Product Name: Propylene Glycol Dimethyl Ether
Synonyms: 1,2-Dimethoxypropane, PGDME
Chemical Formula: C5H12O2
Recommended Use: Laboratory solvent, chemical intermediate, specialty industrial applications
Manufacturer: Please consult your supplier for specific contact information.
Emergency Contact: National Poison Control Center, emergency response numbers provided by supplier
GHS Classification: Flammable liquid (Category 2), Irritant (Category 2A for eyes, Category 3 for skin)
Signal Word: Danger
Hazard Statements: Highly flammable liquid and vapor. Causes serious eye irritation. May cause drowsiness or dizziness.
Pictograms: Flame, exclamation mark
Precautionary Statements: Keep away from heat, sparks, and open flames. Avoid breathing vapor. Use protective equipment as listed below.
Chemical Name: Propylene Glycol Dimethyl Ether
CAS Number: 110-71-4
Percent Content: >98% (by weight)
Impurities: Methylal, water, possible trace organic acids as process by-products
Other Ingredients: No significant non-hazardous components present
Inhalation: Remove to fresh air. If breathing is irregular or stopped, provide artificial respiration. Seek medical attention if symptoms persist.
Skin Contact: Immediately remove contaminated clothing. Flush skin thoroughly with soap and water for at least 15 minutes. Consult a doctor for persistent irritation.
Eye Contact: Rinse eyes cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing and get medical advice if irritation occurs.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water. Do not induce vomiting unless directed by medical personnel. Call poison control or a physician immediately.
Most Important Symptoms: Nausea, dizziness, headache, irritation of eyes and skin, central nervous system depression at high exposure
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Carbon dioxide, dry chemical powder, alcohol-resistant foam.
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: Direct water streams may spread fire.
Special Protective Equipment: Firefighters should wear self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective clothing.
Specific Hazards: Vapors may form explosive mixtures with air. Container may rupture if heated.
Hazardous Combustion Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, trace aldehydes and organic acids should be anticipated.
Fire Fighting Techniques: Move containers from fire area if safe. Cool adjacent containers with water spray to prevent bursting.
Personal Precautions: Evacuate area. Ventilate enclosed spaces. Eliminate ignition sources. Wear chemical splash goggles, solvent-resistant gloves, and protective clothing.
Environmental Precautions: Prevent product from entering sewers, surface water, or soil.
Cleanup Methods: Absorb liquid with inert material (e.g., sand, vermiculite), then collect and dispose of in compliance with local regulations. Use non-sparking tools.
Decontamination: Wash spill area thoroughly with water after cleanup.
Reporting: Report spills to appropriate authorities based on volume and local requirements.
Handling: Use with sufficient mechanical ventilation or local exhaust. Open containers carefully to release pressure gradually. Avoid all sources of ignition. Do not get in eyes, on skin, or clothing.
Storage: Store in tightly closed, labeled containers, in a cool, dry, ventilated area designed for flammable liquids. Keep away from oxidizers, acids, and bases. Use proper grounding and bonding during transfers.
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizing agents, acidic and basic substances.
Special Storage Considerations: Segregate from foods and animal feeds. Maintain clear aisles and access to emergency equipment.
Exposure Limits: No established OSHA or ACGIH limits; minimize exposure as a best practice.
Engineering Controls: Use local and general exhaust ventilation to keep airborne concentrations below recommended exposure limits.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Chemical splash goggles, flame-resistant lab coat or coveralls, butyl rubber or nitrile gloves, approved respirator for organic vapors if airborne levels risk exceeding safety thresholds.
Hygiene Practices: Wash hands before eating, drinking, or smoking. Remove contaminated clothing and wash before reuse.
Monitoring: Perform regular air monitoring where vapor concentrations may exceed safe work levels.
Appearance: Clear, colorless liquid
Odor: Sweet, ether-like odor
Odor Threshold: Detectable at low concentrations
pH: Not applicable (neutral organic liquid)
Melting Point/Freezing Point: Approximately -70°C
Boiling Point: 85–90°C at atmospheric pressure
Flash Point: 11°C (closed cup)
Evaporation Rate: Approx. 1.5 (n-butyl acetate = 1)
Flammability: High flammable liquid
Explosive Limits: Lower: 1.7% vol, Upper: 12.5% vol in air
Vapor Pressure: 67 mm Hg at 25°C
Vapor Density: 3.1 (air = 1)
Density/Specific Gravity: 0.84 g/cm³ at 20°C
Solubility: Miscible with water, ethanol, and most organic solvents
Partition Coefficient (log Kow): ~0.2
Auto-ignition Temperature: 205°C
Decomposition Temperature: Data not available
Viscosity: Low, similar to water
Molecular Weight: 104.15 g/mol
Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage conditions.
Reactivity: No dangerous reactions under normal use.
Conditions to Avoid: Heat, open flames, static discharge, strong sunlight, storage above recommended temperatures.
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizers, acids, bases.
Hazardous Decomposition: Produces carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and possible trace amounts of toxic or irritating fumes under fire conditions.
Polymerization: Not expected to occur.
Acute Toxicity: Oral LD50 (rat): >3000 mg/kg. Inhalation LC50 (rat, 4 hours): Not precisely established, moderate toxicity suspected. Dermal LD50 (rabbit): >2000 mg/kg.
Symptoms: Eye, skin, and respiratory tract irritation, drowsiness, headache, nausea, CNS depression at high exposures.
Chronic Effects: Repeated exposure may cause prolonged skin dryness or irritation, possible liver and kidney effects with high, long-term intake.
Sensitization: No confirmed skin or respiratory sensitization in humans.
Cancer Data: No components listed by NTP, IARC, or OSHA as known carcinogens.
Reproductive/Developmental: No evidence from animal studies to indicate reproductive harm under typical exposure.
Mutagenicity: No evidence of mutagenic effects found.
Ecotoxicity: Moderately harmful to aquatic life in concentrated spills. LC50 (fish, 96h): >100 mg/L. EC50 (daphnia, 48h): >100 mg/L.
Mobility: Expected to be mobile in soil and water due to low partition coefficient.
Persistence and Degradability: Readily biodegradable under aerobic conditions, breaking down within weeks.
Bioaccumulation: Low potential for bioaccumulation as indicated by low log Kow.
Other Adverse Effects: Not likely to cause significant ozone depletion, acidification, or soil toxicity when managed properly.
Precautions: Prevent concentrated discharges to surface water, drains, or the environment.
Waste Disposal Methods: Dispose of in accordance with local, regional, national, and international regulations. Incineration or solvent recycling are preferred, if permitted.
Container Disposal: Triple rinse empty containers, puncture, and render unusable before recycling or disposal.
Prohibited Practices: Do not allow product to enter public waterways, soil, or sewer systems.
Special Instructions: Consult licensed waste disposal contractor for handling large quantities or contaminated residues.
Regulatory References: Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) and local environmental protection regulations apply.
UN Number: UN 2252
Transport Hazard Class: Flammable Liquids – Class 3
Packing Group: II
Proper Shipping Name: Propylene Glycol Dimethyl Ether
Label Required: Flammable Liquid
Marine Pollutant: Not regulated as a marine pollutant
Hazards During Transport: Risk of fire and explosion. Keep away from heat, sparks, and ignition sources.
Precautions: Ship in tightly closed containers. Emergency response plans should accompany bulk shipments.
US TSCA Status: Listed on the Toxic Substances Control Act Inventory
SARA Title III Sections 302/304: Not listed as an extremely hazardous substance
SARA Title III Section 313: Not subject to reporting requirements
OSHA: Hazardous Chemical under OSHA Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200)
California Proposition 65: No ingredients listed
Canadian WHMIS Classification: B2: Flammable Liquid; D2B: Toxic Material Causing Other Toxic Effects
Other National Inventories: Listed on many international chemical inventories (EINECS/ELINCS, Japan ENCS, Australia AICS)
Additional Regulatory Notes: Restrictions may apply in some countries for use or disposal; local and national regulations must be consulted.