Material Safety Data Sheet: 1,3-Propanediol Monomethyl Ether

Identification

Product Name: 1,3-Propanediol Monomethyl Ether
Chemical Formula: C4H10O2
Synonyms: Methyl 1,3-propanediol ether, Methoxypropanol
CAS Number: 3884-40-4
Recommended Use: Solvent in industrial and laboratory settings, intermediate for chemical synthesis
Supplier Details: Manufacturer or distributor contact information, address, emergency phone line for spills, exposures, or chemical incidents
Emergency Overview: Flammable liquid, inhalation exposure possible, skin and eye irritant

Hazard Identification

GHS Classification: Flammable liquids (Category 3), Acute toxicity - oral (Category 4), Eye irritation (Category 2A), Skin irritation (Category 3)
Signal Word: Warning
Hazard Statements: Causes mild skin irritation, causes serious eye irritation, flammable liquid and vapor, harmful if swallowed or inhaled
Pictograms: Flame, exclamation mark
Precautionary Statements: Keep away from heat, sparks, open flames, and hot surfaces. Avoid breathing mist or vapor. Wear protective gloves, eye protection, face protection. Wash hands thoroughly after handling. Store in a well-ventilated area. Dispose of contents and container in accordance with local, regional, and national regulations.

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Name: 1,3-Propanediol monomethyl ether
Concentration: >98% by weight
Impurities and Stabilizers: Trace water (<1%), possible trace glycol derivatives
Additives: None reported
Hazardous Components: No other hazardous ingredients present at or above OSHA, WHMIS, GHS thresholds

First Aid Measures

General Advice: Remove exposed individuals to fresh air, call medical assistance if symptoms occur
Inhalation: Move to fresh air, support breathing as needed, seek medical help for cough, dizziness, or respiratory irritation
Skin Contact: Wash contact area immediately with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, remove contaminated clothing, do not reuse until thoroughly washed
Eye Contact: Rinse eyes with plenty of water for at least 20 minutes, keep eyelids apart, seek medical attention if irritation persists
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, do not induce vomiting, seek medical advice, show safety data sheet to provider

Fire-Fighting Measures

Extinguishing Media: Dry chemical, foam, water spray, carbon dioxide
Unsuitable Media: Direct water jet may spread fire
Specific Hazards: Produces toxic vapors (carbon monoxide, formaldehyde) under combustion
Protective Equipment: Firefighters need self-contained breathing apparatus, full turnout gear
Special Procedures: Use caution, contain runoff to prevent environmental contamination, isolate area

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Evacuate unnecessary personnel, ventilate area, eliminate ignition sources, use PPE
Environmental Precautions: Prevent entry into drains, soil, surface water, and sewers
Cleanup Methods: Contain spill, absorb liquid with inert material (sand, vermiculite), collect residue in hazardous waste container for proper disposal, decontaminate area
Additional Measures: Report releases above regulatory limit to environmental authorities, restrict access until complete cleanup

Handling and Storage

Handling Precautions: Handle in well-ventilated area, avoid contact with skin, eyes, and clothing, use spark-proof tools and explosion-proof equipment, ground/bond container and receiving equipment
Hygiene Practices: Wash hands after use, do not eat, drink, or smoke in work area, remove contaminated clothing
Storage Conditions: Store in tightly closed container, cool, dry, well-ventilated location, protect from direct sunlight, incompatible with strong oxidizers, acids, and bases
Storage Incompatibilities: Avoid storage near heat, sources of ignition, or oxidizing agents

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Occupational Exposure Limits: ACGIH TLV 50 ppm (inhalable fraction and vapor)
Engineering Controls: Local exhaust ventilation, general room ventilation
Personal Protection: Chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile or neoprene), safety goggles or face shield, flame-resistant lab coat or apron
Respiratory Protection: NIOSH-approved respirator if exposure limits exceeded or adequate ventilation lacking
Environmental Controls: Proper design for spill containment, safe storage, and restricted access to trained personnel only

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Clear, colorless liquid
Odor: Mild ether-like odor
Odor Threshold: Not determined
pH: Not applicable
Melting/Freezing Point: -70 °C
Boiling Point/Range: 135–140 °C
Flash Point: 43–45 °C (closed cup method)
Evaporation Rate: Comparable to other glycol ethers
Flammability: Flammable liquid
Upper/Lower Flammability Limits: 1.6% (lower), 8.1% (upper) by volume in air
Vapor Pressure: 2.4 mmHg (at 20 °C)
Vapor Density: 2.5 (air = 1)
Relative Density: 0.97 g/cm³ (25 °C)
Solubility: Miscible with water
Partition Coefficient (n-octanol/water): -0.36
Auto-ignition Temperature: 275 °C
Decomposition Temperature: Data not available
Viscosity: 2.5 mPa·s (20 °C)

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage and handling conditions
Reactivity: Can react vigorously with strong acids, bases, and oxidizers
Hazardous Reactions: Violent polymerization may occur in contact with incompatible materials
Decomposition Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, acrolein, methyl ethers
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizing agents, acids, isocyanates

Toxicological Information

Likely Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin and eye contact, ingestion
Acute Toxicity: Oral LD50 (rat): approximately 2,400 mg/kg, Dermal LD50 (rabbit): approximately 4,000 mg/kg
Skin Contact: May cause redness, dryness, or moderate irritation
Eye Contact: Causes stinging, watering, moderate to severe irritation
Inhalation: Exposure may cause respiratory irritation, headache, dizziness, or drowsiness
Ingestion: Central nervous system depression possible, gastrointestinal discomfort
Chronic Effects: No known carcinogenicity by IARC, NTP, OSHA, ACGIH
Other Effects: Prolonged or repeated skin contact may lead to dermatitis

Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: Slightly toxic to aquatic life, LC50 (fish, 96hr): 100–200 mg/L
Persistence and Degradability: Readily biodegradable in water and soil
Bioaccumulation Potential: Low (BCF <10)
Mobility in Soil: High mobility due to water solubility
Other Adverse Effects: Spills can lead to oxygen depletion in aquatic ecosystems, proper containment and cleanup advised

Disposal Considerations

Disposal Methods: Dispose of product and contaminated packaging in accordance with local, regional, and national regulations
Recommended Waste Treatment: Incinerate in approved facility; do not discharge into public sewers, natural waters, or soil
Container Disposal: Triple rinse containers, puncture, and recycle or landfill according to regulation
Precautions for Disposal: Wear PPE, avoid inhalation and contact, follow facility-specific hazardous waste protocols

Transport Information

UN Number: UN 1993
Proper Shipping Name: Flammable Liquid, n.o.s. (contains 1,3-Propanediol monomethyl ether)
Transport Hazard Class: 3 (flammable liquid)
Packing Group: III
Labels: Flammable liquid symbol required
Special Precautions: Secure containers upright, keep away from oxidizers, avoid excessive heat, ensure compliant documentation and placarding in transport vehicles

Regulatory Information

US Federal Regulations: TSCA listed, EPA SARA 311/312 hazard categories: Fire, Acute Health; not on SARA 302 or 313 lists
State Regulations: Listed under California Proposition 65 only if mixed with certain contaminants
International Inventory Status: Listed in EU EINECS, Canada DSL, Australia AICS, Japan ENCS
Workplace Regulations: OSHA hazardous chemical, subject to workplace safety requirements, including hazard communication and training
Other Regulatory Details: Generate and maintain workplace documentation, Safety Data Sheets, employee training for proper handling, emergency action plan compliance