Product Name: Triethylene Glycol Methyl Ether
Synonyms: 2-(2-(2-Methoxyethoxy)ethoxy)ethanol / Methoxytriglycol / TEGMEE
CAS Number: 112-35-6
Recommended Use: Industrial solvent, laboratory chemical, cleaner, specialty intermediate
Supplier Details: Manufacturer name and address as listed on chemical packaging; emergency contact phone numbers vary by region
Emergency Phone Number: Chemtrec: 1-800-424-9300 (USA); international lines for local regulations
Physical State: Colorless, clear, oily liquid
Odor: Mild, ether-like
Classification: Not classified as a hazardous substance by GHS criteria in most jurisdictions
Main Hazards: Can cause serious eye irritation, mild skin irritation, ingestion may lead to gastrointestinal discomfort. Inhalation of vapor or mist can cause dizziness or headache.
Label Elements: Signal word: Warning; Hazard pictograms: Exclamation Mark; Hazard Statements: Causes eye irritation, may cause mild skin irritation
Precautionary Statements: Wash skin and eyes after handling. Avoid inhaling vapor, ensure adequate ventilation.
Chemical Name: Triethylene Glycol Methyl Ether
CAS Number: 112-35-6
Concentration: Typically 98 – 100%
Impurities: Possible minute impurities from manufacturing such as diethylene glycol derivatives, water content under 1%
Additives: No additives or stabilizers commonly present
Inhalation: Move affected person to fresh air. If breathing problems persist, seek medical care. Remove source of exposure if safe.
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing. Wash affected areas with soap and plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. Contact physician if irritation develops or persists.
Eye Contact: Rinse eyes under running water for 15 minutes, keeping eyelids open. If irritation or redness continues, medical attention needed.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth thoroughly. Give small amounts of water if person is conscious. Do not induce vomiting. Consult a doctor or poison control center right away.
Symptoms: Eye or skin redness, headache, nausea, drowsiness—call for help if symptoms are serious or prolonged.
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, dry chemical, carbon dioxide, foam
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: High-pressure water streams can spread spilled material
Specific Hazards: Under fire conditions, may release carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, irritating fumes
Protective Equipment: Full protective gear including self-contained breathing apparatus for fire brigade
Special Procedures: Cool containers exposed to flames with water spray; approach upwind if possible; avoid runoff from fire control into sewers or waterways
Personal Precautions: Wear protective gloves, goggles, and boots to avoid exposure. Ventilate area. Avoid breathing vapor.
Environmental Precautions: Prevent spillage from entering drains, surface water, or soil
Clean-up Methods: Absorb liquid with inert material like dry sand or earth, place in a disposal container. Use non-sparking tools for large spills. Wash down residue with plenty of water.
Handling: Use in well-ventilated areas only. Avoid eye and skin contact by wearing appropriate PPE. Keep container tightly closed when not in use. Do not eat or drink while handling.
Storage Advice: Store indoors in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place in original, tightly sealed containers. Keep away from sources of heat and ignition, segregate from incompatible substances like strong acids or oxidizers.
Specific Notes: Use containers/packaging approved for flammable and combustible materials, check for leaks frequently, ensure chemical labeling remains legible
Exposure Limits: OSHA and ACGIH have not set a specific exposure limit for Triethylene Glycol Methyl Ether, general nuisance dust levels may apply
Engineering Controls: Local exhaust ventilation, eyewash stations, emergency shower
Personal Protective Equipment: Chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile or neoprene), splash goggles, lab coat, chemical-resistant apron. In confined spaces, use suitable respirator.
Hygiene Practices: Wash hands thoroughly before eating or drinking, remove soiled clothing and launder before reuse, avoid contact lenses when handling liquid.
Appearance: Clear, colorless liquid
Odor: Slight ether odor
Odor Threshold: Not precisely measured; faint odor detectable at moderate concentrations
pH: Approx. 6-8 (undiluted)
Melting/Freezing Point: -35°C (-31°F)
Boiling Point: 276°C (529°F)
Flash Point: 143°C (289°F), closed cup
Evaporation Rate: Lower than butyl acetate
Flammability: Not easily flammable but can burn at high temperature
Vapor Pressure: 0.025 mmHg at 20°C
Vapor Density: Heavier than air
Specific Gravity: 1.03–1.05 (water=1)
Solubility in Water: Miscible
Partition Coefficient: log Kow: -1.27
Auto-ignition Temperature: 370°C (698°F)
Decomposition Temperature: Above 200°C produces hazardous gases
Viscosity: Topically light to moderate
Chemical Stability: Stable under standard temperatures and pressures
Conditions to Avoid: High heat, open flame, strong acids, strong oxidizers
Incompatible Materials: Strong acids, alkali, oxidizing agents
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Burning or decomposition releases carbon oxides, formaldehyde at high temperatures
Polymerization: Not known to occur under normal handling
Likely Routes of Exposure: Skin contact, eye contact, inhalation, accidental ingestion
Acute Toxicity: Rat oral LD50: ~3,500 mg/kg; rabbit dermal LD50: >2,000 mg/kg
Chronic Exposure: Prolonged exposure can cause dermatitis, possible mild liver or kidney changes in lab animals—not considered to pose significant risk at normal occupational exposure
Carcinogenicity: Not classified as carcinogen by IARC, NTP, or OSHA
Mutagenicity/Teratogenicity: No evidence in animal studies for mutagenic or teratogenic effects
Other Effects: Eyes are sensitive; mist or high vapor concentrations can make breathing uncomfortable.
Environmental Fate: Completely soluble in water, likely to disperse in aquatic environments; low potential for bioaccumulation
Ecotoxicity: Oral and aquatic toxicity is considered low. LC50 (fish) > 1000 mg/L; EC50 (daphnia) > 1000 mg/L
Mobility: Mobile in soil due to water solubility, not expected to adsorb strongly to sediment
Persistence/Degradability: Readily biodegradable in the environment; degraded by bacteria
Other Harmful Effects: Large spills can deplete oxygen in water and harm aquatic life by indirect effects; avoid dumping uncontrollably
Waste Treatment Methods: Small volumes: Absorb on vermiculite or sand, place in sealed chemical waste container, dispose in accordance with local and national regulations
Larger Quantities: Send through licensed chemical disposal contractor
Contaminated Packaging: Triple rinse empty containers before recycling or disposal
Special Precautions: Do not release into sewers, surface water, or soil. Follow local environmental protection rules.
UN Number: Not regulated as dangerous good by road (DOT), sea (IMDG), or air (IATA)
Proper Shipping Name: Triethylene glycol methyl ether or not regulated
Transport Hazard Class: Not classified
Packing Group: Not assigned
Marine Pollutant: Not listed
Special Precautions: Transport in closed containers, secure so they do not tip or leak. In case of accidental spill during transit, follow emergency procedures and notify authorities.
OSHA: Not a regulated hazardous substance (hazard communication standard)
TSCA (US): Listed on Toxic Substances Control Act inventory
REACH (EU): Registered and compliant as of current regulations
Canada DSL/NDSL: Listed on Domestic Substances List
Other Regulations: State or regional workplace regulations may require site-specific hazard communication labeling or site emergency plans; check local authority requirements for additional registrations, especially large-scale handling.
