Chemical Properties
colourless liquid
General Description
Colorless to pale yellow liquid with a strong, slightly unpleasant odor. Flash point approximately 164°F. Denser than water. Vapors are heavier than air. Vapors may irritate the nose, throat and respiratory tract. Ingestion or inhalation may cause central nervous system depression. Liquid contact may severely irritate the eyes and skin. Prolonged contact with the skin may cause defatting and drying.
Reactivity Profile
N-BUTYL GLYCIDYL ETHER(2426-08-6), an ether, can act as a base. They form salts with strong acids and addition complexes with Lewis acids. The complex between diethyl ether and boron trifluoride is an example. Ethers may react violently with strong oxidizing agents. In other reactions, which typically involve the breaking of the carbon-oxygen bond, ethers are relatively inert.
Air & Water Reactions
Highly flammable. This chemical may be sensitive to prolonged exposure to air, may form explosive peroxide in contact with air.
Hazard
A mild skin and eye irritant. Sensitization
and reproduction effects.
Health Hazard
Exposure can cause mild irritation of skin, eyes, nose, and respiratory tract. Chronic exposure may cause inflammation and sensitization of the skin.
Potential Exposure
NIOSH has estimated human exposures @ 18,000. Used as reactive diluent for epoxy resins,
flooring, laminating, and electrical; and as a stabilizer,
viscosity-reducing agent, as acid acceptor for solvents; and
as a chemical intermediate
First aid
If this chemical gets into the eyes, remove any
contact lenses at once and irrigate immediately for at least
15 minutes, occasionally lifting upper and lower lids. Seek
medical attention immediately. If this chemical contacts the
skin, remove contaminated clothing and wash immediately
with soap and water. Seek medical attention immediately.
If this chemical has been inhaled, remove from exposure,
begin rescue breathing (using universal precautions, including resuscitation mask) if breathing has stopped and CPR if
heart action has stopped. Transfer promptly to a medical
facility. When this chemical has been swallowed, get medical attention. Give large quantities of water and induce
vomiting. Do not make an unconscious person vomit
Shipping
UN1993 Flammable liquids, n.o.s., Hazard
Class: 3; Labels: 3—Flammable liquid, Technical Name
Required
Incompatibilities
May form explosive mixture with air.
Air and light form unstable and explosive peroxides.
Contact with strong oxidizers may cause fire and explosions. Contact with strong caustics may cause polymerization. Attacks some plastics and rubber
Description
n-Butyl glycidyl ether is a reactive diluent used to
reduce viscosity of epoxy res ins Bisphenol A type.
Waste Disposal
Dissolve or mix the material
with a combustible solvent and burn in a chemical incinerator equipped with an afterburner and scrubber. All federal,
state, and local environmental regulations must be
observed.
Uses
Uses include the roles of viscosity-reducing agent for easier
handling of conventional epoxy resins, acid acceptor for
stabilizing chlorinated solvents, and chemical intermediate.
Some curing agents may produce hazardous polymerizations
in large quantities.
Uses
Viscosity-reducing agent, acid acceptor
for solvents, chemical intermediate
Production Methods
n-Butyl glycidyl ether (BGE) is made by the condensation
of n-butyl alcohol and epichlorohydrin with subsequent
dehydrochlorination with caustic to form the epoxy ring.
Flammability and Explosibility
Flammable
Carcinogenicity
BGE was mutagenic in bacterial assays,
and DNA damage was induced in human cells
in vitro.
storage
Color Code—Red: Flammability Hazard: Store ina flammable liquid storage area or approved cabinet awayfrom ignition sources and corrosive and reactive materials.Prior to working with this chemical you should be trainedon its proper handling and storage. Before entering confinedspace where n-butyl glycidyl ether may be present, check tomake sure that an explosive concentration does not exist.Store in a fireproof refrigerator in tightly closed containersunder an inert atmosphere, separated from strong oxidants, strong bases, strong acids. Metal containers involvingthe transfer of this chemical should be grounded andbonded. Where possible, automatically pump liquid fromdrums or other storage containers to process containers.Drums must be equipped with self-closing valves, pressurevacuum bungs, and flame arresters. Use only nonsparkingtools and equipment, especially when opening and closingcontainers of this chemical. Sources of ignition, such assmoking and open flames, are prohibited where this chemical is used, handled, or stored in a manner that could createa potential fire or explosion hazard. A regulated, markedarea should be established where this chemical is handled,used, or stored in compliance with OSHA Standard1910.1045.
