ICSC 1152 - METHYLAL

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METHYLAL	ICSC: 1152 (April 2017)
Dimethoxymethane Formal Formaldehyde dimethylacetal Methylene dimethylether

CAS #: 109-87-5

UN #: 1234

EC Number: 203-714-2

	ACUTE HAZARDS	PREVENTION	FIRE FIGHTING
FIRE & EXPLOSION	Highly flammable. Heating will cause rise in pressure with risk of bursting. Vapour/air mixtures are explosive. Risk of fire and explosion on contact with strong oxidizing agents or strong bases.	NO open flames, NO sparks and NO smoking. NO contact with strong oxidizing agents or strong bases. Closed system, ventilation, explosion-proof electrical equipment and lighting. Do NOT use compressed air for filling, discharging, or handling.	Use water spray, dry powder, carbon dioxide, alcohol-resistant foam. In case of fire: keep drums, etc., cool by spraying with water.


	SYMPTOMS	PREVENTION	FIRST AID
Inhalation	Cough. Dizziness. Drowsiness. Headache. Sore throat. Unconsciousness.	Use ventilation, local exhaust or breathing protection.	Fresh air, rest. Refer for medical attention.
Skin	Dry skin.	Protective gloves.	First rinse with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, then remove contaminated clothes and rinse again.
Eyes	Redness. Pain.	Wear safety spectacles.	First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then refer for medical attention.
Ingestion	Abdominal pain. Nausea. Vomiting. Further see Inhalation.	Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work.	Rinse mouth. Do NOT induce vomiting. Refer for medical attention .

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL	CLASSIFICATION & LABELLING
Consult an expert! Personal protection: filter respirator for organic vapours of low boiling point adapted to the airborne concentration of the substance. Remove all ignition sources. Cover the spilled material with sand or other non-combustible material. Collect leaking liquid in covered containers. Absorb remaining liquid in sand or inert absorbent. Then store and dispose of according to local regulations.	According to UN GHS Criteria DANGER Highly flammable liquid and vapour Causes eye irritation May cause drowsiness or dizziness Transportation UN Classification UN Hazard Class: 3; UN Pack Group: II
STORAGE
Fireproof. Separated from strong oxidants and strong bases. Cool. Keep in the dark. Well closed. Store only if stabilized. Store in an area without drain or sewer access.
PACKAGING
Airtight.

METHYLAL

ICSC: 1152

PHYSICAL & CHEMICAL INFORMATION
Physical State; Appearance VERY VOLATILE COLOURLESS LIQUID WITH CHARACTERISTIC ODOUR. Physical dangers The vapour is heavier than air and may travel along the ground; distant ignition possible. Chemical dangers The substance can presumably form explosive peroxides in contact with air. May explode on heating. Reacts vigorously with strong oxidants and strong bases. This generates fire and explosion hazard.	Formula: C₃H₈O₂ / CH₂-(OCH₃)₂ Molecular mass: 76.1 Boiling point: 42°C Melting point: -105°C Density: 0.86 g/cm³ Solubility in water, g/100ml at 20°C: 28.5 (good) Vapour pressure, kPa at 20°C: 42.6 Relative vapour density (air = 1): 2.6 Relative density of the vapour/air-mixture at 20°C (air = 1): 1.7 Flash point: -31°C c.c. Auto-ignition temperature: 235°C Explosive limits, vol% in air: 2.2 - 19.9 Octanol/water partition coefficient as log Pow: 0.18

PHYSICAL & CHEMICAL INFORMATION

Physical State; Appearance
VERY VOLATILE COLOURLESS LIQUID WITH CHARACTERISTIC ODOUR.

Physical dangers
The vapour is heavier than air and may travel along the ground; distant ignition possible.

Chemical dangers
The substance can presumably form explosive peroxides in contact with air. May explode on heating. Reacts vigorously with strong oxidants and strong bases. This generates fire and explosion hazard.

Formula: C₃H₈O₂ / CH₂-(OCH₃)₂
Molecular mass: 76.1
Boiling point: 42°C
Melting point: -105°C
Density: 0.86 g/cm³
Solubility in water, g/100ml at 20°C: 28.5 (good)
Vapour pressure, kPa at 20°C: 42.6
Relative vapour density (air = 1): 2.6
Relative density of the vapour/air-mixture at 20°C (air = 1): 1.7
Flash point: -31°C c.c.
Auto-ignition temperature: 235°C
Explosive limits, vol% in air: 2.2 - 19.9
Octanol/water partition coefficient as log Pow: 0.18

EXPOSURE & HEALTH EFFECTS
Routes of exposure The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation of its vapour. Effects of short-term exposure The substance is irritating to the eyes and respiratory tract. The substance may cause effects on the central nervous system. Exposure far above the OEL could cause unconsciousness.	Inhalation risk A harmful contamination of the air can be reached rather quickly on evaporation of this substance at 20°C. Effects of long-term or repeated exposure The substance defats the skin, which may cause dryness or cracking.

EXPOSURE & HEALTH EFFECTS

Routes of exposure
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation of its vapour.

Effects of short-term exposure
The substance is irritating to the eyes and respiratory tract. The substance may cause effects on the central nervous system. Exposure far above the OEL could cause unconsciousness.

Inhalation risk
A harmful contamination of the air can be reached rather quickly on evaporation of this substance at 20°C.

Effects of long-term or repeated exposure
The substance defats the skin, which may cause dryness or cracking.

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS
TLV: 1000 ppm as TWA. MAK: 1600 mg/m³, 500 ppm; peak limitation category: II(2); pregnancy risk group: C

ENVIRONMENT
Environmental effects of the substance have been adequately investigated, but no significant effects have been found.

NOTES
An added stabilizer or inhibitor can influence the toxicological properties of this substance, consult an expert. Check for peroxides prior to distillation; eliminate if found. Methylal is metabolized to methanol and formaldehyde and may exhibit the same toxic reactions as these compounds. See ICSCs 0057 and 0275.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

EC Classification

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