© 2026 Sinochem Nanjing Corporation,
All Right Reserved
Chemical Name: Ethylene Carbonate
Chemical Formula: C3H4O3
Synonyms: 1,3-dioxolan-2-one
Appearance: Colorless, odorless crystals or solid
Common Uses: Lithium-ion battery electrolytes, plastic manufacturing, organic synthesis
CAS Number: 96-49-1
Signal Word: Warning
Hazards: Irritant to eyes and skin on contact. Risk of respiratory discomfort. Can cause coughing, sore throat, and dizziness if appreciable vapor is inhaled. Some evidence of mild reproductive toxicity from animal data. Not classified as a carcinogen by OSHA, IARC, or NTP. Combustible dust hazard if finely divided powder accumulates. Acutely harmful in high concentrations but rarely fatal in workplace scenarios. Negligible environmental toxicity in routine use but should not be released in concentrated spills.
Major Component: Ethylene Carbonate (C3H4O3), purity typically above 99% in technical and laboratory contexts.
Impurities: Minor traces of water, glycols, and related carbonates from synthesis routes. These seldom exceed 1% by weight.
Skin Contact: Wash area thoroughly with water and soap. Remove contaminated clothing. If irritation occurs, seek medical attention. Prolonged exposure can dry skin.
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with clean water for ten to fifteen minutes, keeping eyelids open. Remove contact lenses if present and easy to remove. Seek medical care if symptoms develop.
Inhalation: Remove to fresh air immediately. Monitor for coughing or respiratory distress. If irritation persists, obtain medical guidance.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water if conscious. Do not induce vomiting. Get prompt medical attention.
Suitable Extinguishers: Dry chemical, CO2, foam, or water spray should be used. Avoid high-velocity water streams.
Hazardous Byproducts: Burning ethylene carbonate may release carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and unidentified organic compounds.
Recommendations: Firefighters ought to wear full protective gear with self-contained breathing apparatus due to risk of fumes. Dust from spilled powder can cause flash fires in confined spaces.
Personal Protection: Wear impermeable gloves, eye protection, and, in large spills, face shield and respirator.
Spill Cleanup: Collect spilled solids with non-sparking tools and place in sealed containers for proper disposal.
Ventilation: Ensure plenty of air circulation to disperse vapors. Clean spill areas with water after solid cleanup. Avoid discharge to drains and surface water.
Storage: Store ethylene carbonate in sealed containers away from moisture and incompatible materials like strong acids or bases. Cool, dry places extend product stability and safety.
Handling: Use with appropriate ventilation. Wear gloves and eye protection when opening large containers. Spilled powder requires immediate attention to prevent dust accumulation. Avoid eating or drinking nearby to prevent accidental ingestion.
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust or general ventilation to minimize airborne dust.
Personal Protective Equipment: Nitrile gloves, chemically resistant goggles, lab coats or coveralls. Respirators needed for dusty conditions or processes generating fine mist.
Exposure Limits: No explicit OSHA or ACGIH exposure limits. Safety standards suggest minimizing prolonged exposure or direct handling.
State: Crystalline solid at room temperature
Odor: Almost none to faint sweet aroma
Melting Point: About 34–37°C
Boiling Point: Near 248°C
Solubility: Dissolves well in water and most polar organic solvents
Vapor Pressure: Negligible at ambient conditions
Flash Point: Around 143°C
Partition Coefficient: Moderate among organic compounds, which influences environmental mobility.
Stability: Stable under recommended storage conditions. Moisture can cause hydrolysis and lower product quality.
Incompatibilities: Contact with strong acids or strong bases causes rapid breakdown. Will not polymerize spontaneously.
Hazardous Decomposition: High temperatures above 200°C produce carbon oxides and volatile organic compounds.
Acute Effects: Eye and skin irritation common with exposure to dust or liquid form. Inhalation can irritate mucous membranes but typically not at dangerous levels unless in confined spaces.
Chronic Effects: Animal data suggest mild reproductive risks at high exposure but minimal cancer or mutagen risk. No long-term human studies have shown carcinogenicity.
Sensitization: Not recognized as a skin or respiratory sensitizer.
Aquatic Toxicity: Low toxicity toward fish and aquatic invertebrates at typical concentrations.
Persistence and Degradability: Breaks down slowly under exposure to water or sunlight, but does not persist for years.
Bioaccumulation: Not a significant concern due to low Kow and rapid breakdown in the environment.
Waste Disposal: Collect small and large waste in sealed containers for professional hazardous waste disposal. Follow local regulations for chemical waste. Landfilling only as permitted by local authorities. Avoid direct introduction to sewer systems or surface water.
UN Number: Not classified under most dangerous goods regulations.
Labels: None for typical shipping quantities.
Precautions: Package solid material in tightly sealed containers to prevent moisture. Transport in cool, dry conditions to maintain quality and personal safety during loading and unloading. Spillage risk stays low under normal shipping practices.
OSHA: Ethylene carbonate is not listed as a highly hazardous chemical.
SARA Title III: Does not appear as a listed extremely hazardous substance.
REACH: Registered for industrial and professional use, with no significant restrictions on production or use for most applications.
TSCA: Listed for chemical manufacture and use in the United States.
Other Local Regulations: Subject to regional reporting and handling guidelines, especially for industrial users or quantities exceeding threshold amounts.
