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Chemical Properties
Methylal is a colorless liquid with a pungent
odor.
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Chemical Properties
Methylal is a low-boiling solvent, stable in the presence of alkalis and mild acids, and to high temperatures and pressures. It differs from other ethers in that it forms only minute omounts of peroxides. It will dissolve such synthetic resins as nitrocellulose, cellulose acetate and propionate, ethyl cellulose, vinyl, "Epons" and polystyrene, and also many of the natural gums and waxes. Methylal as a latent solvent is activated by the addition of esters, ketones or alcohols. Its evaporation rate, twice that of acetone, places this ether in a class with such solvents as acetone, methyl acetate and ethyl acetate in resin formulations.
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Physical properties
Colorless liquid with a pungent, chloroform-like odor
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Uses
Dimethoxymethane (Formaldehyde dimethyl acetal) may be used in the synthesis of methoxymethyl (MOM) ethers. It may also be used as an external cross-linker to form microporous polymers.
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Uses
Solvent; fuel; in perfume
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Uses
In perfumery; manufacture of artificial resins; reaction medium for Grignard and Reppe reactions.
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Uses
Methylal
is a valuable extraction solvent for pharmaceutical products and a stable,
inexpensive solvent for Grignard reactions. Methylal is stable under alkaline and
mild acidic conditions.
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Definition
ChEBI: An acetal that is the dimethyl acetal derivative of formaldehyde.
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General Description
A clear colorless liquid with a chloroform-like odor. Flash point 0°F. Boiling point 42.3°C. Density 0.864 g / cm3 at 68°F (20°C). Vapors heavier than air.
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Air & Water Reactions
Highly flammable. Water soluble.
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Reactivity Profile
Dimethoxymethane, an acetal, is incompatible with strong oxidizing agents and acids . Breaks down to formaldehyde and methanol in acidic solutions. A very dangerous fire hazard when exposed to heat, flame or oxidizing agents. May ignite or explode if heated with oxygen [Lewis].
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Hazard
Flammable, dangerous fire and explosion
risk. Toxic by ingestion and inhalation. Eye irritant
and central nervous system impairment.
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Health Hazard
VAPOR: Irritating to eyes, nose and throat. Harmful if inhaled. LIQUID: Irritating to skin and eyes. Harmful if swallowed.
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Fire Hazard
FLAMMABLE. Irritating gases may be produced when heated. Containers may explode in fire. Flashback along vapor trail may occur. Vapor may explode if ignited in an enclosed area. Irritating formaldehyde gas may be present in smoke.
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Chemical Reactivity
Reactivity with Water: No reaction; Reactivity with Common Materials: No reaction; Stability During Transport: Stable; Neutralizing Agents for Acids and Caustics: Not pertinent; Polymerization: Not pertinent; Inhibitor of Polymerization: Not pertinent.
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Safety Profile
Moderately toxic by
subcutaneous route. Mildly toxic by
ingestion and inhalation. Can cause injury to
lungs, liver, kidneys, and the heart. A
narcotic and anesthetic in high
concentrations. A very dangerous fire
hazard when exposed to heat, flame, or
oxidzers. Moderately explosive when
exposed to heat or flame. May ignite or
explode when heated with oxygen. To fight
fire, use foam, CO2, dry chemical. When
heated to decomposition it emits acrid
smoke and irritating fumes. See also
ETHERS.
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Potential Exposure
Vapors may form explosive mixture with
air. Methylal may be able to form unstable and explosive peroxides. Heating may cause explosion. Incompatible with oxidizers (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.
Hydrolyzes readily in presence of acids to generate aldehydes.
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Source
Methylal is a by-product in the synthesis of trioxane, an intermediate in the manufacture
of polyacetal plastics (Albert et al., 2001).
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Shipping
UN1234 Methylal, Hazard Class: 3; Labels:
3-Flammable liquid
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Purification Methods
It is a volatile flammable liquid which is soluble in three parts of H2O, and is readily hydrolysed by acids. Purify it by shaking with an equal volume of 20% aqueous NaOH, stand for 20minutes, dry over fused CaCl2, filter and fractionally distil it through an efficient column. Store it over molecular sieves. [Buchler et al. Org Synth Coll Vol III 469 1955, Rambaud & Besserre Bull Soc Chim Fr 45 1955, IR: Wilmshurst Can J Chem 36 285 1958, Beilstein 1 IV 3026.]
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Incompatibilities
If this chemical gets into the eyes, remove any
contact lenses at once and irrigate immediately for at least
15 minutes, 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
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Waste Disposal
Concentrated waste containing no peroxides: discharge liquid at a controlled rate near
a pilot flame. Concentrated waste containing peroxides:
perforation of containers of the waste from a safe distance
followed by open burning.