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Chemical Name: 1-Methoxy-2-Propyl Acetate
Synonyms: Propylene glycol monomethyl ether acetate, PGMEA
Chemical Formula: C6H12O3
CAS Number: 108-65-6
Appearance: Clear, colorless liquid with a mild, pleasant odor
Molecular Weight: 132.16 g/mol
Common Uses: Solvent in coating formulations, inks, cleaners, electronics, and paints
Odor Threshold: Low, sometimes difficult to detect in well-ventilated areas
Physical Health Risk: Flammable liquid and vapor; vapor can irritate eyes, nose, and respiratory tract; prolonged exposure or high concentrations might cause headaches, dizziness, or nausea; skin contact may result in mild irritation
Health Ratings: Moderate (category 3 for flammability, 2 for health, as ranked by NFPA)
GHS Classification: Flammable liquid, Eye irritation, Specific target organ toxicity for single exposure
Precautionary Measures: Avoid breathing vapor; ensure spaces are well ventilated; keep away from heat and open flames
Main Component: 1-Methoxy-2-Propyl Acetate (approximately 100%)
Impurities: Low levels of various glycols or ethers may be present depending on grade, but typically near pure
Hazardous Components: The substance itself holds most risks; impurities rarely add concern at typical concentrations
Inhalation: Bring the person to fresh air; seek medical attention if symptoms like dizziness persist or worsen; rest and monitor breathing
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing; wash skin thoroughly with soap and water; persistent irritation deserves further medical advice
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water, lifting upper and lower eyelids; remove contact lenses if present; seek additional help if discomfort continues
Ingestion: Rinse mouth if conscious; do not induce vomiting; medical professionals should guide treatment if any volume is ingested
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Foam, dry chemical powder, carbon dioxide; water stream may scatter liquid instead of putting fire out
Hazards From Combustion: Combustion produces carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and possibly irritating fumes
Protective Equipment: Firefighters need full protective gear and a self-contained breathing apparatus
Special Precautions: Containers can explode in fire; cool them with water spray even when flames are not present
Personal Protection: Wear chemical splash goggles, gloves, and clothing that prevent contact; ensure fresh air flows through spill area
Cleanup: Contain and absorb spilled liquid with inert materials; ventilate area; avoid breathing vapors; gather waste in a sealable, labeled container
Environmental Impact: Keep liquid out of drains or surface waters; notify spill response teams if a significant volume is released
Safe Handling: Handle with proper ventilation; keep away from heat, sparks, and flames; avoid inhaling vapors and skin exposure
Storage Practices: Store in tightly closed original container; keep in a cool, well-ventilated place; separate from strong acids, oxidizers, and foodstuffs
Workplace Hygiene: Wash thoroughly after handling; avoid transfer with incompatible equipment
Occupational Exposure Limit: Regulatory limits vary by region, but a typical workplace exposure ceiling is around 50 ppm (parts per million, 8-hour TWA)
Engineering Controls: Use exhaust fans or fume hoods; monitor air quality in confined areas
Personal Protective Equipment: Chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile or neoprene); goggles for eye protection; flame-retardant clothing in higher-risk jobs; respirators if vapor levels step beyond safety limits
Workplace Practices: Avoid eating, drinking, or smoking where chemical use occurs
State: Liquid at ordinary temperature and pressure
Boiling Point: 145-150°C
Melting Point: -64°C
Flash Point: Around 46°C (open cup)
Vapor Pressure: Low to moderate (4 mmHg at 20°C)
Density: 0.965 g/cm³ at 20°C
Solubility in Water: Miscible; blends with most organic solvents
Odor: Slight, pleasant
pH: Not applicable—pure organic solvents rarely show a measurable pH
Chemical Stability: Quite stable in proper storage conditions; forms peroxides slowly after extended air exposure
Reactivity Profile: Reacts vigorously with strong oxidizing agents, including some peroxides; strong acids may degrade it
Decomposition Products: Thermal breakdown generates carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and traces of other organic vapors
Incompatible Materials: Avoid storing with oxidizers, strong acids, or alkalis
Acute Effects: Short inhalation might bring mild respiratory irritation, headache, or lightheadedness; no strong evidence points to organ damage from casual exposure
Skin and Eye Contact: Prolonged or repeated skin exposure can dry and crack outer layers; direct splashes in eyes may sting but rarely leave damage
Long-Term Exposure: No proven mutagenic or carcinogenic effects at workplace concentrations; symptoms fade after exposure ceases; few serious chronic effects reported at regulated levels
Sensitization: Rare, but some people develop an allergic reaction after repeated skin contact
Aquatic Toxicity: Considered low to moderate risk for aquatic organisms; can contaminate water if spilled in large amounts
Bioaccumulation: Unlikely due to miscibility with water and low partition coefficient
Persistence in Environment: Biodegrades in soil and water, often within a few weeks; less toxic than many similar solvents, but unnecessary spills do harm natural systems
Wildlife Exposure: Accidental leaks near waterways still threaten sensitive species, so spill control matters in outdoor or transportation settings
Waste Handling: Dispose of as hazardous waste in most locations; follow local rules for incineration or chemical treatment
Container Cleanup: Rinse empty vessels with water or compatible solvent; collect wash waste for proper disposal
Do Not Pour Down Drains: Even minor leftovers build up in treatment plants; responsible operations always route waste to professional services
UN Number: 3272 (in most international regulations)
Proper Shipping Name: Esters, n.o.s. (includes 1-methoxy-2-propyl acetate among similar solvents)
Hazard Class: 3 (Flammable liquid)
Packing Group: III (lower hazard among flammable liquids)
Transport Risks: Leaks during movement can raise both fire and health risks; well-sealed containers and leak-proof trucks keep journeys safer; labeling remains non-negotiable for emergency crews en route
OSHA Status: Regulated in US for workplace exposure and chemical labeling
EPA Listing: Not designated as a persistent organic pollutant or special hazard, but still subject to general solvent disposal standards
REACH: Complies with European chemical registration, information, and labelling rules
Other Guidance: Covered by general international transport, workplace hazard, and environmental rules for organic solvents; regular audits keep storage and use both legal and safer for everyone involved
