Chemical Properties
clear colorless liquid
Uses
Allyl Ether is a modifier used in the manufacture of foamable polystyrene.
General Description
A liquid with an odor of radishes. Less dense than water. Flash point 20°F. May be toxic by ingestion, skin absorption, and inhalation, and may irritate skin and eyes. Vapors heavier than air. Used to make other chemicals.
Air & Water Reactions
Highly flammable. Soluble in water. Oxidizes readily in air to form unstable peroxides that may explode spontaneously [Bretherick, 1979 p.151-154].
Reactivity Profile
Ethers, such as DIALLYLETHER can act as bases. 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.
Health Hazard
TOXIC; may be fatal if inhaled, ingested or absorbed through skin. Inhalation or contact with some of these materials will irritate or burn skin and eyes. Fire will produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. Vapors may cause dizziness or suffocation. Runoff from fire control or dilution water may cause pollution.
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 and poison hazard indoors, outdoors or in sewers. May polymerize explosively when heated or involved in a fire. Runoff to sewer may create fire or explosion hazard. Containers may explode when heated. Many liquids are lighter than water.
Safety Profile
Poison by ingestion.
Moderately toxic by skin contact. A skin and
eye irritant. A dangerous fire hazard when
exposed to heat, flame, or oxidzing
materials. To fight fire, use alcohol foam.
Reacts with air to form explosive peroxides.
Violent explosions have occurred during
distillation. When heated to decomposition
it emits acrid smoke and fumes. See also
ALLYL COMPOUNDS and ETHERS.
Toxicology
Diallyl Ether smells like horseradish and severely irritates the mucous membranes; the LD50 is approximately 270 mg/kg (rat, oral). Diallyl ether is absorbed easily through the skin; the LD50 is 540 mg/kg (rabbits, dermal, estimate).
Synthesis
Allyl ether is produced by dehydration of Allyl alcohol.
