Description
Methoxyethyl acetate is a colorless liquid with a mild, ether-like odor. Odor threshold= 0.33 ppm. Molecular weight= 118.15; Specific gravity (H2O:1)= 1.01;Boiling point=145℃; Freezing/Melting point=65℃; Vapor pressure= 2 mmHg at 20℃; Flash point=48.9℃ (cc); Autoignition temperature=380℃. Explosive limits: LEL= 1.7%; UEL= 8.2%. Hazard Identification (based on NFPA-704 M Rating System): Health 1, Flammability 2, Reactivity 0. Soluble in water.
Chemical Properties
Methoxyethyl acetate is a colorless liquid.
Mild, ethereal odor.
Chemical Properties
CLEAR LIQUID
Physical properties
Colorless liquid with a mild, ether-like odor. Experimentally determined detection and recognition
odor threshold concentrations were 1.6 mg/m
3 (330 ppb
v) and 3.1 mg/m
3 (640 ppb
v), respectively
(Hellman and Small, 1974).
Uses
Lacquer industry; textile printing;
manufacture of photographic film, coatings,
and adhesives
General Description
A clear colorless liquid with a pleasant odor. Flash point of 135°F. Denser than water and soluble in water. Vapors are heavier than air.
Air & Water Reactions
Flammable. Water soluble. Reacts slowly in water to form acetic acid and methyl alcohol; the reaction is not violent.
Reactivity Profile
Esters react with acids to liberate heat along with alcohols and acids. Strong oxidizing acids may cause a vigorous reaction that is sufficiently exothermic to ignite the reaction products. Heat is also generated by the interaction of esters with caustic solutions. Flammable hydrogen is generated by mixing esters with alkali metals and hydrides.
Hazard
Toxic by ingestion, inhalation, and skin
absorption. Moderate fire risk. Toxic by skin
absorption.
Health Hazard
May cause irritation if splashed into eyes. Can be absorbed through the skin. Swallowing a large single dose or absorbing larged amount through skin could result in death. It is unlikely that air levels of the compound would be dangerous unless it is heated.
Fire Hazard
Special Hazards of Combustion Products: Irritating vapors and toxic gases, such as carbon monoxide, may be formed when involved in fire.
Safety Profile
Moderately toxic by
ingestion, intraperitoneal, and subcutaneous
routes. hfddly toxic by inhalation and skin
contact. Human systemic effects by
inhalation: eye lachrymation, cough, and
pulmonary changes. Experimental
reproductive effects. Mutation data
reported. An inhalation irritant in humans.
An eye irritant. Flammable liquid when
exposed to heat or flame; can react with
oxidizing materials. A moderate explosion
hazard. To fight fire, use CO2, dry chemical.
When heated to decomposition it emits
acrid smoke and irritating fumes. See also
GLYCOL ETHERS.
Potential Exposure
Methoxyethyl acetate is used as
a solvent for resins, oils, greases and inks. It is also an
ingredient of lacquers, paints and adhesives.
First aid
If this chemical gets into the eyes, remove any contact lenses at once and irrigate immediately for at least 15 min, 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 2448 h after breathing overexposure, as pulmonary edema may be delayed. As first aid for pulmonary edema, a doctor or authorized paramedic may consider administering a corticosteroid spray.
Environmental Fate
Chemical/Physical. Hydrolyzes in water forming methyl cellosolve and acetic acid.
At an influent concentration of 1,024 mg/L, treatment with GAC resulted in an effluent
concentration of 886 mg/L. The adsorbability of the carbon used was 28 mg/g carbon (Guisti et
al., 1974).
storage
Color Code—Red: Flammability Hazard: Store in a flammable liquid storage area or approved cabinet away from ignition sources and corrosive and reactive materials. Prior to working with this chemical you should be trained on its proper handling and storage. Before entering confined space where this chemical may be present, check to make sure that an explosive concentration does not exist. 2-Methoxyethyl acetate must be stored to avoid contact with oxidizers (such as perchlorates, peroxides, permanganates, chlorates, and nitrates) and strong caustics, since violent reactions occur. Sources of ignition, such as smoking and open flames are prohibited where 2-methoxyethyl acetate is used, handled, or stored in a manner that could create a potential fire or explosion hazard. Wherever 2-methoxyethyl acetate is used, handled, manufactured, or stored, use explosion-proof electrical equipment and fittings.
Shipping
UN1189 Ethylene glycol monomethyl ether
acetate, Hazard Class: 3; Labels: 3-Flammable liquid.
Purification Methods
Shake the methoxy-ethane with anhydrous Na2CO3, filter and distil it in a vacuum. Redistillation can be then be carried out at atmospheric pressure. [Dunbar & Bolstad J Org Chem 21 1041 1956, Beilstein 2 IV 214.]
Incompatibilities
Forms explosive mixture with air. Strong oxidants, strong bases, strong acids, and nitrates. May be able to form explosive peroxides.
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. Beware of possible presence of peroxides in
which case open burning may be used
