Dichlorodimethyl ether, symmetrical

  • bis(Chloromethyl) ether
  • oxybis[Chloromethane]
  • BCME
  • Sym-dichloromethyl ether
  • 1,1'-Dichlorodimethyl ether
  • Chloromethyl ether
Formula (CH2Cl)2O
Structure
Description A colorless volatile liquid with a chloroform-like odor.
Uses As lab reagent, intermediate for ion-exchange resins.

Registry Numbers and Inventories.
CAS 542-88-1
EC (EINECS/ELINCS) 208-832-8
EC Index Number 603-046-00-5
EC Class Flammable; Carcinogenic Category 1; Very toxic; Toxic; Harmful
RTECS KN1575000
RTECS class Tumorigen; Mutagen; Human Data
UN (DOT) 2249
Merck 12,3119
Beilstein/Gmelin 1679223
Beilstein Reference 4-01-00-03051
RCRA P016
Swiss Giftliste 1 G-5473
Canada DSL/NDSL DSL
US TSCA Listed
New Zealand Listed

Properties.
Formula C2H4Cl2O
Formula mass 114.96
Melting point, °C -41.5
Boiling point, °C 104
Vapor pressure, mmHg 29 (25 C)
Vapor density (air=1) 4
Density 1.328 g/cm3 (15 C)
Solubility in water Decomposes
Viscosity 0.98 cp (25 C)
Surface tension 33.05 g/s2 (25 C)
Refractive index 1.4427 (20 C)
Partition coefficient, pKow 1.24
Heat of vaporization 33.1 kJ/mol

Hazards and Protection.
Storage Keep in a cool, dry, dark location in a tightly sealed container or cylinder. Keep away from incompatible materials, ignition sources and untrained individuals. Secure and label area. Protect containers/cylinders from physical damage.
Handling All chemicals should be considered hazardous. Avoid direct physical contact. Use appropriate, approved safety equipment. Untrained individuals should not handle this chemical or its container. Handling should occur in a chemical fume hood.
Protection Wear appropriate protective gloves, clothing and goggles.
Respirators Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).
Small spills/leaks Keep sparks, flames, and other sources of ignition away. Keep material out of water sources and sewers. Build dikes to contain flow as necessary. Attempt to stop leak if without undue personnel hazard. Use water spray to knock-down vapors.
Stability Unstable in moist air bis(chloromethyl) ether hydrolyzes very rapidly (half-life 10 to 40 seconds) on contact with water.
Incompatibilities Incompatible with the following: Acids, water Reacts with water to form hydrochloric acid & formaldehyde.].
Decomposition Decomposed by water to hydrochloric acid and formaldehyde when heated to decomposition bis(chloromethyl) ether emits very toxic hydrogen chloride fumes.

Fire.
Flash Point,°C 35
Upper exp. limit, % 21.9
Lower exp. limit, % 6.5
Fire fighting Move container from fire area if you can do so without risk. Fight fire from maximum distance. Dike fire control water for later disposal; do not scatter the material.Small fires: dry chemical, carbon dioxide, water spray, or foam. Large fires: water spray, fog, or foam.
Fire potential Common ethers such as ethyl and methyl are particularly dangerous fire hazards. The common ones are easily ignited and have low flash points.
Hazards Container may explode in heat of fire. When heated to decomposition, it emits very toxic fumes of chlorides. Decomposed by water to hydrochloric acid and formaldehyde. Avoid water: hydrolyzes very rapidly (half life 10-40 seconds) on contact with water. Avoid decomposing heat, powerful oxidizers, areas of high fire hazard and moist air.
Combustion products Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases.
NFPA Health 4
  Flammability 3  
  Reactivity 1  

Health.
Exposure limit(s) TLV (as as TWA): 0.001 ppm; 0.0047 mg/m3 A1: confirmed Human Carcinogen (ACGIH 1992-1993). OSHA PEL: 1910.1008 See Appendix B NIOSH REL: Ca See Appendix A NIOSH IDLH: Potential occupational carcinogen
Carcinogin O, G-A1, I-1, N-1, CP65
Poison_Class 1*
Exposure effects
   Ingestion Abdominal cramps, sore throat and vomiting. See inhalation.
   Inhalation Chronic bronchitis with chronic productive cough and dyspnea have been seen with chronic inhalation exposure.
   Skin Redness and burning sensation.
   Eyes Redness, pain and blurred vision.

First aid
 
   Ingestion Seek medical assistance.
   Inhalation Move victim to fresh air. Apply artificial respiration if victim is not breathing. Do not use mouth-to-mouth method if victim ingested or inhaled the substance; induce artificial respiration with the aid of a pocket mask equipped with a one-way valve or other proper respiratory medical device. Administer oxygen if breathing is difficult.
   Skin Remove contaminated clothing and wash exposed area thoroughly with soap and water. A physician should examine the area if irritation or pain persists.
   Eyes Irrigate exposed eyes with copious amounts of tepid water for at least 15 minutes. If irritation, pain, swelling, lacrimation, or photophobia persist, the patient should be seen in a health care facility.

Transport.
UN number 2249
Response guide 153
Hazard class 6.1
Packing Group I  
USCG CHRIS Code CLE  
Std. Transport # 4921011