© 2026 Sinochem Nanjing Corporation,
All Right Reserved
Name: 2-Chloroethanol, also called ethylene chlorohydrin
Chemical Formula: C2H5ClO
CAS Number: 107-07-3
Physical Appearance: Colorless, oily liquid with a faint, sweet odor, but the smell isn’t reliable at low concentrations.
Common Uses: Used in synthesis of pharmaceuticals, pesticides, and as a chemical intermediate.
Acute Toxins: 2-Chloroethanol carries a high level of acute toxicity, affecting the nervous system, liver, and kidneys. Rapid absorption through skin and lungs increases risk during handling.
Eye Contact: Severe irritation, potential for lasting damage.
Inhalation: Dizziness, headaches, respiratory distress, possibly fatal at high doses.
Skin Contact: Easily absorbed, causing local irritation and systemic effects.
Chronic Effects: Repeated exposure links to nervous system complications, organ damage, and possible reproductive risks.
Component: Single chemical substance 2-Chloroethanol
Concentration: Generally supplied as pure liquid (over 99%)
Impurities: Small amounts of water or stabilizers may be present, depending on the manufacturing process.
Inhalation: Remove the exposed individual to fresh air as fast as possible, and keep them at rest. Medical attention comes next, especially if symptoms persist.
Skin Exposure: Rinse thoroughly with soap and large amounts of water, strip contaminated clothing. Thorough flushing can help limit absorption.
Eye Exposure: Immediate and long eye rinses for at least 15 minutes, keeping eyelids open. Emergency treatment is essential.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth if conscious, do not induce vomiting, and get medical help right away. There can be damage to internal organs.
Flammability: 2-Chloroethanol burns with a faint flame, and vapors may form explosive mixtures in air. This property ramps up concern for storage and transportation.
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Dry chemical powder and carbon dioxide work better than lots of water, which spreads the chemical.
Special Hazards: During fires, toxic gases—including phosgene and hydrochloric acid—release fast. Responders need full protection and breathing gear.
Explosion Risk: Vapors travel and ignite far from spilled liquid or source.
Personal Protection: Chemical goggles, impermeable gloves, and respirators shield workers from toxic effects.
Spill Management: Ventilate the area well, contain with non-flammable absorbents, and dispose in sealed containers. Try to prevent run-off into drains or sewers.
Cleanup: Use tools and equipment that don’t spark to avoid triggering fires.
Safe Handling: Limit all unnecessary contact, keep away from heat, sparks, and open flames. Handling in a well-ventilated or fume hood environment makes a big difference.
Industrial Hygiene: Always utilize dedicated transfer lines and double-check fittings to prevent leaks. Don’t eat, drink, or smoke where 2-chloroethanol is used.
Storage: Secure containers tightly, store away from sunlight, oxidizers, and acids. Use corrosion-resistant storage vessels.
Ventilation: Local exhaust and general area ventilation help keep vapor concentrations below exposure limits.
Eye Protection: Non-vented chemical safety goggles and face shields in cases where splashing may occur.
Gloves: Nitrile or neoprene gloves provide the best barrier; latex breaks down quickly.
Protective Clothing: Lab coats or full-body suits, lined boots.
Respiratory Protection: Half-face respirators with organic vapor cartridges in lower exposures; supplied-air masks for handling larger quantities.
Exposure Limit: Occupational limits vary, but some authorities set low permissible exposure thresholds (e.g., ACGIH TLV-TWA 1 ppm).
Appearance: Clear, colorless liquid
Odor: Mild, sweet odor
Boiling Point: About 128°C
Melting Point: Below room temperature
Vapor Pressure: Moderate at ambient temperatures, which raises concerns for inhalation risks.
Solubility: Miscible in water, which leads to easy spreading if spilled.
Density: Slightly heavier than water.
Evaporation Rate: Faster than water, which makes accidental inhalation more of a concern.
Chemical Stability: 2-Chloroethanol remains stable under cool, dry, and inert conditions, but breaks down in the presence of strong acids, alkalis, and oxidizers.
Decomposition: Heating or fire can produce toxic and corrosive gases including hydrochloric acid and phosgene.
Incompatibility: Reacts rapidly with alkalis, strong oxidants, and some metals.
Polymerization: Doesn’t generally polymerize, but heat and contaminant presence increase risks of dangerous reactions.
Absorption: 2-Chloroethanol enters the body through skin, lungs, or gut and then affects multiple organ systems.
Short-Term Exposure: Causes drowsiness, unsteady gait, and vomiting in moderate to high doses. Severe contact brings unconsciousness or death.
Long-Term Exposure: Linked to peripheral nerve damage, and possibly liver or kidney impacts.
Mutagenic and Reproductive Effects: Some animal studies suggest genetic and developmental harm, though limited data in people.
Irritancy: Strongly irritating to skin, eyes, and the respiratory system.
Aquatic Toxicity: 2-Chloroethanol dissolves easily in water and also poses a risk for aquatic organisms. Even at modest concentrations, it kills fish and invertebrates.
Persistence: Breaks down over a period of days to weeks, but during that time, can travel and enter groundwater if not contained.
Bioaccumulation: Low potential to persist in the food chain, but acute spills bioaccumulate in small-scale environments.
Air: Volatile, so it enters the atmosphere and can contribute to localized pollution.
Preferred Method: High-temperature incineration at approved facilities minimizes byproduct risks.
Dilution or Land Disposal: Banned or heavily restricted because of soil and water risk.
Regulatory Necessity: Disposal professionals must review residue handling and transportation to reduce the risk of contamination.
Container Disposal: Empty containers remain hazardous from residual vapor. Triple rinse and puncture before final disposition.
Shipping Class: Classified as a dangerous good. Usually carried in drums or tanks with very clear labeling.
Hazard Symbol: Flammable liquid, toxic substance icons required.
Segregation: Cannot be transported near oxidizers or sources of ignition.
Accident Protocol: Clearly documented emergency plans are a must in any transportation manifest.
National Regulations: Occupational exposure and environmental release tightly controlled by workplace safety and environmental agencies.
International Rules: Transport rules strictly enforced under United Nations Model Regulations; labeling and handling controls match those set by Europe and North America.
Worksite Obligations: Companies using 2-chloroethanol must enforce periodic safety training, exposure monitoring, and maintain records of quantity in use.
Environmental Release Limits: Discharge to water or air tracked by most jurisdictions and restrictions enforced.
