ICSC 1164 - METHYL TERT-BUTYL ETHER

« back to the search result list

METHYL TERT-BUTYL ETHER	ICSC: 1164 (November 2000)
tert-Butyl methyl ether MTBE Methyl-1,1-dimethylethyl ether 2-Methoxy-2-methyl propane

CAS #: 1634-04-4

UN #: 2398

EC Number: 216-653-1

	ACUTE HAZARDS	PREVENTION	FIRE FIGHTING
FIRE & EXPLOSION	Highly flammable. Vapour/air mixtures are explosive.	NO open flames, NO sparks and NO smoking. NO contact with oxidizing agents. Closed system, ventilation, explosion-proof electrical equipment and lighting. Do NOT use compressed air for filling, discharging, or handling.	Use powder, AFFF, foam, carbon dioxide. In case of fire: keep drums, etc., cool by spraying with water.


	SYMPTOMS	PREVENTION	FIRST AID
Inhalation	Drowsiness. Dizziness. Headache. Weakness. Unconsciousness.	Use ventilation, local exhaust or breathing protection.	Fresh air, rest. Artificial respiration may be needed. Refer for medical attention.
Skin	Dry skin. Redness.	Protective gloves.	Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse and then wash skin with water and soap.
Eyes	Redness.	Wear safety goggles or face shield.	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. Give a slurry of activated charcoal in water to drink. Do NOT induce vomiting. Refer for medical attention .

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL	CLASSIFICATION & LABELLING
Personal protection: filter respirator for organic gases and vapours adapted to the airborne concentration of the substance. Remove all ignition sources. Collect leaking and spilled liquid in sealable containers as far as possible. Absorb remaining liquid in sand or inert absorbent. Then store and dispose of according to local regulations. Do NOT wash away into sewer.	According to UN GHS Criteria Transportation UN Classification UN Hazard Class: 3; UN Pack Group: II
STORAGE
Fireproof. Separated from strong oxidants and strong acids.
PACKAGING

METHYL TERT-BUTYL ETHER

ICSC: 1164

PHYSICAL & CHEMICAL INFORMATION
Physical State; Appearance COLOURLESS LIQUID WITH CHARACTERISTIC ODOUR. Physical dangers The vapour is heavier than air and may travel along the ground; distant ignition possible. Chemical dangers Reacts violently with strong oxidants. This generates fire hazard. Decomposes on contact with acids.	Formula: (CH₃)₃COCH₃ / C₅H₁₂O Molecular mass: 88.2 Boiling point: 55°C Melting point: -109°C Relative density (water = 1): 0.7 Solubility in water, g/100ml at 20°C: 4.2 Vapour pressure, kPa at 20°C: 27 Relative vapour density (air = 1): 3.0 Relative density of the vapour/air-mixture at 20°C (air = 1): 1.5 Flash point: -28°C c.c. Auto-ignition temperature: 375°C Explosive limits, vol% in air: 1.6-15.1 Octanol/water partition coefficient as log Pow: 1.06

PHYSICAL & CHEMICAL INFORMATION

Physical State; Appearance
COLOURLESS LIQUID WITH CHARACTERISTIC ODOUR.

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

Chemical dangers
Reacts violently with strong oxidants. This generates fire hazard. Decomposes on contact with acids.

Formula: (CH₃)₃COCH₃ / C₅H₁₂O
Molecular mass: 88.2
Boiling point: 55°C
Melting point: -109°C
Relative density (water = 1): 0.7
Solubility in water, g/100ml at 20°C: 4.2
Vapour pressure, kPa at 20°C: 27
Relative vapour density (air = 1): 3.0
Relative density of the vapour/air-mixture at 20°C (air = 1): 1.5
Flash point: -28°C c.c.
Auto-ignition temperature: 375°C
Explosive limits, vol% in air: 1.6-15.1
Octanol/water partition coefficient as log Pow: 1.06

EXPOSURE & HEALTH EFFECTS
Routes of exposure The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation and by ingestion. Effects of short-term exposure The substance is irritating to the skin. If this liquid is swallowed, aspiration into the lungs may result in chemical pneumonitis. Exposure far above the OEL could cause lowering of consciousness.	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

EXPOSURE & HEALTH EFFECTS

Routes of exposure
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation and by ingestion.

Effects of short-term exposure
The substance is irritating to the skin. If this liquid is swallowed, aspiration into the lungs may result in chemical pneumonitis. Exposure far above the OEL could cause lowering of consciousness.

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

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS
TLV: 50 ppm as TWA; A3 (confirmed animal carcinogen with unknown relevance to humans). MAK: 180 mg/m³, 50 ppm; carcinogen category: 3; pregnancy risk group: C. EU-OEL: 183.5 mg/m³, 50 ppm as TWA; 367 mg/m³, 100 ppm as STEL

ENVIRONMENT
It is strongly advised not to let the chemical enter into the environment because it is persistent.

NOTES
Much less likely to form peroxides than other ethers.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

EC Classification
Symbol: F, Xi; R: 11-38; S: (2)-9-16-24

All rights reserved. The published material is being distributed without warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied. Neither ILO nor WHO nor the European Commission shall be responsible for the interpretation and use of the information contained in this material.