International Chemical Safety Cards

DIETHYL ETHER

ICSC: 0355

Ethyl ether
Ethyl oxide
Ether
C₄H₁₀O / (C₂H₅)₂O
Molecular mass: 74.1

ICSC #    0355
CAS #     60-29-7
RTECS # KI5775000
UN #        1155
EC #         603-022-00-4
March 05, 2002 Peer reviewed

TYPES OF HAZARD/ EXPOSURE	ACUTE HAZARDS/ SYMPTOMS	PREVENTION	FIRST AID/ FIRE FIGHTING
FIRE	Extremely flammable.	NO open flames, NO sparks, and NO smoking. NO contact with hot surfaces.	Alcohol-resistant foam. Powder. Carbon dioxide.
EXPLOSION	Vapour/air mixtures are explosive.	Closed system, ventilation, explosion-proof electrical equipment and lighting. Prevent build-up of electrostatic charges (e.g., by grounding). Do NOT use compressed air for filling, discharging, or handling. Use non-sparking handtools.	In case of fire: keep drums, etc., cool by spraying with water.

EXPOSURE
•INHALATION	Cough. Sore throat. Drowsiness. Vomiting. Headache. Laboured breathing. Unconsciousness.	Ventilation, local exhaust, or breathing protection.	Fresh air, rest. Artificial respiration may be needed. Refer for medical attention.
•SKIN	Dry skin.	Protective gloves.	Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse skin with plenty of water or shower.
•EYES	Redness. Pain.	Safety goggles.	First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then take to a doctor.
•INGESTION	Dizziness. Drowsiness. Vomiting.	Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work.	Rinse mouth. Do NOT induce vomiting. Give plenty of water to drink. Refer for medical attention.

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL

STORAGE

PACKAGING & LABELLING

Evacuate danger area! Consult an expert! Remove all ignition sources. Collect leaking liquid in sealable containers. Absorb remaining liquid in sand or inert absorbent and remove to safe place. Personal protection: filter respirator for organic gases and vapours.

Fireproof. Separated from strong oxidants. See Chemical Dangers. Cool. Keep in the dark. Store only if stabilized.

Airtight.
Note: 6
F+ symbol
Xn symbol
R: 12-19-22-66-67
S: 2-9-16-29-33
UN Hazard Class: 3
UN Packing Group: I

SEE IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON BACK

ICSC: 0355

Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International Programme on Chemical Safety & the Commission of the European Communities (C) IPCS CEC 1994. No modifications to the International version have been made except to add the OSHA PELs, NIOSH RELs and NIOSH IDLH values.

International Chemical Safety Cards

DIETHYL ETHER

ICSC: 0355

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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. As a result of flow, agitation, etc., electrostatic charges can be generated.

CHEMICAL DANGERS:
The substance can form explosive peroxides under the influence of light and air. Reacts violently with halogens , interhalogens, sulfur compounds and oxidants causing fire and explosion hazard. Attacks plastic andrubber.

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS:
TLV: 400 ppm as TWA; 500 ppm as STEL; (ACGIH 2001).
EU OEL: 100 ppm (TWA); 200 ppm (STEL).
OSHA PEL: TWA 400 ppm (1200 mg/m³)
NIOSH REL: See Appendix D
NIOSH IDLH: 1900 ppm LEL

ROUTES OF EXPOSURE:
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation of its vapour and by ingestion.

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

EFFECTS OF SHORT-TERM EXPOSURE:
The substance is irritating to the eyes and the respiratory tract . If this liquid is swallowed, aspiration into the lungs may result in chemical pneumonitis. The substance may cause effects on the central nervous system , resulting in narcosis.

EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM OR REPEATED EXPOSURE:
The liquid defats the skin. The substance may have effects on the central nervous system . Caution, may cause addiction.

PHYSICAL
PROPERTIES

Boiling point: 35°C
Melting point: -116°C
Relative density (water = 1): 0.7
Solubility in water, g/100 ml at 20°C: 6.9
Vapour pressure, kPa at 20°C: 58.6
Relative vapour density (air = 1): 2.6

Relative density of the vapour/air-mixture at 20°C (air = 1): 1.9
Flash point: -45°C c.c.
Auto-ignition temperature: 160-180°C
Explosive limits, vol% in air: 1.7-48
Octanol/water partition coefficient as log Pow: 0.89

ENVIRONMENTAL
DATA

N O T E S

Use of alcoholic beverages enhances the harmful effect. Check for peroxides prior to distillation; eliminate if found. Card has been partly updated in October 2004. See sections Occupational Exposure Limits, EU classification, Emergency Response.

Transport Emergency Card: TEC (R)-30S1155

NFPA Code: H 1; F 4; R 1;

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

ICSC: 0355	DIETHYL ETHER
(C) IPCS, CEC, 1994

IMPORTANT LEGAL NOTICE:

Neither NIOSH, the CEC or the IPCS nor any person acting on behalf of NIOSH, the CEC or the IPCS is responsible for the use which might be made of this information. This card contains the collective views of the IPCS Peer Review Committee and may not reflect in all cases all the detailed requirements included in national legislation on the subject. The user should verify compliance of the cards with the relevant legislation in the country of use. The only modifications made to produce the U.S. version is inclusion of the OSHA PELs, NIOSH RELs and NIOSH IDLH values.