MSDS – Polypropylene Glycol (26) Butyl Ether

Identification

Product Name: Polypropylene Glycol (26) Butyl Ether
Synonyms: PPG Butyl Ether, PPG-26-Butyl Ether
Chemical Family: Polyether glycol ether
Molecular Formula: C13H28O6
Manufacturer: Major industrial chemical suppliers
Contact for Information: Technical support or safety data desk of the supplier
Recommended Use: Nonionic surfactant, solvent in industrial and consumer products
Restrictions on Use: Keep away from food and beverages; avoid direct contact with skin and eyes
Emergency Phone: Refer to supplier emergency contacts or Chemtrec
CAS Number: 9003-13-8

Hazard Identification

Classification: Not classed as hazardous under GHS guidelines, but eye and skin irritation risks remain
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation of vapors or aerosols, dermal and ocular contact, accidental ingestion
Acute Symptoms: Irritation, mild redness on skin, stinging or watering eyes, cough or sore throat on inhalation
Chronic Effects: Long term daily exposure may dry or crack skin, could trigger dermatitis in sensitive individuals
Pictograms: Exclamation mark if present in high concentrations
Signal Word: Warning
Hazard Statements: Causes mild skin and eye irritation. May cause respiratory irritation in poorly ventilated areas
Precautionary Measures: Wear gloves, avoid inhalation, prevent contact with eyes, wash thoroughly after handling
Other Hazards: Slippy when spilled, slightly combustible, vapor forms explosive mixtures with air under rare conditions

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Identity: Polypropylene Glycol (26) Butyl Ether
Concentration: 100% or diluted as per formulation requirements
Impurities: Trace propylene oxide, residual butanol, stabilizers from production process
Additives: None intentionally added
EC Number: Not assigned
REACH Registration: Exempt due to polymer status, but raw materials pre-registered

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Remove to fresh air, loosen tight clothing, support breathing as needed, seek medical attention for persistent symptoms
Skin Contact: Wash exposed skin with plenty of soap and water, remove contaminated clothing, seek medical advice if irritation or rash develops
Eye Contact: Rinse gently with plenty of clean water for at least 15 minutes, hold eyelids apart, consult a doctor if redness or discomfort lasts
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, do not induce vomiting, drink water to dilute, get medical attention for large intakes or if symptoms appear
Note for Doctors: Treat symptomatically, monitor for irritation of skin, eyes, and mucous membranes, no specific antidote known

Fire-Fighting Measures

Flammability: Slightly flammable, especially if mists or vapors accumulate near ignition sources
Suitable Extinguishers: Carbon dioxide, dry chemical powder, alcohol foam, water fog for larger fires
Unsuitable Extinguishers: Straight-stream water increases slip risk and may spread product
Hazardous Combustion Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, possible traces of aldehydes and unburnt hydrocarbons
Fire Equipment Advice: Firefighters should use full protective gear and self-contained breathing apparatus
Firefighting Techniques: Cool containers exposed to flames with spray water, try to prevent runoff from entering sewers or open water

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Gloves, safety goggles, adequate ventilation, avoid breathing vapors or mist, secure area from unprotected people
Environmental Precautions: Avoid discharge into drains, soil, or surface water, inform authorities if significant spills threaten the environment
Containment Method: Stop the leak at source, dike area to prevent spreading, use inert absorbent material like sand or vermiculite
Cleanup Procedures: Collect residue in suitable containers for disposal, clean area with water and detergent, ventilate space after cleaning
Disposal of Waste: Follow local guidelines for hazardous waste disposal, never flush large amounts into watercourses

Handling and Storage

Safe Handling: Wear protective clothing, work in properly ventilated space, wash hands thoroughly before eating or using restroom, handle open containers with care to limit accidental splash or spill
Storage Recommendations: Store in tightly sealed, clearly labeled containers, protect from direct sunlight and temperature extremes, keep away from open flame, strong oxidizers, and food items
Storage Conditions: Room temperature or slightly below, dry and ventilated warehouse, separate from incompatible materials
Incompatible Materials: Strong acids, bases, oxidizing agents, isocyanates

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Occupational Exposure Limits: No established TLV; keep air concentrations as low as practical
Engineering Controls: Use of local exhaust or general room ventilation to minimize exposure
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Chemical resistant gloves, splash goggles, long-sleeved clothing, always have eyewash station and safety shower nearby
Respiratory Protection: Use approved respirators if airborne concentrations exceed comfort or if mists are generated
Hygiene Measures: Launder clothing after contact, avoid eating, drinking or smoking in work areas, thoroughly clean skin after handling product

Physical and Chemical Properties

Physical State: Clear, colorless to pale yellow liquid
Odor: Faint, ether-like
Odor Threshold: Not established
pH: Approximately neutral
Melting Point/Freezing Point: Below -20°C
Boiling Point/Range: Greater than 250°C
Flash Point: 120 - 150°C (Closed cup, varies by supplier and batch)
Evaporation Rate: Very slow
Flammability (solid, gas): Not applicable
Upper/Lower Flammability or Explosive Limits: Not determined
Vapor Pressure: Low, less than 0.1 mmHg at 20°C
Vapor Density: Heavier than air
Relative Density: About 1.01 - 1.07 (Water = 1)
Solubility(ies): Insoluble in water; mixes well with organic solvents
Partition Coefficient (n-octanol/water): Not measured
Auto-ignition Temperature: Above 300°C
Decomposition Temperature: Slightly decomposes around 280°C
Viscosity: Medium, depends on grade

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage and handling conditions
Reactivity: No dangerous reactions under normal use, but reacts with strong acids, bases, and oxidizing chemicals
Possibility of Hazardous Reactions: Formation of peroxides in prolonged air contact, violent reaction with isocyanates
Conditions to Avoid: Heating above recommended temperature, open flames, mixing with incompatible substances
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizing agents, concentrated acids and bases, isocyanates
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Carbon oxides, aldehydes, short-chain ethers in thermal decomposition

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: Oral LD50 (rat): over 2000 mg/kg, low toxicity by ingestion; inhalation LC50 not established, low vapor risk
Skin Corrosion/Irritation: May produce moderate, reversible redness or dermatitis in susceptible people
Serious Eye Damage/Irritation: Causes moderate reversible irritation, stinging and redness
Respiratory or Skin Sensitization: Rare, but prolonged use without PPE can trigger allergic response
Germ Cell Mutagenicity: No evidence found
Carcinogenicity: Not listed as a carcinogen by IARC, NTP, OSHA
Reproductive Toxicity: Not proven in animal studies; inadequate data for classification
STOT (Specific Target Organ Toxicity): Single exposure low risk; repeated exposure may dry skin

Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: Not acutely toxic to aquatic life in low concentrations, but large releases impact water quality
Persistence and Degradability: Biodegrades slowly; breaks into smaller ethers and glycols over weeks
Bioaccumulative Potential: Low, does not concentrate in aquatic species
Mobility in Soil: Moderate, can travel through porous soils if spilled in liquid form
Other Habitats: Unlikely to accumulate in sediments or evaporate rapidly
Other Adverse Effects: May cause foaming in watercourses, leading to oxygen transfer problems

Disposal Considerations

Waste Disposal Methods: Collect in sealed containers for licensed chemical waste disposal, incineration preferred under controlled conditions for large amounts
Packaging Disposal: Empty drums and containers must be thoroughly rinsed and sent for specialized recycling or incineration
Legislation: Classified as special waste in several jurisdictions—consult regional and national laws
Prohibited Methods: Do not release in bulk to surface water, drains, or landfill without pre-treatment

Transport Information

UN Number: Not classified as a dangerous good for shipping
UN Proper Shipping Name: Polypropylene Glycol (26) Butyl Ether
Transport Hazard Class: Not regulated
Packing Group: Not applicable
Special Precautions for Transport: Use sealed containers, upright position, do not store with food or animal feed, avoid transporting with incompatible substances
Environmental Hazards: None under normal package and small-to-medium scale shipments

Regulatory Information

Inventory Status: Listed in TSCA (US), DSL (Canada), and similar inventories in Europe and Asia
Labeling Requirements: Display chemical identity, warning statements, contact and emergency information
Other Regulations: Complies with REACH Polymer Exemption, OSHA Hazard Communication Standard applies in workplace settings
Workplace Controls: OSHA, ACGIH, and other international standards govern PPE and safe handling
Community Right-to-Know: Not listed as an extremely hazardous substance, no SARA section 313 requirements
Other International Regulations: Check regional restrictions before use in finished goods or export