Chemical Name: Diethylene Glycol Dimethyl Ether
Synonyms: Diglyme, Bis(2-methoxyethyl) ether
Chemical Formula: C6H14O3
CAS Number: 111-96-6
Physical Appearance: Colorless, clear liquid with an ether-like odor
Common Uses: Solvent for chemical reactions, electrolyte in batteries, specialized cleaner in industrial manufacturing
Classification: Flammable liquid, health hazard, possible eye and respiratory irritant
Physical Hazards: Moderate fire risk especially near open flames or heat sources; vapors can travel and ignite
Acute Health Hazards: Inhalation can cause headache, dizziness, respiratory tract irritation; skin contact may result in dryness or slight irritation; eye contact brings discomfort and watering
Chronic Health Hazards: Repeated exposure has caused liver and kidney effects in lab studies; reproductive toxicity evidence from animal research
Environmental Impact: Contamination risk in aquatic and soil environments due to poor biodegradability
Component: Diethylene Glycol Dimethyl Ether
Purity: Typically above 99% in laboratory and industrial use
Impurities: Trace levels of other glycol ethers depending on source and handling
Inhalation: Move affected person into fresh air without hesitation; keep them still and comfortable; consult medical attention if symptoms persist or worsen
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing and wash exposed skin with plenty of soap and water; avoid vigorous scrubbing which could irritate further
Eye Contact: Rinse the eye gently but thoroughly with running water; lifting upper and lower eyelids for thoroughness; consult a physician if pain or blurring persists
Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting; rinse mouth and drink a moderate amount of water; seek immediate medical advice and describe exposure details
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Dry chemical powder, foam, carbon dioxide; use water spray only to cool containers, not for extinguishing flames directly
Hazardous Combustion Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, formaldehyde vapors, and other toxic fumes
Firefighter Guidance: Full protective gear including breathing apparatus; evacuate personnel from immediate area to avoid inhalation; cool intact drums and containers exposed to fire to prevent explosion
Personal Precautions: Use chemical-resistant gloves, goggles, and suitable clothing; ensure adequate ventilation
Environmental Precautions: Prevent area runoff into drains, water systems, or soil; contain spillage as soon as noticed
Clean-Up Methods: Absorb soil or spill with inert material like sand or vermiculite; collect in suitable containers for safe disposal; avoid methods that generate excessive vapor or spray
Safe Handling: Use only in areas with good ventilation; avoid breathing vapors by keeping face away from open containers; keep away from sources of ignition including static electricity
Storage Requirements: Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place; segregate from acids, oxidizers, and strong acids; label storage clearly to help avoid accidental misuse
Engineering Controls: Fume hoods or effective general ventilation to limit vapor buildup; well-designed processes to limit unnecessary exposure
Personal Protective Equipment: Chemical safety goggles, gloves resistant to solvents (nitrile preferred), flame-resistant clothing for workers regularly exposed, and respiratory protection if vapor risk is significant
Occupational Exposure Limits: Refer to established guidelines like ACGIH TLV or OSHA PEL, though no universal limit covers every setting
Boiling Point: Around 162°C
Melting Point: Below −64°C
Vapor Pressure: Moderately low, can generate vapors in confined settings
Solubility: Miscible with water and most organic solvents
Density: Approximately 0.945 g/cm³
Odor Threshold: Slightly sweet and ether-like
Flash Point: Near 39°C, so open flames and sparks present a measurable ignition risk
Viscosity: Low, flows easily and spreads quickly
Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage and use conditions
Hazardous Reactions: Vigorous reaction risk with strong oxidizers; decomposes when heated, especially without ventilation
Decomposition Products: Releases hazardous vapors such as formaldehyde, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide under fire or intense heat conditions
Polymerization: Not known to self-polymerize or undergo violent change without strong chemical triggers
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin contact, eye exposure, ingestion
Short-Term Effects: Headache, dizziness, mild to moderate irritation of skin and eyes; nausea possible if inhaled in large amounts
Long-Term Effects: Repeated exposure linked to kidney and liver changes in animal studies; reproductive risks noted in research, especially high or repeated doses
Sensitization: No strong evidence for allergic sensitization in routine use, but irritation increases with repeated direct contact
Persistence: Tends to remain in water and soil for long periods if not actively broken down
Bioaccumulation: Low, though breakdown products may pose greater risks
Aquatic Toxicity: Can be moderately toxic to aquatic organisms; fish and invertebrates stressed by significant releases
Mobility: Moves easily in soil and water, spills travel quickly without barriers, so prompt response is important
Disposal Methods: Incinerate in authorized chemical waste facilities where feasible; do not pour into municipal sewers or general waste streams
Container Disposal: Empty containers, once rinsed appropriately, may still pose risk, so treat as chemical waste; avoid reuse for unrelated materials
Legal Compliance: Follow all regional controls regarding hazardous chemical disposal to minimize risks to handlers, landfill workers, and surrounding communities
Shipping Classification: Flammable liquid category by road, rail, and air
Packing Group: Typically Group III depending on exact concentration and shipment size
Special Precautions: Use of spark-proof tools, secure containers, clear hazard labels, and tightly sealed packages is standard; adjust carrier protocols for routes near schools or waterways
Hazard Status: Legal controls triggered for flammable liquids; subject to workplace exposure and environmental protection regulations
Reporting Requirements: Larger users need to update community authorities about storage and potential accidental releases; emergency plans expected at scale
Workplace Labelling: Keep all secondary and transfer containers clearly labeled to avoid mix-ups and accidental exposures during process changes or cleaning