Chemical Properties
Ethyl silicate is a flammable, colorless liquid with a mild, sweet, alcohol-like odor. Exposure to ethyl silicate can occur through inhalation, ingestion, and eye or skin contact. It is practically insoluble in water, soluble in alcohol, and slightly soluble in benzene. Occupational workers are exposed to ethyl silicate at workplaces associated with the manufacture and transportation of ethyl silicate, during use as a bonding agent for industrial buildings and investment castings, ceramic shells, crucibles, refractory bricks, and other molded objects, as a protective coating for heatand chemical-resistant paints, lacquers, and fi lms, in the manufacture of protective and preservative coatings for protection from corrosion (primarily as a binder for zinc dust paints), chemicals, heat, scratches, and fi re. Workers are also exposed to the chemical substance in the production of silicones; as a chemical intermediate in the preparation of soluble silica; as a gelling agent in organic liquids, as a coating agent inside electric lamp bulbs, in the synthesis of fused quartz, and during industrial use in the textile industry in aqueous emulsions, deluster, and fi reproofi ng; as a component of lubricants; as a mold-release agent; and as a heat-resistant adhesive.
General Description
A clear colorless liquid with a faint odor. Flash point 125°F. Less dense than water. Vapors are heavier than air.
Reactivity Profile
ETHYL SILICATE(78-10-4) reacts exothermically with acids Strong oxidizing acids may cause a reaction that is sufficiently exothermic to ignite the reaction products. May generate with caustic solutions. May generate flammable hydrogen with alkali metals and hydrides.
Air & Water Reactions
Flammable. Practically insoluble in water. Reacts slowly with water to form silica and ethyl alcohol [Merck].
Hazard
Moderate fire risk. Strong irritant to eyes,
nose, throat.
Health Hazard
Exposures to ethyl silicate cause adverse health effects. The symptoms of poisoning include, but are not limited to, irritation of the eye, mucous membrane, respiratory tract, respiratory diffi culty, tremor, fatigue, narcosis, nausea, and vomiting. Prolonged periods of skin contact may produce drying, cracking, infl ammation, and dermatitis. As observed in laboratory animals, occupational workers exposed to the chemical substance may suffer from liver and kidney damage, CNS depression, and anemia. At concentrations of 3000 ppm, ethyl silicate causes extreme and intolerable irritation of the eyes and mucous membranes; at 1200 ppm, it produces tearing of the eyes; at 700 ppm, it causes mild stinging of the eyes and nose; and at 250 ppm, it produces slight irritation of the eyes and nose.
Health Hazard
Inhalation of vapor causes eye and nose irritation, unsteadiness, tremors, salivation, respiratory difficulty, and unconsciousness. Contact with liquid irritates eyes and may cause dryness, cracking, and inflammation of skin. Ingestion may produce nausea, vomiting, and cramps.
Potential Exposure
Ethyl silicate is used as a binder in
production of cases and molds for investment casting of
metals. The next largest application is in corrosion-resistant
coatings; primarily as a binder for zinc dust paints.
Miscellaneous uses include the protection of white-light
bulbs; the preparation of soluble silicas; catalyst preparation and regeneration; and as a crosslinker and intermediate
in the production of silicones
Fire Hazard
HIGHLY FLAMMABLE: Will be easily ignited by heat, sparks or flames. Vapors may form explosive mixtures with air. Vapors may travel to source of ignition and flash back. Most vapors are heavier than air. They will spread along ground and collect in low or confined areas (sewers, basements, tanks). Vapor explosion hazard indoors, outdoors or in sewers. Runoff to sewer may create fire or explosion hazard. Containers may explode when heated. Many liquids are lighter than water.
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.
Medical observation is recommended for 24 to 48 hours
after breathing overexposure, as pulmonary edema may be
delayed. As first aid for pulmonary edema, a doctor or
authorized paramedic may consider administering a drug or
other inhalation therapy.
Shipping
UN1292 Tetraethyl acetate, Hazard Class: 3;
Labels: 3-Flammable liquid.
Incompatibilities
May form explosive mixture with air.
Strong oxidizers; strong acids; water.
Waste Disposal
Incineration in admixture
with a more flammable solvent.
Production Methods
Prepared from absolute alcohol and silicon tetrachloride.
Purification Methods
Fractionate it through an 80cm Podbielniak type column (p 11) with a heated jacket and partial take-off head. It is slowly decomposed by H2O-and is soluble in EtOH. It is flammable-it irritates the eyes and mucous membranes. [Sumrell & Ham J Am Chem Soc 78 5573 1956, Bradley et al. J Chem Soc 5020 1952, Beilstein 1 IV 1360.]
