Chemical Name: Diamyl Oxalate
Other Names: Amyl oxalate, Dipentyl oxalate
Formula: C12H22O4
Appearance: Typically appears as a colorless to pale yellow oily liquid.
Odor: Fruity, sweet scent.
Major Use: Often used for chemical synthesis and in specialty light sticks.
Solubility: Limited solubility in water, mixes well with most organic solvents.
Boiling Point: Around 300°C.
Molecular Weight: Roughly 230.3 g/mol.
CAS Number: 142-62-1
Physical State: Liquid under typical room conditions.
Packaging: Commonly found in sealed glass or metal containers to reduce air and moisture exposure.
Classification: Low to moderate toxicity; presents limited acute hazard under short-term exposure.
Health Hazards: Can irritate skin and eyes on direct contact. Inhalation of vapors may cause respiratory tract discomfort.
Fire Hazards: Flammable liquid; can form combustible mixtures with air at elevated temperatures.
Environmental Risk: Leakage may contaminate water sources, especially sensitive to aquatic organisms.
Signal Word: Warning on standardized labels.
Hazard Statements: Harmful if swallowed or absorbed through skin, irritating to eyes and mucous membranes.
Pictograms: Exclamation mark for acute toxicity/irritation; flame for flammability.
Precautionary Statements: Avoid breathing vapors, wear protective gear, wash hands thoroughly after use.
Main Component: Diamyl Oxalate, over 95% by weight.
Minor Impurities: Possible traces of n-amyl alcohol and oxalic acid, remaining small from synthesis.
Additives: Usually manufactured pure, but small stabilizer content can occur depending on production method, rarely above 1%.
Inhalation: Move to fresh air at once. Support breathing if symptoms like coughing or nausea arise.
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, flush area thoroughly with water and soap—seek medical help if irritation persists.
Eye Contact: Rinse eyes under running water for several minutes, lifting both upper and lower lids often, then seek prompt medical advice.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, never induce vomiting without professional advice; seek medical attention if symptoms follow.
Symptom Monitoring: Watch for delayed discomfort; supportive care is preferred over risky home remedies.
Extinguishing Media: Use dry chemical, foam, or carbon dioxide. Water may spread the liquid if not used as fog.
Special Hazards: Combustion gives irritating fumes, including carbon oxides.
Protective Equipment: Firefighters should choose full-face respirators and chemical-protective clothing.
Specific Risks: Vapors can accumulate, leading to flashback if ignited away from source.
Additional Advice: Cool sealed containers with water spray to prevent rupture or explosion in intense heat.
Personal Precautions: Evacuate area, wear protective gloves and goggles. Avoid breathing vapors.
Environmental Precautions: Prevent further leakage—block entry to drains and waterways.
Containment: Absorb with non-combustible material like sand or vermiculite, scoop into closed, labeled containers.
Cleanup Method: Use appropriate waste disposal route; ventilate area after cleanup to remove residual vapors.
Safe Handling: Work in well-ventilated places, wear gloves and goggles while transferring or pouring.
Avoid: Contact with skin, inhaling vapors, open flame and static discharge.
Storage Requirements: Store containers tightly closed, away from sources of ignition or heat, in a cool, well-ventilated room.
Incompatibles: Strong acids, bases, and oxidizers increase risk of violent reaction or decomposition.
Exposure Limits: No established short-term or long-term exposure limits documented.
Engineering Controls: Fume hoods or local exhaust keep airborne levels low.
Protective Measures: Choose chemical-resistant gloves, splash-proof goggles, and long-sleeved clothing.
Respiratory Protection: Use an approved respirator in poorly ventilated or high-exposure settings.
Hygiene Practices: Always wash after handling, avoid eating or drinking while working with the chemical.
Appearance: Clear to pale yellow oily liquid.
Odor: Sweet and fruity.
pH: Not applicable—non-aqueous.
Melting Point: Not well established, stays liquid at typical storage conditions.
Boiling Point: Approaches 300°C under atmospheric pressure.
Flash Point: Generally above 110°C.
Vapor Pressure: Low at ambient temperature.
Density: Slightly less than water, so floats on it.
Solubility: Poor in water, substantial in alcohols and ethers.
Autoignition Temperature: Not widely reported; caution suggests risk above 250°C.
Chemical Stability: Stable under cool, dry, normal indoor storage conditions.
Decomposition: At high heat, breaks down to oxides of carbon and other irritants.
Hazardous Reactions: Reacts strongly with oxidizers and strong acids or bases.
Polymerization: No significant hazardous polymerization observed.
Conditions to Avoid: Prolonged exposure to heat, open flames, or sunlight.
Acute Toxicity: Swallowing moderate amounts may cause stomach pain, nausea, or more severe distress.
Skin/Eye Irritation: Direct exposure creates local discomfort and redness.
Chronic Effects: No substantial evidence of chronic toxicity under normal circumstances.
Sensitization: Little evidence for allergic reaction, though sensitive individuals may react.
Routes of Exposure: Most common risk comes from skin contact or accidental splashes.
Aquatic Toxicity: Can disrupt aquatic ecosystems, toxicity increases for smaller or sensitive organisms.
Persistence: Likely breaks down slowly in water environments.
Bioaccumulation: Not reported as high risk, but regular spillage can build up levels in sediment.
Mobility: Remains local, does not spread far due to low water solubility.
Degradation: Expected to eventually hydrolyze to oxalic acid and amyl alcohol under natural conditions.
Method: Collect liquid waste into suitable, tightly sealed chem-waste containers.
Regulations: Classified as hazardous waste by most national authorities; must always avoid routine sewer or landfill disposal.
Precautions: Only trained personnel should perform disposal, no incineration without gas scrubbing.
Reuse/Recycle: Uncommon due to purity requirements and potential contamination risks.
UN Number: Often grouped under flammable liquids for shipping.
Transport Hazard Class: Typically labeled as Class 3, Flammable Liquids.
Packing Group: Usually III due to moderate danger.
Labeling: Marks include flame symbol, hazard warnings, and emergency measures.
Special Transport: Requires sealed, cushioned packaging to prevent breakage and leaks. Proper ventilation in transit vehicles cuts risks of fume buildup and accidental poisoning.
Workplace Regulations: Covered under many chemical handling and safety rules worldwide, including OSHA in the US and REACH in Europe.
Environmental Regulations: Disposal and spillage reporting covered by most environmental protection schemes.
Labeling Laws: All workplace containers must carry clear, compliant warning labels.
Use Restrictions: Often limited to controlled environments under supervision, especially for large-scale work.
Record Keeping: Regular inventory, documentation, and staff training help ensure compliance and protect public safety.