A colorless liquid with a mild odor. Mp: 5°C; bp < 150°C; density: 0.9 g cm-3. Completely miscible with water. A major threat to the environment in case of a spill. Immediate steps should be taken to limit spread. Can easily penetrate the soil and contaminate ground water and nearby streams. Very toxic to aquatic organisms. Irritating to the eyes and respiratory tract. Prolonged exposure to the skin can cause reddening and scaling. Used in the making of surfactants.
Alcohols, C12-16, ethoxylated is stable up to 50° C. Oxidizes on exposure to the air to form peroxides and peracids. Combustible but not flammable (flash point > 179°C). Auto-ignition temperature: 230°C. May react with strong oxidizing agents, strong acids, and strong bases. Incompatible with copper and copper alloys and aluminum. A mixture of polyether alcohols of formula R-O-(CH2CH2-O-)n-H where R is a C-12 through C-16 alkyl group and n equals 1 through 6. Synthesized by treating a mixture of C-12 to C-16 alcohols with ethylene oxide.
Inhalation of material may be harmful. Contact may cause burns to skin and eyes. Inhalation of Asbestos dust may have a damaging effect on the lungs. Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. Some liquids produce vapors that may cause dizziness or suffocation. Runoff from fire control may cause pollution.
Some may burn but none ignite readily. Containers may explode when heated. Some may be transported hot.
