Chloromethyl methyl ether is a volatile, highlyflammable, corrosive liquid with an ether-like odor.Molecular weight =80.50; Specific gravity (H2O:1) =1.06;Boiling point =58.8℃; Freezing/Melting point=-103.3℃; Vapor pressure =192 mmHg at 20℃; Flashpoint 5=-17.8℃.[icsc] Hazard Identification (based onNFPA 704 M Rating System): Health 3, Flammability 3,Reactivity 2. Decomposes in water. Commercial chloromethyl methyl ether contains from 1 to 7% bis(chloromethyl)ether, a known cause of lung cancer in humans.
Colorless liquid.Decomposes in water; soluble
in alcohol and ether.
Chloromethyl methyl ether is a volatile, highly
flammable, corrosive liquid with an ethereal odor.
Chemical intermediate; preparation of
ion-exchange resins
Chloromethyl methyl ether (CMME) is usedas a methylating agent in the synthesis ofchloromethylated compounds.
In synthesis of chloromethylated compounds, plastics and ion-exchange resins.
ChEBI: Chloromethyl methyl ether is an ether.
Flammable, dangerous fire and explosion
risk. Toxic by ingestion and inhalation. TLV: Suspected human carcinogen.
CMME is a moderately toxic compoundwith cancer-causing action. The inhalationtoxicity of this compound, like that of otherlower aliphatic haloethers, is greater thanthe acute oral or dermal toxicity. It is lesstoxic than dichloroethers. Exposure to thiscompound can cause irritation of the eyes,nose, and throat. At high concentrations, lunginjury can occur
LC50 value, inhalation (rats): 180 mg (55ppm)/m3/7 hr
LD50 value, oral (rats): 817 mg/kg
CMME was found to be carcinogenic intest animals by inhalation and subcutaneousapplications. It produced lung and endocrinetumors. In humans its exposure can causelung cancer.
The acute toxicity of chloromethyl methyl ether is moderate to high. Inhalation of the vapor is severely irritating to the eyes, skin, nose, and respiratory tract, and causes sore throat, fever, chills, and difficulty breathing. Exposure to high concentrations can lead to delayed pulmonary edema, which can be fatal. Eye or skin contact with the liquid can result in severe and painful burns. Ingestion of this substance may lead to severe burns of the mouth and stomach and can be fatal. Chloromethyl methyl ether is regulated by OSHA as a carcinogen (29 CFR 1910.1006) and is listed in IARC Group 1 ("carcinogenic to humans"). This substance is classified as a "select carcinogen" under the criteria of the OSHA Laboratory Standard. Note also that some commercial samples of chloromethyl methyl ether contain up to 7% of highly carcinogenic bis(chloromethyl) ether. Hydrolysis of chloromethyl methyl ether produces HCl and formaldehyde, which can recombine to form bis(chloromethyl) ether. No information is available on the reproductive and developmental toxicity of chloromethyl methyl ether. Odor does not provide adequate warning of the harmful presence of this carcinogenic substance.
Chloromethyl methyl ether is highly flammable. Fires involving this substance should be extinguished with carbon dioxide or dry chemical extinguishers.
Flammability and Explosibility
Chloromethyl methyl ether is highly flammable. Fires involving this substance should be extinguished with carbon dioxide or dry chemical extinguishers.
Confirmed human
carcinogen with experimental carcinogenic,
tumorigenic, and neoplastigenic data. Poison
by inhalation. Moderately toxic by ingestion.
Human mutation data reported. A very
dangerous fire hazard when exposed to heat
or flame. To fight fire, use alcohol foam,water, CO2, or dry chemical. Reaction with
dvalent metals forms a very reactive
product. When heated to decomposition it
emits toxic fumes of Cl-. See also ETHERS
and CHLORINATED
HYDROCARBONS, ALIPHATIC.
Chloromethyl. methyl ether is a highly
reactive methylating agent and is used in the chemical
industry for synthesis of organic chemicals. Most industrial
operations are carried out in closed process vessels so that
exposure is minimized.
If this chemical gets into the eyes, remove any contact lenses at once and irrigate immediately for at least15 min, occasionally lifting upper and lower lids. Seek medical attention immediately. If this chemical contacts the skin,remove contaminated clothing and wash immediately withsoap and water. Seek medical attention immediately. If thischemical has been inhaled, remove from exposure, begin rescue breathing (using universal precautions, including resuscitation mask) if breathing has stopped and CPR if heart actionhas stopped. Transfer promptly to a medical facility. Whenthis chemical has been swallowed, get medical attention.Give large quantities of water and induce vomiting. Do notmake an unconscious person vomit. Medical observation isrecommended for 24-48 h after breathing overexposure, aspulmonary edema may be delayed. As first aid for pulmonaryedema, a doctor or authorized paramedic may consideradministering a corticosteroid spray
Technical-grade chloromethyl methyl ether (CMME) are known to be human carcinogens based on sufficient evidence of carcinogenicity from studies in humans.
work with this substance should be conducted in a fume hood to prevent exposure by inhalation, and appropriate impermeable gloves and splash goggles should be worn at all times to prevent skin and eye contact. Chloromethyl methyl ether is also highly flammable and should be used only in areas free of ignition sources; quantities greater than 1 liter should be stored in tightly sealed metal containers in areas separate from oxidizers in secondary containers.
UN1239 Methyl chloromethyl ether, Hazard
class: 6.1; Labels: 6.1-Poison Inhalation Hazard,
3-Flammable liquid, Inhalation Hazard Zone A. PGI.
If suspect (check IR), shake it with saturated aqueous CaCl2 solution, dry over CaCl2 and fractionally distil taking middle fraction. [Marvel & Porter Org Synth Coll Vol I 377 1941, Beilstein 1 H 580, 1 I 304, 1 II 645, 1 III 2587, 1 IV 3046.] VERY TOXIC and CARCINOGENIC.
May form explosive mixture with air.
May be able to form unstable and explosive peroxides on
contact with oxygen. Contact with (chlorates, nitrates, peroxides, permanganates, perchlorates, chlorine, bromine,
fluorine, etc.); contact may cause fires or explosions. Keep
away from alkaline materials, strong bases, strong acids,
oxoacids, epoxides. Decomposes on contact with water,
forming hydrochloric acid and formaldehyde. Attacks various metals in presence of water.
Incineration, preferably after
mixing with another combustible fuel. Care must be exercised to assure complete combustion to prevent the formation of phosgene. An acid scrubber is necessary to remove
the halo acids produced.
