Material Safety Data Sheet: Butoxypolypropylene Glycol

Identification

Product Name: Butoxypolypropylene glycol
Synonyms: Polyoxypropylene butyl ether, Polypropylene glycol butyl ether
CAS Number: 9003-13-8
Manufacturer: Supplier details available upon request
Recommended Uses: Used as a surfactant, in lubricants, and in the production of other chemicals
Emergency Contact: Refer to local regulatory contacts and poison control resources for appropriate regional numbers

Hazard Identification

Classification: Not classified as a hazardous substance by current global harmonized systems, but may cause mild irritation
Physical Hazards: Can form slippery surfaces if spilled, presents low fire risk at standard temperatures
Health Hazards: May irritate skin, eyes on contact. Prolonged or repeated exposure to vapors or mists may lead to mild respiratory discomfort
Environment: Can contribute to aquatic toxicity at high concentrations
Signal Word: None required by current GHS guidelines
Precautionary Statements: Avoid breathing vapors or mists. Wash hands thoroughly after handling. Prevent environmental release

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Identity: Butoxypolypropylene glycol
Common Name: Polypropylene glycol butyl ether
CAS Number: 9003-13-8
Concentration: 100% active ingredient, no significant impurities present
Molecular Formula: (C3H6O)xC4H9O
Molecular Weight: Varies with polymer chain length (commonly 200-1000 g/mol intervals)

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move to fresh air promptly. Seek medical attention if symptoms such as difficulty breathing persist
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing. Wash affected area with soap and water for at least 15 minutes
Eye Contact: Rinse eyes cautiously with water for 10-20 minutes, lifting eyelids to ensure thorough flushing
Ingestion: Rinse mouth thoroughly. Do not induce vomiting unless directed by medical personnel. Get medical help if discomfort continues
Medical Attention: Seek medical evaluation if irritation or symptoms persist after basic first aid measures

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use water fog, foam, dry chemical, or carbon dioxide to control flames
Specific Hazards: Product decomposes at high temperatures, may emit carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and traces of formaldehyde
Protective Equipment: Firefighters should wear full protective clothing and a self-contained breathing apparatus
Unusual Fire Hazards: Heated vapors can travel to distant ignition sources and induce flashback

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Use protective clothing to avoid direct contact. Evacuate unnecessary personnel
Environmental Precautions: Prevent entry to waterways and sewers to minimize environmental impact
Containment Methods: Absorb spill with inert materials, such as sand, earth, or commercial absorbent. Collect and dispose per local regulations
Cleaning Procedures: Wash contaminated surface with water and mild detergent following material removal. Ventilate area to disperse vapors if present

Handling and Storage

Handling: Handle with care to minimize spills and splashes. Avoid breathing vapors. Use with proper ventilation
Storage: Keep receptacle tightly closed in a cool, dry, well-ventilated space away from incompatible materials like strong acids and oxidizers
Hygiene: Clean hands after use, do not eat or drink while handling the product. Routine cleaning of work areas reduces residual exposure risk
Packaging: Store in original containers constructed of chemically resistant material and properly labeled

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Exposure Limits: No established occupational exposure limits for the pure substance, though limiting vapor and aerosol levels kept low is good practice
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust ventilation to keep airborne levels below nuisance concentrations
Personal Protective Equipment: Nitrile gloves, closed goggles, and chemical-resistant clothing. Use a respirator if adequate ventilation is not provided, especially during bulk transfers
Hygiene Measures: Wash thoroughly after handling. Change out of contaminated clothing and launder before reuse

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Clear to slightly hazy, colorless to pale yellow liquid, viscosity varies by molecular weight
Odor: Mild, ether-like
pH: Neutral (5.5-7.5) in solution
Boiling Point: Typically between 200°C and 260°C depending on grade
Melting Point: Below -50°C
Flash Point: Over 100°C (Setaflash method)
Solubility: Miscible in water, soluble in alcohols, glycol ethers
Vapor Pressure: Negligible at room temperature
Density: About 1.0 g/cm3 (range 0.99-1.03 g/cm3)
Partition Coefficient (n-octanol/water): Estimated log Kow = 0.5-1.5
Decomposition Temperature: Exceeds 250°C

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under standard storage and handling conditions
Reactive Hazards: Reacts with strong oxidizers and acids, may accelerate decomposition
Hazardous Decomposition: Produces carbon monoxide, dioxide, and lower molecular weight aldehydes under fire
Conditions to Avoid: Excess heat, exposure to open flame, strong acids or oxidizing agents
Polymerization: Will not undergo hazardous polymerization under recommended conditions

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: Oral, dermal, and inhalation toxicity considered low based on available animal data
Skin: Mild irritation possible on repeated or prolonged exposure
Eyes: Can trigger irritation and redness
Sensitization: No evidence for skin or respiratory sensitization found in studies
Chronic Effects: Scheduled routines do not lead to chronic harm in humans but excessive repeated exposure should be avoided
Carcinogenicity: Not classified as carcinogen by NTP, IARC, OSHA
Mutagenicity: No signs of genetic toxicity identified
Reproductive Impact: No reproductive hazards identified in public literature

Ecological Information

Aquatic Toxicity: Moderate hazard to aquatic organisms at high doses, LC50 in the 10–100 mg/L range for certain fish and invertebrates
Degradability: Biodegradable but breakdown in environment varies with polymer size
Bioaccumulative Potential: Low due to high water solubility and moderate partition coefficient
Mobility: Moves freely in aqueous environments, potential contaminant in case of large spills
Other Effects: No evidence for significant impacts on terrestrial plants or wildlife when used as directed

Disposal Considerations

Waste Treatment: Disposal should occur via licensed chemical waste contractors following all local, regional, and national guidelines
Container Disposal: Rinse and recycle containers if possible, otherwise treat as regulated waste
Environmental Precautions: Avoid uncontrolled discharge to surface water, sanitary sewers without proper treatment
Sewage Treatment: Small quantities can break down in municipal wastewater facilities, though local guidance should be followed

Transport Information

UN Number: Not regulated for transport
DOT (US): Not classified as a hazardous material
ADR/RID (EU): Not regulated
IMDG (Sea): Not regulated as dangerous goods
IATA (Air): Not regulated as a hazardous material
Special Precautions: Prevent leaks and spills in transit through secure packaging and labeling practices

Regulatory Information

TSCA (US): Listed on inventory
EINECS/ELINCS (EU): Polymer exempt
REACH Status: Exempt from registration under polymer rules
Labeling: No special labeling required beyond standard workplace chemical labels
SARA 313 (US): Not subject to reporting under Section 313
State Regulations: Not listed as a hazardous substance in major states, always review latest regional statutes for updates