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Chemical Name: Dichloroethyl Ether
Common Names: 1,1'-Oxybis(2-chloroethane), Bis(2-chloroethyl) Ether
Usage Context: Industrial solvent, chemical intermediate, involved in synthesis of other compounds
Physical Appearance: Clear to pale yellow liquid, noticeable ether-like odor
CAS Number: 111-44-4
Acute Hazards: Toxic through inhalation, skin contact, and ingestion; vapor and liquid irritate eyes, respiratory system, and skin; high exposure may harm internal organs
Long-term Hazards: Prolonged or repeated exposure risks liver and kidney damage; carcinogenicity concerns based on animal studies
Environmental Impact: Dangerous to aquatic environments; persistent and mobile in soil and water
Warning Symbols: Skull and crossbones (acute toxicity), exclamation mark (irritation), aquatic toxicity (dead fish and tree)
Main Ingredient: Bis(2-chloroethyl) Ether (purity levels commonly above 97%)
Contaminants: May contain trace levels of related chloroethanes or residual manufacturing reagents
Formulation Context: Typically sold as an individual compound, not blended in consumer mixtures
Inhalation: Move affected person to fresh air as quickly as possible; breathing difficulty means seek medical help; don’t wait for severe symptoms
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing; wash area with soap and water for a long time; don’t scrub aggressively as it may spread irritation
Eye Contact: Rinse gently with water for up to 30 minutes; keep eyelids open to ensure full exposure to clean water
Ingestion: Don’t induce vomiting; immediately get medical advice; rinse mouth with water if conscious
Medical Attention: Seek doctors experienced in chemical exposures for all moderate to severe cases
Flammability: Flammable; vapors form explosive mixtures with air in closed spaces
Fire Hazards: Burns with a sooty, toxic smoke; releases phosgene, hydrogen chloride, and carbon monoxide as combustion byproducts
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use foam, dry chemical, or carbon dioxide; water sprays help cool containers but may spread product
Protective Gear: Firefighters benefit from self-contained breathing apparatus and chemical-resistant protective suits
Spill Management: Ventilate area thoroughly; restrict access to trained responders; eliminate ignition sources—sparks, static, flames
Containment: Use absorbent materials rated for chemical spills; prevent entry into wastewater or drainage systems
Personal Protective Equipment: Chemical-resistant gloves, goggles, impervious clothing, and certified respirators recommended
Disposal of Waste: Handle as hazardous waste; trained professionals remove and contain contaminated material to avoid further spread
Handling: Don’t handle in open or poorly ventilated areas; use fume hoods or similar ventilation wherever possible to keep inhalation risks low; keep away from heat, sparks, flames, and static electricity sources
Storage: Keep in tightly closed, corrosion-resistant containers; place in cool, dry, well-ventilated rooms specially marked for toxic and flammable chemicals; avoid storing with acids, bases, or oxidizers to cut down risk of violent reactions
Exposure Limits: Regulatory authorities set occupational exposure limits, often in the low parts-per-million range; values differ by country—review most recent worker health guidelines
Engineering Controls: Strong ventilation or enclosed work processes cut exposure for workers
Personal Protection: Nitrile or neoprene gloves, splash-proof goggles, chemical-resistant lab coats or full-body suits, and fitted respirators for vapor or aerosol exposure
Workplace Monitoring: Air monitoring programs must check for unexpected leaks or equipment failure, not just routine measurements
Physical State: Liquid at room temperature
Autonomous Odor: Ether-like, sharp
Boiling Point: Around 178°C
Melting Point: -40°C
Vapor Pressure: Moderate, so vapors develop in room air
Solubility: Slightly soluble in water; mixes easily with many organic solvents
Density: Near 1.18 to 1.20 g/cm³
Flash Point: Can ignite at temperatures between 65 and 80°C
Evaporation Rate: Higher in warm workspaces; heavier-than-air vapors collect in low areas, boosting inhalation risk
Chemical Stability: Stable in original, sealed containers when stored away from sunlight, sparks, and strong oxidizers
Reactivity: Reacts strongly with acids, alkalis; breaks down under heat or sunlight, releasing toxic gases
Polymerization: Not known to polymerize in normal use, but degradation may occur with time or improper storage
Exposure Routes: Inhalation, skin absorption, eye contact, ingestion—all paths can cause harm
Short-term Effects: Drowsiness, headaches, nausea, eye and throat irritation
Serious Risks: High doses can cause unconsciousness, organ failure, in rare cases respiratory arrest
Chronic Exposure: Long-term exposure linked to liver and kidney injury; cancer risk seen in animal research studies
Sensitivity: Repeated contact may cause skin sensitization and dermatitis in some workers
Persistence: Doesn’t break down quickly; sticks around in water and soil for weeks to months
Mobility: Can travel long distances in water or groundwater
Toxicity to Wildlife: Harmful to fish and aquatic organisms; disrupts normal growth and behavior
Bioaccumulation: May build up in living tissues, raising concerns for ecosystems exposed over time
Disposal Methods: Treat waste as hazardous; professional disposal specialists mitigate risk of leaks, environmental release, and exposure
Incineration: Approved chemical incinerators handle small quantities; produce proper scrubbing and containment to block dangerous emissions
Contaminated Packaging: Decontaminate containers or treat them as though filled with hazardous residue—never reuse for food or water
Transport Risks: Regulations dictate special labeling, sealed packaging, and segregated shipment away from other chemicals; only licensed carriers with proper training and documentation should attempt transport
International Regulations: Most countries align on categorizing this compound as hazardous—most freight companies require clear notification and paperwork before loading
Accident Prevention: Emergency response kits and spill control are required in vehicles or transport containers
Workplace Safety: Labor agencies outline strict rules on exposure, storage, and worker training for industries using this compound
Environmental Restrictions: Regulations in many jurisdictions minimize routine release into air, soil, or water; strict reporting of any significant spills applies
Chemical Inventory: Major inventories such as TSCA, REACH, and others maintain listings — tracking movement, usage, and disposal in many countries
Updates: Guidance can change quickly; responsible employers review latest versions of laws and health advisories to protect both workers and local communities
