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Chemical Name: 1,2-Dichloroethyl Ether
Chemical Formula: C4H8Cl2O
CAS Number: 111-44-4
Physical State: Liquid—colorless and with a sweet odor
Synonyms: Ethylene oxybis(chloromethane), Chloroethyl ether
Common Applications: Used as a solvent and in organic synthesis in chemical research and manufacturing
Hazard Classification: Harmful if inhaled, swallowed, or absorbed through the skin
Health Hazards: Causes respiratory irritation, possible central nervous system depression, and skin and eye irritation
Environmental Hazards: Toxic to aquatic life
Pictograms and Labels: Skull and crossbones for acute toxicity, exclamation mark for irritant
Signal Words: Danger
Statements of Danger: Exposure can happen quickly without warning. Even if it doesn’t seem serious immediately, this can lead to bigger issues down the road such as confusion, nausea, and breathing problems without the right precautions. Inhalation may cause dizziness and unconsciousness.
Main Ingredient: 1,2-Dichloroethyl Ether
Concentration: Usually greater than 95 percent in commercial grade
Impurities: Manufacturers rarely list all possible impurities, but trace moisture or other solvents may be present depending on handling and storage.
Inhalation: Get the person fresh air. Loosen clothing. Seek medical advice if shortness of breath, confusion, or coughing persists. Symptoms can become severe quickly if exposure levels are high.
Skin Contact: Remove any contaminated clothing immediately. Rinse the skin with plenty of water. Do not wait for burning or tingling to appear, as skin absorption can happen fast. If irritation, blistering, or pain develops, consult a physician.
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with plenty of water for several minutes. Hold eyelid open. Avoid rubbing. Seek urgent evaluation if vision clouds or pain lasts beyond flushing.
Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting; risk of aspiration exists. Rinse mouth. Contact a poison center or medical professional. Watch for delayed symptoms including vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy.
Flammability: Vapors are not highly flammable, but may form explosive mixtures with air at elevated temperatures
Recommended Extinguishing Agents: Carbon dioxide, dry chemical powder, regular foam
Hazardous Combustion Products: Produces toxic fumes including hydrogen chloride, phosgene, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide under fire conditions
Firefighter Protection: Firefighters should wear self-contained breathing apparatus and protective gear. Runoff from firefighting may pollute waterways. Contain or divert water.
Personal Precautions: Evacuate unnecessary personnel. Use personal protective equipment suitable for chemical vapors and liquid exposure. Avoid breathing vapors or contact with liquid.
Environmental Precautions: Prevent entry into drains, surface water, or soil. Spills should not reach natural water sources or sewers.
Methods for Cleanup: Mop up with absorbent material such as vermiculite or sand. Place waste in sealed, labeled containers for disposal. Ventilate the affected area thoroughly and wash down surfaces with copious water after removal. For major spills, emergency response teams should supervise containment and cleanup to control chemical exposure and hazards.
Safe Handling: Use chemical fume hoods or local exhaust to control vapor exposure. Avoid all direct contact with skin and eyes. Never eat, drink, or smoke near the chemical. Containers should be clearly labeled and tightly sealed when not in use. Transfer procedures must avoid static buildup or sparks.
Storage Recommendations: Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from heat sources and direct sunlight. Keep away from incompatible materials like oxidizing agents, acids, and bases. Store in corrosion-resistant, leak-proof containers. Regularly inspect storage areas for signs of leaks or degradation.
Exposure Limits: No local or national occupational exposure limit has been established in many countries, but additional caution is still warranted due to its toxicity.
Engineering Controls: Use explosion-proof ventilation. Install eyewash stations and safety showers nearby.
Personal Protective Equipment: Chemical-resistant gloves such as butyl rubber, splash-proof goggles, lab coats or aprons, closed-toe shoes. Respiratory protection must be used when handling outside of a chemical hood or in poorly ventilated spaces.
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands thoroughly after use. All contaminated protective equipment should be cleaned or disposed following workplace safety protocols to prevent secondary exposure.
Appearance: Colorless, oily liquid
Odor: Sweet, chloroform-like smell
Boiling Point: Around 139°C
Melting Point: Below room temperature, typically near -55°C
Density: Close to 1.21 g/cm³
Solubility: Insoluble in water, miscible with most organic solvents
Vapor Pressure: Low at room temperature, meaning evaporation occurs but less aggressively compared to lighter ethers
Other Identifiers: Forms vapors heavier than air, collecting in low-lying areas
Chemical Stability: Stable under ordinary conditions but decomposes when heated or exposed to light for extended periods
Reactivity: May react with strong acids, bases, and oxidizing agents. Contact with certain metals or moisture can speed up decomposition, leading to formation of hazardous byproducts including hydrogen chloride.
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Hydrogen chloride, phosgene, carbon monoxide
Conditions to Avoid: Using or storing near ignition sources, elevated temperatures, or unsealed containers raises risk of fumes and spills.
Acute Effects: Short-term exposure causes central nervous system depression—drowsiness, headaches, confusion, and in severe instances, unconsciousness. Dermal and respiratory irritation follows even moderate exposures.
Chronic Effects: Prolonged or repeated exposure increases risk of liver and kidney damage. Some studies show potential for carcinogenicity, though findings remain under review by regulatory authorities.
Routes of Entry: Inhalation, ingestion, and direct contact
Symptoms of Overexposure: Rapid onset of dizziness, fatigue, vomiting, and difficulty breathing; severe cases can result in long-term organ damage.
Persistence: Breaks down slowly in the environment, especially under low temperatures or in shaded areas
Bioaccumulation: Possibility exists in fatty tissues of aquatic or land organisms, risking biomagnification through the food web
Mobility: Tends to remain in soil or sediment rather than dissipating in water
Aquatic Toxicity: Damages fish and other aquatic organisms through both acute and chronic exposures, threatening local ecosystems if released
Impact: Emphasizes the need for strict controls on emissions, runoff, and solid waste containing this ether.
Waste Treatment: High-toxicity waste requires handling as hazardous material. Incineration in approved facilities provides the safest route for disposal.
Prevent Contamination: Never mix with regular trash, pour down the drain, or allow volatilization inside unventilated spaces. Containers must be triple-rinsed and managed following hazardous waste guidelines.
Special Procedures: Workplaces should develop training and documentation to prevent accidental or illegal disposal, ensuring traceability through each step from collection to destruction.
Regulatory Status: Ships as a hazardous substance—regulated for road, rail, air, and sea transport.
Packaging Requirements: Containers need leak-proof closures and proper labeling to address risks of exposure or environmental release
Handling Precautions in Transit: Store upright, shield from temperature swings, and keep segregated from incompatible chemicals
International: Registered as a toxic and environmentally hazardous substance by several major regulatory bodies, including listings under the UN recommendations for hazardous goods.
National: Regulated for occupational exposure, transportation, disposal, and consumer use in many jurisdictions. Not permitted in products intended for food, beverages, or pharmaceuticals.
Workplace Safety: Employers obligated to provide training and ensure all usage complies with local, state, and federal rules. Inspections and documentation protect both employees and surrounding communities by keeping exposure levels low and responding quickly to spills or accidents.
Community Right-to-Know: Facilities storing significant amounts typically must report inventories to emergency planning agencies, so responders know potential hazards in an emergency.
