Product Name: Dimethyl Oxalate
CAS Number: 553-90-2
Chemical Formula: C4H6O4
Synonyms: Oxalic acid dimethyl ester
Recommended Use: Chemical intermediate, solvent, pharmaceutical production
Supplier Details: Name, address, phone number of manufacturer or distributor
Emergency Contact: Phone numbers for medical and chemical emergencies
Classification: Acute toxicity (oral, inhalation, dermal), Eye irritation, Skin irritation
Signal Word: Danger
Hazard Statements: Harmful if swallowed, inhaled, or in contact with skin; causes skin and eye irritation
Pictograms: Exclamation mark, Health hazard symbol
Precautionary Statements: Avoid breathing dust or vapor; wash skin thoroughly after handling; wear protective gloves, clothing, and eye protection
Routes of Exposure: Eyes, skin, respiratory tract, digestive tract
Target Organs: Eyes, skin, respiratory system
Chemical Name: Dimethyl Oxalate
Purity: ≥ 99%
Impurities: Trace contamination with methyl alcohol, water, oxalic acid possible
Ingredient List: Dimethyl oxalate, no significant additives or stabilizers reported
Inhalation: Move person to fresh air, support breathing as needed, seek medical advice if symptoms persist
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothes, wash skin with plenty of soap and water, medical attention for irritation or persistent symptoms
Eye Contact: Rinse with running water for at least 15 minutes while holding eyelids open, seek medical help
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, do not induce vomiting, seek medical attention immediately
Most Important Symptoms: Burning of mucous membranes, red or irritated skin, cough, headache, nausea, respiratory discomfort
Notes to Physician: Treat symptomatically, monitor for respiratory or metabolic acidosis
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Dry chemical powder, carbon dioxide, foam; water spray for cooling containers
Hazardous Combustion Products: Emits carbon oxides (CO, CO2), possibly irritating fumes when decomposed
Special Protective Equipment: Firefighters should use self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective clothing
Explosion Data: Dust-air mixtures may present explosion hazard
Fire/Explosion Hazards: Can form flammable vapor-air mixtures if heated substantially
Personal Precautions: Evacuate area, ventilate, wear appropriate protective equipment—avoid direct contact and inhalation
Environmental Precautions: Prevent spilled material from entering drains, runoff, or soil
Methods for Containment: Absorb on inert material such as sand or vermiculite, collect in suitable containers
Methods for Cleaning Up: Sweep up with non-sparking tools, place in chemical waste container, flush area with water if appropriate
Notification Procedures: Inform authorities if large spill threatens waterway or soil
General Handling: Use only in well-ventilated areas, avoid exposure to vapors or dust, handle with gloves and safety goggles
Precautions: Handle away from sources of ignition, keep containers tightly closed, avoid contact with skin and eyes
Storage Requirements: Store in cool, dry, ventilated place, keep away from oxidizing agents, acids, and bases
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizers, strong bases, acids
Specific Use: Maintain proper chemical hygiene, minimize spill risk during transfer or use
Occupational Exposure Limits: No specific OSHA, ACGIH, or NIOSH exposure limit; handle under general chemical exposure standards
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust ventilation, keep levels below recommended thresholds
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Chemical-resistant gloves, lab coat, splash-resistant goggles, respirator for dust or vapor exposure
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands before breaks, after handling, remove contaminated clothing promptly
Environmental Controls: Use containment to prevent environmental release, provide eyewash stations in work areas
Appearance: White crystalline solid
Odor: Faint, ester-like odor
Molecular Weight: 118.09 g/mol
Melting Point: 52-54 °C
Boiling Point: 163-165 °C (decomposes above boiling point)
Solubility: Soluble in alcohol, ether; low solubility in water
Density: 1.145 g/cm³
Vapor Pressure: Low at ambient temperature
Viscosity: Not applicable (solid at room temp)
pH: Data not available
Flammability: May form combustible dust clouds, limited flammability in bulk solid form
Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended handling conditions
Thermal Decomposition: Heating releases methanol and CO/CO2 gases
Reactivity: Reacts with strong oxidizers, alkalis, and acids
Hazardous Reactions: Violent reaction possible with concentrated nitric acid or strong bases
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, methyl alcohol
Conditions to Avoid: High temperatures, sources of ignition, exposure to moisture or acids
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, ingestion, skin/eye contact
Acute Toxicity: Oral LD50 (rat): 700 mg/kg; can cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain on ingestion
Chronic Effects: Data limited, may disrupt metabolic processes after prolonged exposure
Skin/Eye Irritation: Causes irritation on contact
Respiratory Effects: Inhalation may irritate respiratory system, cause coughing or soreness
Carcinogenicity: Not classified as carcinogenic by NTP, IARC, OSHA
Sensitization: Not expected to create allergic reaction, though skin irritation possible
Other Data: No known reproductive or developmental toxicity in available literature
Ecotoxicity: Harmful to aquatic life in concentrated form; limited biodegradation may impact waterways
Mobility: Moderate soil mobility, risk of groundwater contamination after large spill
Persistence and Degradability: Susceptible to hydrolysis, moderate degradation under natural conditions
Bioaccumulation: Low, due to hydrolysis and biodegradation
Other Environmental Considerations: Avoid uncontrolled release, report significant spills to local authorities
Waste Treatment Methods: Dispose in accordance with federal, state, and local regulations
Container Disposal: Rinse thoroughly, treat as hazardous empty, recycle where possible
Disposal Precautions: Do not dump into sewers, drains, or bodies of water
Special Instructions: Consult with licensed waste disposal contractor for proper methods
UN Number: 2526
UN Proper Shipping Name: Dimethyl oxalate
Transport Hazard Class: 6.1 (Toxic substance)
Packing Group: III
Labels Required: Toxic, handle with care
Special Precautions: Keep containers tightly sealed, handle using chemical transport guidelines
US Regulations: Not listed as hazardous under CERCLA, SARA Title III; may be covered under TSCA
EU Regulations: Classified according to Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 (CLP), must observe REACH provisions
Other Country Regulations: Refer to national and local chemical safety standards
Restrictions: Subject to workplace chemical handling limits, specific use or storage may require license
Labelling Requirements: Comply with GHS, provide hazard and precautionary statements on label