Product Name: Ethylene Glycol N-Propyl Ether
Chemical Formula: C7H16O2
CAS Number: 1569-17-1
Synonyms: Propoxyethanol, 1-Propoxy-2-Hydroxyethane
Recommended Use: Often chosen for solvents in paints, coatings, cleaners, inks, and hydraulic fluids. Other uses range from textile dyeing to chemical processing.
Supplier Details: Check container label for manufacturer name, address, emergency numbers, and safety contact.
Emergency Contacts: Reach out to CHEMTREC at 1-800-424-9300 or other numbers listed on the product label for spills, leaks, fires, and exposures.
GHS Classification: Flammable liquid (Category 3), Acute toxicity (Category 4, oral), Skin irritant (Category 2), Eye irritant (Category 2A).
Signal Word: Warning
Pictograms: Flame, Exclamation Mark
Hazard Statements: Flammable liquid and vapor. Harmful if swallowed, may cause skin and eye irritation. Vapors cause dizziness or headache at higher concentrations. Prolonged or repeated exposure may damage organs.
Precautionary Statements: Keep away from open flames and hot surfaces. Use only outdoors or in well-ventilated areas. Wash hands thoroughly after handling. Wear gloves, eye protection, and avoid breathing fumes or vapors.
Chemical Name: Ethylene Glycol N-Propyl Ether
CAS Number: 1569-17-1
Concentration: 100% unless diluted in specific product blend
Impurities/Additives: No major additives reported in pure form. Commercial blends may contain water, stabilizers, or other glycol ethers—always consult technical sheets or labels.
Inhalation: Move person into fresh air. Give oxygen if breathing feels difficult. Seek medical help if symptoms linger.
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing. Wash area with soap and water for at least 15 minutes. Get medical help for redness, rash, or irritation that doesn’t subside.
Eye Contact: Rinse with water for 15-20 minutes, holding eyelids open. Remove contact lenses if present. Seek medical attention if vision blurs or irritation persists.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth. Avoid giving anything by mouth if person feels drowsy or unconscious. Do not induce vomiting without medical advice. Immediate medical help is recommended.
Notes for Physician: Treat symptomatically. Monitor vital signs and provide supportive care as needed.
Extinguishing Media: Use foam, dry chemical powder, or carbon dioxide for small fires; water spray for cooling containers in larger fires.
Specific Hazards: Produces toxic gases if burned including carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide. Vapors can ignite and travel to distant sources.
Protective Equipment: Wear self-contained breathing apparatus and protective gear. Keep out of fire area unless trained.
Firefighting Procedures: Cool exposed containers with water spray to prevent pressure build-up and explosion. Evacuate area and prevent runoff from entering water sources.
Personal Precautions: Evacuate unnecessary personnel. Use protective clothing, gloves, and respirators where fumes are heavy. Keep ignition sources far from spill.
Environmental Precautions: Block entry to sewers, basements, or water sources.
Containment & Cleanup: Cover with inert material like sand or vermiculite. Scoop or shovel into labeled containers for disposal. Clean area with water but avoid flush that spreads contamination. Ventilate site until vapor levels are safe.
Handling: Work outdoors or in places with exhaust ventilation. Ground containers when transferring liquid. Do not breathe vapor or spray mist. Avoid all contact with skin or eyes. Wear proper gear.
Storage: Keep in tightly closed containers away from heat, sparks, and flames. Store in a cool, dry spot with good airflow. Use containers made of materials like stainless steel or compatible plastics. No smoking nearby. Label clearly, separate from oxidizers and acids.
Occupational Exposure Limits: OSHA and ACGIH levels may not be specifically set for this compound but use glycol ether guidelines where local rules apply (typically 25 ppm TWA).
Engineering Controls: Local exhaust or general dilution ventilation, especially in enclosed spaces.
Personal Protective Equipment: Gloves made from nitrile or neoprene, safety goggles, splash-proof aprons. Respirators when airborne concentrations rise above safe limits, or if ventilation lags.
Hygiene Measures: Remove contaminated clothing before breaks and wash hands thoroughly before eating, drinking, or smoking.
Appearance: Colorless liquid
Odor: Mild ether-like
Boiling Point: 170–173 °C (338–343 °F)
Melting Point: About -80°C (-112°F)
Flash Point: Around 56°C (133°F, closed cup)
Evaporation Rate: Not fast, slower than ether
Solubility: Mixes well with water; soluble in common organic solvents
Vapor Pressure: 2 mm Hg at 20°C
Vapor Density: Heavier than air (about 4.1)
Density: 0.88 g/cm³ at 20°C
pH: Not applicable (neutral)
Autoignition Temperature: Around 243°C (469°F)
Upper/Lower Flammability Limits: 1.1% (lower); 14% (upper) (by volume in air)
Chemical Stability: Remains stable under normal temperatures, dry conditions, and away from light.
Reactivity: May react with strong oxidizers, acids, or bases, especially at higher temperatures.
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Under fire or extreme heat, can release irritants like carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and possibly other toxic vapors.
Incompatible Materials: Steer clear of storing with peroxides, nitric acid, strong alkalis or oxidizers.
Polymerization: Not known to polymerize under standard storage.
Acute Toxicity: Swallowing large amounts can cause headaches, nausea, and dizziness. Higher exposures could leave lasting liver or kidney effects if not treated.
Inhalation: Short exposures may trigger irritation of throat, nose, and upper airways. Breathing heavy concentrations can slow reflexes and thought.
Skin Contact: Can create redness, dry patches, or inflammation on direct contact. Long-term skin exposure may worsen these effects.
Eye Effects: Direct splashing can cause smarting, redness, blurred vision, and watery eyes.
Chronic Effects: Repeated overexposures can potentially harm organ tissue, especially for those with preexisting liver or kidney concerns. No conclusive evidence yet for long-term cancer or reproductive harm, but caution and limiting exposure makes sense.
Sensitization: Not usually seen, but sensitive people might react after repeated exposures.
Ecotoxicity: Harmful to aquatic life at higher concentrations. Spilled product can upset sewage systems and damage fragile aquatic organisms.
Persistence and Degradability: Breaks down fairly well in soil and water after a few days or weeks, depending on conditions.
Bioaccumulation: Tends not to build up in organisms; low risk of eating its way up the food chain.
Mobility in Soil: Moves easily through soil into groundwater.
Other Concerns: Avoid letting large amounts reach storm drains, rivers, or lakes. Cleanup keeps local wildlife and water supplies safer.
Waste Disposal: Gather waste in labeled, tightly sealed drums. Contact a licensed hazardous waste contractor for pickup. Use municipal/industrial methods if appropriate—don’t pour down sinks, soil, or storm drains.
Contaminated Packaging: Empty or nearly empty containers should be triple-rinsed, then recycled or discarded by qualified handlers. Local state rules may set additional requirements.
Special Instructions: Incinerate waste only in approved facilities. Avoid landfill disposal unless permitted by authorities.
UN Number: 1993 (Flammable liquid, n.o.s.)
Proper Shipping Name: Flammable liquid, n.o.s. (Ethylene Glycol N-Propyl Ether)
Transport Hazard Class: 3 (Flammable liquid)
Packing Group: III
Labels: Flammable liquid label required per DOT and IATA.
Shipping Procedures: Use sealed, approved drums or bottles. Ship with paperwork listing hazards. Drivers and handlers wear gloves and keep containers upright.
Emergency Guide: Transport Emergency Card available for first responders.
OSHA: Listed as hazardous; general standards apply.
TSCA: On U.S. Toxic Substance Control Act inventory.
SARA Title III: Might not fall under extremely hazardous category, but check local rules for thresholds and reporting.
State Regulations: California, New Jersey, and other states may flag glycol ethers on worker right-to-know lists.
International Inventories: Covered by chemical inventories of the EU (REACH), Canada (DSL), Australia, and others.
Labeling Requirements: Always list risk and safety phrases. Include pictograms, signal words, and emergency phone details as required by GHS and local laws.
