Description
Diglycidyl ether is a colorless liquid with astrong, irritating odor. Molecular weight=130.14; Boilingpoint=260℃; Vapor pressure=0.09 mmHg at 25℃;0.21 mmHg at 20℃; Flash point=63.8℃. HazardIdentification (based on NFPA-704 M Rating System):Health 3, Flammability 2, Reactivity 0.
Chemical Properties
clear colorless liquid
Uses
Diluent for epoxy resins; stabilizer of
chlorinated organic compounds
Uses
Diglycidyl ether is significant only because it is a possible
trace component of epoxy compounds derived from
epichlorohydrin.
General Description
Colorless liquid with a pronounced irritating odor. Used as a reactive dilutent for epoxy resin , as a chemical intermediate, as a stabilizer of chlorinated organic compounds, and as a textile-treating agent.
Air & Water Reactions
Oxidizes readily in air to form unstable peroxides that may explode spontaneously [Bretherick, 1979 p.151-154, 164].
Reactivity Profile
Epoxides, such as DIGLYCIDYL ETHER, are highly reactive. They polymerize in the presence of catalysts or when heated. These polymerization reactions can be violent. Compounds in this group react with acids, bases, and oxidizing and reducing agents. They react, possibly violently with water in the presence of acid and other catalysts.
Health Hazard
DIGLYCIDYL ETHER can cause death or permanent injury via oral and inhalation routes during exposure that comes from normal use. It is incapacitating and poisonous and requires special handling. It can cause considerable discomfort by the dermal route.
Fire Hazard
(Non-Specific -- Poison, Flammable Liquid, n.o.s.) May be ignited by heat, sparks, or flames. Container may explode in heat of fire. Vapor explosion and poison hazard indoors, outdoors or in sewers. Avoid strong oxidizers.
Safety Profile
Suspected carcinogen
with experimental tumorigenic data. Poison
by ingestion, inhalation, and intravenous
routes. Moderately toxic by skin contact. A
severe eye and skin irritant. Mutation data
reported. Chronic exposure can cause bone
marrow depression. When heated to
decomposition it emits acrid smoke and
fumes. See also ETHERS.
Potential Exposure
Tumorigen,Mutagen. Primary Irritant. This material is used as a reactive diluent for epoxy resins; as a textile treating agent; andas a stabilizer for chlorinated organic compounds.
First aid
If this chemical gets into the eyes, remove anycontact lenses at once and irrigate immediately for at least15 min, occasionally lifting upper and lower lids. Seek medical attention immediately. If this chemical contacts theskin, remove contaminated clothing and wash immediatelywith soap and water. Seek medical attention immediately. Ifthis chemical has been inhaled, remove from exposure,begin rescue breathing (using universal precautions,including resuscitation mask) if breathing has stopped andCPR if heart action has stopped. Transfer promptly to amedical facility. When this chemical has been swallowed,get medical attention. Give large quantities of water andinduce vomiting. Do not make an unconscious personvomit.
Carcinogenicity
In mice, diglycidyl ether has
been shown to produce epithelioma following repeated
skin application. A total dose of 100 mg produced these
tumors in 4 of 20 animals; a dose of 33 mg produced only
1/20 .
storage
Color Code—White: Corrosive or Contact Hazard;Store separately in a corrosion-resistant location. Prior toworking with DGE you should be trained on its proper handling and storage. Diglycidyl ether must be stored to avoidcontact with strong oxidizers, such as chlorine, chlorinedioxide, bromine, nitrates, and permanganates since violentreactions occur. Store in tightly closed containers in a cool,well-ventilated area away from heat. Sources of ignition,such as smoking and open flames, are prohibited wherediglycidyl ether is used, handled, or stored in a manner thatcould create a potential fire or explosion hazard.
Shipping
DGE requires a “CORROSIVE” label. It falls inHazard Class 8(6.1) and Packing Group III.
Incompatibilities
Forms explosive mixture with air. Mayexplode when heated. Contact with strong oxidizers maycause fire and explosions. Ethers, as a class, tend to formperoxides upon contact with air and exposure to light.Attacks some forms of plastics, coatings, and rubber.
Toxics Screening Level
The initial threshold screening level (ITSL) for diglycidyl ether has been changed from 5 μg/m3
(8-hour averaging time) to 0.5 μg/m3 (8-hour averaging time).
