Substance Name: Ethylene Glycol Methyl Ether
Common Names: 2-Methoxyethanol, Methyl Cellosolve
CAS Number: 109-86-4
Recommended Use: Industrial solvent, anti-freeze formulations, chemical intermediate
Manufacturer Information: Industrial chem supply companies, contact phone numbers listed on labels, emergency spill line provided per facility
Synonyms: EGME, Methyl Glycol, Methyl Oxitol
Physical Description: Colorless, sweet-smelling liquid
Classification: Flammable liquid, toxic via inhalation, skin absorption, ingestion
Primary Risks: Affects blood, kidney, testicles, nervous system; prolonged exposure causes reproductive harm
Signal Word: Danger
Label Elements: Skull and crossbones, exclamation mark for acute and chronic health hazards
Route of Exposure: Skin, eyes, orally, via vapor
GHS Hazards: Specific target organ toxicity, reproductive toxicity, aspiration hazard
Symptoms: Headache, drowsiness, nausea, anemia, fatigue, tremors
Chemical: 2-Methoxyethanol
Concentration: 99%–100% pure (industrial grade)
CAS Number: 109-86-4
Other Components: Trace stabilizers present in less than 1%
Impurities: Levels too minimal for effect but present in technical-grade lots
Molecular Formula: C3H8O2
Eye Contact: Flush eyes with clean running water for at least 15 minutes, remove contact lenses if present and safe, seek medical attention for irritation
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing quickly, wash affected skin thoroughly with soap and water, discard soiled apparel
Inhalation: Move person to fresh air immediately, loosen tight clothing, provide oxygen if breathing difficulty develops, summon emergency support
Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting, rinse mouth, drink water only if conscious, seek immediate medical care due to potential kidney/liver damage
Note for Responders: Avoid direct exposure; use gloves, provide information to medical personnel regarding substance involved
Suitable Extinguishers: Carbon dioxide, dry chemical, foam, alcohol-resistant foam for large volume
Special Hazards: Emits toxic fumes of carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide when burning, explosive vapors possible in confined spaces
Protective Equipment: Full firefighter turnout gear, self-contained breathing apparatus
Precautions: Evacuate surrounding area, cool exposed containers, avoid run-off entering sewers or watercourses
Combustion Products: Expect release of irritating gases, dense black smoke if incomplete combustion
Spill Response: Stop source if safe, ventilate area thoroughly, prevent spread to water bodies, cover with inert absorbent (sand, earth)
Cleanup Method: Mop up with non-sparking tools, collect in containers for disposal, wash contaminated zone with soap and water after pick-up
Protection for Workers: Wear gloves, chemical goggles, approved respirator, boots, avoid skin/eye contact
Environmental Precautions: Block discharge into drains/soil, notify local authorities if spill could reach outside environment
Decontamination: Wash tools and PPE separately from normal laundry
Handling: Use local exhaust ventilation, avoid inhaling vapors, no eating or drinking in work area, wash hands after handling
Storage: Keep in tightly closed steel or HDPE drum, cool dry ventilated space, store away from oxidizers and acids
Incompatibles: Acids, bases, strong oxidizing agents, fire sources, strong reducing agents
Special Practices: Ground containers to prevent static discharge, mark storage zones clearly, keep away from direct sun and heat
Container Handling: Do not reuse empty drums for other chemicals without thorough reconditioning
Control Measures: Use explosion-proof ventilators, process enclosures, monitor air for vapor concentrations
Personal Protective Equipment: Chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile, neoprene), goggles, lab coat, synthetic apron, closed shoes
Respiratory Protection: Half-mask or full respirator with organic vapor cartridges when limit could exceed safe value
Workplace Monitoring: Regular air sampling for 2-methoxyethanol, check for leaks at connections and pumps
Occupational Limits: ACGIH TLV: 0.1 ppm (skin), OSHA PEL: 25 ppm (TWA), low because of reproductive/fetal toxicity evidence
Appearance: Clear, colorless liquid
Odor: Mild, sweet ether-like odor
Molecular Weight: 76.09 g/mol
Boiling Point: 124°C (255°F)
Melting Point: -85°C (-121°F)
Vapor Pressure: 5.3 mmHg at 25°C
Specific Gravity: 0.965 at 20°C (water = 1)
Solubility: Fully miscible with water, alcohol, ether
Flash Point: 39°C (102°F) closed cup
Evaporation Rate: Slower than ether
pH: Not applicable (neutral)
Partition Coefficient (log Kow): -0.77
Chemical Stability: Stable under usual ambient temperatures, away from open flames
Hazardous Reactions: Violent reaction with strong acids or oxidizers, possible pressure build-up in closed drums
Decomposition Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, small organics at high temperature
Conditions to Avoid: Excess heat, open flame, static discharge, incompatible materials
Materials to Avoid: Acids, alkalis, peroxide, nitric acid, halogens, aluminum or magnesium metals
Acute Toxicity: Symptoms from short-term exposure include headache, nausea, drowsiness, confusion, CNS depression
Chronic Effects: Prolonged low-dose contact leads to anemia, bone marrow depression, impaired fertility, birth defects in lab animals
Route-Specific Effects: Skin contact gives absorption and systemic symptoms, inhalation is harder to avoid in enclosed plants
Carcinogenicity: Not listed as carcinogen by IARC, NTP or OSHA
Reproductive Hazard: Documented effects on sperm, reduced fertility, birth defects in rats and rabbits
Aquatic Toxicity: Harmful to aquatic life, LC50 (fish, 96h): 1340 mg/L
Persistence and Degradability: Biodegradable; ready degradation within 14 days in favorable conditions
Bioaccumulation Potential: Low (low log Kow, rapid breakdown by microorganisms)
Mobility in Soil: Moves rapidly, high solubility so risk to groundwater if spills not contained
Other Adverse Effects: Large accidental releases may disrupt micro-ecology of rivers, possible drinking water contamination
Disposal Methods: Incinerate in approved chemical waste facility, use local hazardous waste contractors
Container Disposal: Triple rinse, puncture, send to drum recycler or hazardous waste handler
Environmental Precaution: Do not let any residue enter water, soil, or regular trash
Regulatory Limits: Classified as hazardous waste (U-list, EPA); strict tracking required from generator to final destruction
Disposal Documentation: Maintain manifest papers, report volumes, check for updates in local hazardous waste rules
UN Number: UN1188
Proper Shipping Name: Ethylene Glycol Methyl Ether
Transport Hazard Class: 3 (Flammable liquids)
Packing Group: II (medium danger)
Labels Required: Flammable Liquid label, keep far from oxidizers in shipment
Special Precautions: Secure drums tightly, protect from physical damage, spill kit mandatory in truck
Regulatory Codes: DOT, IMDG, IATA all list same hazard class, placards needed for any amount over 5 liters
OSHA: Covered under Chemical Hygiene Standard; facility written hazard plan required
EPA: Listed as hazardous waste (U150), requires EPA generator number for disposal
SARA Title III: Subject to reporting under Section 313 (toxic chemicals)
TSCA: Listed, subject to inventory requirements
State Regulation: California Proposition 65 – cancer/birth defect warning mandated
Labeling: GHS pictograms for toxicity, flammability, hazard statements on all containers
Workplace Training: Must cover risks to reproduction, symptoms of exposure, PPE, spill response, storage protocols
