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Chemical Name: N-Butyl Ether
Synonyms: Dibutyl Ether, Butyl Ether
Chemical Formula: C8H18O
CAS Number: 142-96-1
Appearance: This chemical generally turns up as a colorless liquid with a mild, pleasant odor.
Common Use: Often ends up in solvents, manufacturing, or as a reagent in labs.
Classification: Flammable liquid, Health hazard
Hazard Statements: Gives off vapors that float along surfaces and can spark fires. Inhaling or getting vapor or liquid on your skin can cause irritation or drowsiness. Poisoning risks can stack up with repeated exposure.
Pictograms: Usually comes with flammable and health hazard symbols.
Signal Word: Danger
Main Component: N-Butyl Ether, typically at purity levels above 99%.
Impurities: May contain traces of related ethers if not highly purified, but nothing else in significant quantity.
Eye Contact: Rinse eyes with plenty of water, remove any contacts, and keep rinsing. Head to a doctor if irritation sticks around.
Skin Contact: Wash skin under running water for several minutes. Remove contaminated clothes. Soap helps.
Inhalation: Move outdoors and find fresh air quickly. Support breathing with artificial respiration if required. See a doctor for dizziness or trouble breathing.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, don’t make anyone vomit. Medical help for any symptoms like nausea, drowsiness, or breathing difficulty.
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Alcohol foam, dry chemical, carbon dioxide.
Unsuitable Media: Water streams tend to spread the hazard.
Hazards from Combustion: Releases carbon monoxide and other toxic vapors when burning.
Protective Equipment: Firefighters grab self-contained breathing gear and chemical-resistant clothes.
Personal Precautions: Keep away from sparks, flames, and shut all sources of ignition.
Environmental Precautions: Stop the stuff from sliding into drains or waterways.
Cleanup Methods: Absorb with sand, vermiculite, or similar materials. Scoop up and seal in labeled containers. Ventilate the space.
Handling: Use outdoors or in well-ventilated spaces. Keep away from heat and sparks. Stop static discharge with proper grounding.
Storage: Store in cool, dry, and tightly closed containers. Keep away from acids and oxidizers. Protect from direct sunlight.
Exposure Limits: No official occupational limits in many countries, but minimize vapors and use with proper precautions.
Engineering Controls: Local exhaust and general ventilation help keep air clean.
Protective Equipment: Chemical goggles, gloves (nitrile or similar), flame-resistant clothing, and approved respirators if vapor builds up.
Boiling Point: Around 141°C
Melting Point: Below zero, stays liquid at room temperature
Flash Point: Roughly 35°C (closed cup)
Vapor Pressure: Moderate at room temperature
Solubility: Poor in water, good in alcohols and other organic solvents
Odor Threshold: Detectable at low concentrations.
Appearance: Clear, colorless, distinct ether smell.
Other: Less dense than water, floats on top.
Chemical Stability: Stable in sealed containers under normal conditions.
Incompatible Materials: Strong acids, oxidizers, and halogens start reactions that may cause fires.
Hazardous Products of Decomposition: Burns produce carbon monoxide and other harmful gases.
Likely Routes of Exposure: Breathing vapor, skin and eye contact.
Acute Effects: Dizziness, headache, skin irritation, eye redness or watering.
Chronic Effects: Prolonged exposure means possible nervous system effects, trouble concentrating, mood changes.
Other Effects: Not known as a major carcinogen, but no one can promise zero risk with long-term heavy exposure.
Fate in Environment: Tends to evaporate if spilled onto surfaces, but it breaks down in the air.
Aquatic Impact: Toxic to aquatic life if released in concentration.
Persistence: Not seen as persistent in soil or water.
Bioaccumulation: Unlikely in fish and plant life based on available studies.
Recommended Methods: Incinerate in a facility with air pollution controls. Avoid pouring down drains or ordinary trash.
Container Disposal: Clean containers and remove vapor before final disposal.
Precautions: Local regulations often require specific handling, so follow official guidance.
Proper Shipping Name: N-Butyl Ether
Hazard Class: Flammable liquid
Packing Group: III (for less dangerous flammable liquids)
Labeling: Flammable liquid symbol on all shipping containers.
Precautions: Secure upright, avoid shipping with oxidizers or acids, and shield from ignition sources.
Restrictions: Certain regions set limits on atmospheric emissions.
Worker Protections: Safety notices required in most industrial settings.
Reporting Thresholds: Report spills above a certain quantity under hazardous substance regulations.
Other Regulations: Many agencies set policies for storage and handling, so always check local, state, and federal rules before moving or discarding it.
