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Chemical name: Tripropylene Glycol Methyl Ether
Common uses: TPM often steps up in coatings, cleaners, and certain inks, where its low odor and slow evaporation matter.
Physical state: Liquid
Color: Clear to faintly yellow
Odor: Slight, sweet
Synonyms: TPM, 1-Methoxy-2-(2-methoxypropoxy)propane
CAS number: 25498-49-1
GHS Classification: Eye irritation (Category 2A), not a highly acute toxicant
Health risks: TPM can sting the eyes, lead to minor respiratory discomfort, and dry out skin.
Label elements: Warning pictogram for eye irritation
Potential routes of exposure: Inhalation, skin contact, ingestion, eye contact
Hazard statements: Causes serious eye irritation.
Chemical identity: Single component
Purity: Generally above 98% in industrial applications
Impurities: Low levels of dipropylene glycol ethers may be present
Major constituent: Tripropylene glycol methyl ether
Inhalation: Bring the exposed person to fresh air. Breathing fresh air usually resolves mild symptoms.
Skin contact: Wash with plenty of soap and water. Remove contaminated clothing. Pay attention to prolonged or repeated exposure, as skin may dry or crack.
Eye contact: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Lift eyelids to make sure the entire surface is washed. If irritation lingers, medical advice helps.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth. Never induce vomiting without guidance. Small, incidental swallowings are not likely to cause harm, but larger amounts should have a doctor’s review.
Suitable extinguishing media: Use water spray, foam, dry powder, or carbon dioxide
Special hazards: Vapors can form mixtures with air that burn. Fires give off carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and other organic vapors.
Protective equipment: Firefighters wear self-contained breathing apparatus.
Hazardous combustion products: Gives off toxic vapors if burned; don’t stay in unventilated spaces during or after a fire.
Personal precautions: Stay upwind if possible, minimize breathing vapors, and avoid eye or skin contact. People working the spill need chemical-resistant gloves and eye protection.
Containment: Dike with inert material such as sand. Prevent run-off into drains or waterways.
Clean-up methods: Use absorbent materials, gather residue, and place into a tightly sealed container.
Disposal: Never dump into the drain or natural water system.
Handling: TPM doesn’t need exotic equipment. Use in well-ventilated areas. Avoid splashes, spills, and vapor buildup. Keep containers tightly closed when not in use.
Storage: Store away from strong bases, acids, and oxidizers. Keep out of sunlight and away from heat. TPM lasts longer in steel or HDPE drums than in basic plastic pails that might soften.
Hygiene: Wash thoroughly after handling. Gloves and goggles work better than just hoping nothing will spill.
Exposure limits: Most regulatory bodies do not assign an occupational exposure limit for TPM; ventilation is still good sense.
Engineering controls: Local exhaust or dilution ventilation cuts down on vapor inhalation.
Personal protection: Nitrile or neoprene gloves, chemical splash goggles, clean work clothing.
Respiratory protection: Use organic vapor cartridges in poorly ventilated spaces.
Appearance: Clear, slightly viscous liquid
Odor threshold: Low, not always reliably detected
PH: Neutral
Melting point: Below -50°C
Boiling point: Around 250°C
Flash point: Above 100°C (typically near 120°C)
Evaporation rate: Slower than water or alcohols
Vapor pressure: Low at room temperature
Solubility: Miscible with water and many organic solvents
Viscosity: Noticeably thicker than water
Specific gravity: About 0.95 to 0.97
Stability: TPM holds up under normal storage and handling, doesn’t break down quickly.
Incompatible materials: Avoid strong oxidizers, acids, and bases.
Hazardous decomposition: Burns or extreme heat kick out carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and possibly small organic fragments.
Polymerization: Does not occur.
Likely routes of exposure: Eyes, skin, inhalation, ingestion
Acute toxicity: TPM doesn’t top the charts for toxicity, but it can irritate eyes and skin.
Skin effects: Repeated or longtime skin contact leads to dryness, chapping, and minor inflammation.
Eye effects: Strong irritation if splashed, but not blinded.
Inhalation effects: High concentrations can cloud thinking, cause minor respiratory symptoms.
Chronic effects: Evidence suggests TPM has low chronic toxicity if handled properly.
Aquatic toxicity: Not highly toxic to aquatic organisms, but avoid discharging large amounts.
Persistence: Breaks down in the environment over time.
Bioaccumulation: Unlikely to build up in animal tissues.
Waste disposal: Take to a licensed facility. Don’t pour TPM or residues down the drain or dump outside.
Contaminated packaging: Rinse before disposal if allowed. Treat like hazardous waste containers unless fully cleaned.
Recycling: Certain facilities capture and purify waste TPM for re-use.
UN Number: Not classified as a dangerous good by most major shipping regulations.
Proper shipping name: Tripropylene Glycol Methyl Ether
Hazard class: Not regulated under US DOT, IATA, IMDG for most concentrations
Packing group: Not assigned
Special transport notes: Keep containers sealed and upright. Protect from extreme heat and cold during shipping.
OSHA status: TPM generally does not fall under highly hazardous chemical rules, but requires SDS communication.
EPCRA status: Not a reportable substance.
TSCA status: TPM is usually listed on domestic chemical inventory lists.
Worker protection: Follow standard chemical hygiene guidelines, including labeling, risk communication, and training.
