Adress Chemical
Knowledge


MSDS for Propylene Glycol Dimethyl Ether

Identification

Product Name: Propylene Glycol Dimethyl Ether
Synonyms: 1,2-Dimethoxypropane, PGDME, DMP
Chemical Formula: C5H12O2
CAS Number: 110-71-4
Intended Use: Solvent for chemical synthesis, cleaner, intermediate in organic chemistry
Manufacturer: Common chemical providers include Sigma-Aldrich, Fisher Scientific
Contact for Information: Supplier address and phone number on shipping papers, customer service lines
Emergency Phone Number: CHEMTREC, local poison control, or supplier hotline for urgent response

Hazard Identification

Physical State: Colorless liquid, distinctive ether-like odor, volatile
Classification: Flammable liquid, irritant
Main Hazards: Eye and skin irritation, inhalation hazards, fire risk in presence of heat or spark
Signal Word: Warning
Hazard Statements: Highly flammable, causes eye and skin irritation, may cause respiratory symptoms
Precautionary Statements: Keep away from heat, sparks, open flames; avoid contact with skin and eyes; use only in well-ventilated areas
Target Organs: Central nervous system, eyes, skin
Chronic Effects: Possible prolonged effects on skin and airways after repeated exposure

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Name: Propylene Glycol Dimethyl Ether
Concentration: 98-100% by volume
Impurities: Less than 1%, small quantities of related glycols or ethers
Hazardous Components: No significant impurities classified as hazardous under GHS for the pure chemical
Molecular Weight: 104.15 g/mol

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move person into fresh air immediately, provide oxygen if breathing becomes difficult, seek medical attention for continued discomfort
Skin Contact: Rinse skin with large amounts of water, remove contaminated clothing, wash with soap, medical attention if irritation persists
Eye Contact: Rinse eyes with water for at least 15 minutes, keep eyelids open, seek emergency medical assistance if pain or irritation continues
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, do not induce vomiting, get medical help if large amount swallowed
Instructions for Physician: Supportive care only, treat symptomatically

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Foam, carbon dioxide, dry chemical powder, water spray (do not use water jet directly)
Specific Hazards: Vapors can travel and ignite from a distance, produces highly flammable vapors
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, potentially toxic fumes
Protective Equipment for Firefighters: Self-contained breathing apparatus, chemical-resistant protective clothing, full face mask
Special Procedures: Evacuate area, use water spray to cool containers, avoid breathing fumes, prevent run-off from contaminating sewers or waterways

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Use protective gloves, goggles, chemical-resistant clothing, ventilate area
Environmental Precautions: Prevent entry into drains, groundwater, or soil, contain spill with non-combustible absorbent (e.g., sand, earth)
Methods for Cleaning Up: Absorb liquid, collect in labeled waste containers, ventilate area, wash spill site after removal
Emergency Procedures: For large spills, evacuate and call emergency services, use explosion-proof equipment

Handling and Storage

Handling Precautions: Avoid all sources of ignition, wear chemical splash goggles and gloves, use in well-ventilated areas, ground containers during transfer
Safe Storage Conditions: Keep in tightly closed containers in cool, dry, well-ventilated place, away from heat and direct sunlight, use only approved chemical storage facilities
Incompatibilities: Strong oxidizers, acids, bases, may react with some plastics or rubbers
Storage Class: Flammable liquids
Special Handling Instructions: Ground and bond containers, keep away from food and drink areas

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Occupational Exposure Limit: ACGIH TLV: 50 ppm (TWA), OSHA PEL: not established, use engineering controls to limit concentration below available recommendations
Engineering Controls: Use explosion-proof exhaust ventilation, eye wash stations, chemical safety showers
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile, butyl), splash goggles, laboratory coat or apron, face shield for large volumes
Respiratory Protection: Use NIOSH/MSHA approved respirators for organic vapors if ventilation is inadequate
Environmental Exposure Controls: Contain leaks, do not pour down drain, monitor indoor air quality in enclosed spaces

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Clear, colorless liquid
Odor: Mild, ether-like
Boiling Point: 83–85°C (181–185°F)
Melting/Freezing Point: -80°C (-112°F)
Flash Point: 15°C (59°F, closed cup)
Flammability: Flammable
Vapor Pressure: 51 mmHg at 20°C
Density: 0.86 g/cm³ at 20°C
Solubility: Miscible with water and organic solvents
pH: Not applicable
Auto-Ignition Temperature: 270°C (518°F)
Partition Coefficient: log Pow = 0.41

Stability and Reactivity

Stability: Stable in sealed container under recommended storage
Thermal Decomposition: Can generate toxic fumes of carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide under heating
Reactivity: Reacts with strong acids, oxidizers
Conditions to Avoid: Heat, sparks, open flame, static discharge
Hazardous Polymerization: Unlikely under normal conditions
Materials to Avoid: Acid chlorides, anhydrides, oxidizers, alkali metals

Toxicological Information

Routes of Exposure: Eye and skin contact, inhalation, ingestion
Acute Effects: Irritation to eyes, nose, skin, drowsiness, dizziness at high concentrations
Chronic Effects: Prolonged exposure may lead to dermatitis, possible effects on nervous system
LD50 (Oral, Rat): ≈ 4,000 mg/kg
LD50 (Dermal, Rabbit): >5,000 mg/kg
LC50 (Inhalation): Not established
Sensitization: Not expected to cause skin or respiratory sensitization
Carcinogenicity: No data showing carcinogenic effects as per IARC, NTP, or OSHA
Mutagenicity: Not identified as mutagenic in standard tests
Reproductive Toxicity: No evidence from animal studies for reproductive harm

Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: Low acute aquatic toxicity to fish and daphnia (<100 mg/L, 96 hr LC50 for fish), considered not highly harmful at environmental concentrations
Persistence and Degradability: Breaks down in air and water by abiotic and microbial processes, not persistent in environment
Bioaccumulative Potential: Low log Pow, minimal bioaccumulation expected
Mobility in Soil: Mobile, likely to leach into groundwater if spilled
Other Adverse Effects: At larger spills, can deplete oxygen and harm aquatic organisms, avoid unnecessary environmental release

Disposal Considerations

Disposal Methods: Collect in appropriate containers, deliver to licensed hazardous waste disposal firm
Contaminated Packaging: Remove residues, triple rinse, dispose as hazardous waste
Special Precautions: Do not incinerate closed containers, prevent disposal into drains or natural waters
Disposal Regulations: Consult local, state, federal authorities for specific disposal rules
Waste Code: Typical for flammable organic solvents, US EPA RCRA D001

Transport Information

UN Number: UN 1993
Proper Shipping Name: Flammable Liquid, N.O.S. (Propylene Glycol Dimethyl Ether)
Hazard Class: 3 (Flammable liquids)
Packing Group: II
Label Required: Flammable liquid
Special Provisions: Secure containers to prevent leaks, keep away from incompatible materials, emergency plans for spill response in transit
Transport Regulations: Subject to US DOT, IMDG, ICAO/IATA guidelines

Regulatory Information

OSHA Hazard Category: Flammable liquid, immediate and delayed health hazard
TSCA Status: Listed on US TSCA Inventory
SARA Title III Sections 311/312: Fire hazard, acute health hazard
SARA Title III Section 313: Not listed
California Prop 65: Not listed
WHMIS (Canada): B2 (Flammable Liquid), D2B (Toxic Material causing other toxic effects)
REACH (Europe): Registered substance
Other Local Regulations: Check requirements for storage, handling, and labeling in local jurisdiction