(SRC).

Section 13. Disposal Considerations

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/

Section 14. Transport Information

/GUIDE 115: GASES - FLAMMABLE (Including Refrigerated Liquids)/ Fire or Explosion: EXTREMELY FLAMMABLE. Will be easily ignited by heat, sparks or flames. Will form explosive mixtures with air. Vapors from liquefied gas are initially heavier than air and spread along ground. CAUTION: Hydrogen (UN1049), Deuterium (UN1957), Hydrogen, refrigerated liquid (UN1966) and Methane (UN1971) are lighter than air and will rise. Hydrogen and Deuterium fires are difficult to detect since they burn with an invisible flame. Use an alternate method of detection (thermal camera, broom handle, etc.) Vapors may travel to source of ignition and flash back. Cylinders exposed to fire may vent and release flammable gas through pressure relief devices. Containers may explode when heated. Ruptured cylinders may rocket.

/GUIDE 115: GASES - FLAMMABLE (Including Refrigerated Liquids)/ Health: Vapors may cause dizziness or asphyxiation without warning. Some may be irritating if inhaled at high concentrations. Contact with gas or liquefied gas may cause burns, severe injury and/or frostbite. Fire may produce irritating and/or toxic gases.

/GUIDE 115: GASES - FLAMMABLE (Including Refrigerated Liquids)/ 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 100 meters (330 feet) in all directions. Keep unauthorized personnel away. Stay upwind. Many gases are heavier than air and will spread along ground and collect in low or confined areas (sewers, basements, tanks). Keep out of low areas.

/GUIDE 115: GASES - FLAMMABLE (Including Refrigerated Liquids)/ Protective Clothing: Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). Structural firefighters' protective clothing will only provide limited protection. Always wear thermal protective clothing when handling refrigerated/cryogenic liquids.

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

IMO 2.0; Ethyl methyl ether

UN 1039; Ethyl methyl 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 Gas

Source: PubChem CID 10903 (NIH/NLM, public domain). Retrieved from PubChem, a public-domain chemistry database maintained by the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Last updated: 2026-08-02 09:11:12.
Disclaimer: This information is compiled for reference only and does not replace the manufacturer's official Safety Data Sheet. Always consult the supplier's SDS before handling any chemical.