Material Safety Data Sheet: 3-[2-ethylhexyloxy]-1,2-propanediol

Identification

Chemical Name: 3-[2-ethylhexyloxy]-1,2-propanediol
Synonyms: 2-Ethylhexyl glyceryl ether, Glyceryl ether EHG
CAS Number: 70445-33-9
Recommended Use: Used as an ingredient in cosmetics, personal care formulations, and sometimes in industrial settings for its emollient and solubilizing properties
Supplier Information: Manufacturer or distributor name, complete address, phone and emergency contact number on procurement documentation

Hazard Identification

Classification: Not classified as hazardous according to GHS
Label Elements: No signal word, pictogram, or hazard statement required under GHS
Potential Health Effects: Contact with eyes or skin may cause mild irritation in sensitive individuals; ingestion may result in gastrointestinal discomfort
Environmental Hazards: Not anticipated to cause long-term adverse effects based on available data
Other Hazards: Heated product can produce vapors that may be irritating to the respiratory tract

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Identity: 3-[2-ethylhexyloxy]-1,2-propanediol
CAS Number: 70445-33-9
Purity: Typically above 95% in commercial form
Impurities: Negligible levels; any present are not believed to pose significant hazard in intended use

First Aid Measures

Eye Contact: Rinse eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes; remove contact lenses if possible and continue rinsing; seek medical attention if irritation persists
Skin Contact: Wash affected area with soap and water; remove contaminated clothing and launder before reuse; seek medical help if a rash or persistent irritation develops
Inhalation: Move person to fresh air; support breathing as needed; consult a doctor if respiratory discomfort occurs
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water; drink plenty of water to dilute if swallowed in small amounts; do not induce vomiting unless directed by medical personnel; get medical advice if symptoms develop

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use water spray, dry chemical, foam, or carbon dioxide extinguishers
Specific Hazards: Burning may produce toxic fumes of carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide
Protective Equipment: Firefighters should wear full protective clothing and self-contained breathing apparatus
Fire Fighting Instructions: Cool containers with water spray to prevent overheating and rupture; avoid breathing vapors or gases from fire

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Avoid contact with skin and eyes; avoid breathing vapors; ventilate area
Environmental Precautions: Prevent entry into sewers, waterways, or soil; contain spill using absorbent materials
Cleanup Methods: Absorb with earth, sand, or other inert material; collect residue into appropriate labeled containers for disposal; flush spill area with water after cleanup

Handling and Storage

Precautions for Safe Handling: Wear suitable protective equipment; avoid direct contact with skin or eyes; keep containers closed when not in use; use only in well-ventilated areas
Conditions for Safe Storage: Store in tightly closed, labeled containers in a cool, dry location away from incompatible substances like strong oxidizers; keep away from heat and direct sunlight; product can absorb moisture so containers should be resealed promptly after use
Storage Class: General chemical storage; not regulated as a flammable liquid

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Occupational Exposure Limits: No established limits under OSHA, ACGIH, or comparable agencies
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust ventilation to minimize airborne concentrations; provide eyewash stations and safety showers where splashing is possible
Personal Protective Equipment: Wear safety glasses or goggles, chemical-resistant gloves, and suitable protective clothing; use a NIOSH-approved respirator if vapor or mist exposure is likely; follow good personal hygiene practices — wash hands after handling

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Clear to pale yellow viscous liquid
Odor: Mild, characteristic odor
Boiling Point: Approximately 220–240°C
Melting Point: Not fully established, typically remains liquid at room temperature
Flash Point: Above 100°C (closed cup)
Solubility: Slightly soluble in water; miscible with many organic solvents
pH: Not applicable for a neutral compound like this in its pure state
Vapor Pressure: Low, negligible at room temperature
Density: Around 0.96 g/cm³ (20°C)
Viscosity: Moderate

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under normal ambient and anticipated storage conditions
Possible Reactions: Reacts with strong oxidizing agents; avoid mixing with other reactive chemicals
Conditions to Avoid: Excessive heat, direct sunlight, freezing temperatures, and sources of ignition
Decomposition Products: Carbon oxides generated under fire conditions or thermal decomposition

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: Not classified as acutely toxic; studies in available literature indicate a low order of toxicity via ingestion, skin contact, or inhalation
Skin Corrosion / Irritation: May cause mild, reversible irritation on prolonged contact
Serious Eye Damage / Irritation: May result in slight, short-lived eye irritation
Respiratory or Skin Sensitization: Not sensitizing based on available data
Repeated Dose Toxicity: No evidence of chronic systemic effects in subchronic studies
Carcinogenicity, Mutagenicity, Reproductive Toxicity: No classification, no reliable data suggesting a risk at occupational exposures
Other Health Effects: Prolonged exposure above recommended limits could promote discomfort, but normal use with protective measures does not present significant health risk

Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: Data indicate low toxicity to aquatic life; unlikely to cause long-term issues in the aquatic environment at predicted uses
Persistence and Degradability: Expected to be readily biodegradable in the environment; breaks down to simple organic acids over time through microbial action
Bioaccumulation Potential: Low, does not significantly accumulate in biological organisms
Mobility in Soil: Has moderate mobility; may traverse soil but will biodegrade
Other Adverse Effects: No known risk for ozone layer or systemic ecological toxicity

Disposal Considerations

Waste Disposal Methods: Dispose of product and contaminated packaging via authorized chemical waste collection or in accordance with local, regional, national, and international regulations; do not pour into drains or sewers
Hazardous Waste Status: Not regulated as hazardous waste under most local or federal guidelines, but evaluation may be necessary in specific jurisdictions
Container Disposal: Triple-rinse and offer packaging for recycling or disposal in line with regulations; contaminated containers should be treated as chemical waste

Transport Information

UN Number: Not regulated as dangerous goods for transport
Shipping Name: 3-[2-ethylhexyloxy]-1,2-propanediol
Transport Hazard Class: Not classified as a flammable or hazardous liquid
Packing Group: Not assigned
Marine Pollutant: Not considered a pollutant for marine transport; safe for ground, air, and sea shipment under standard conditions
Special Precautions: Ensure tight closure of transport containers and protect from strong sunlight and moisture during transit

Regulatory Information

OSHA: Not listed as hazardous under OSHA Hazard Communication Standard
TSCA: Listed on the U.S. Toxic Substances Control Act inventory
REACH: Registered or pre-registered in Europe under REACH with recommended risk management guidelines
WHMIS (Canada): Not classified as a controlled product
Other Standards: No specific restrictions for consumer or occupational use beyond normal safety practices; review local and regional regulations for updates in relevant jurisdictions