Material Safety Data Sheet: Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether

Identification

Product Name: Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether
Synonyms: 1-Methoxy-2-propanol, PGME, Dowanol PM
Chemical Formula: C4H10O2
CAS Number: 107-98-2
Manufacturer: Please refer to shipment packaging or supplier label.
Recommended Use: Solvent in paints, varnishes, inks, cleaners.
Emergency Contact: Refer to local guideline or company emergency information.

Hazard Identification

GHS Classification: Flammable Liquid Category 3, Eye Irritation Category 2A, Specific Target Organ Toxicity (Single Exposure) Category 3
Signal Word: Warning
Hazard Statements: Flammable liquid and vapor. Causes serious eye irritation. May cause respiratory irritation, headache, or dizziness.
Pictograms: Flame, Exclamation Mark.
Precautionary Statements: Keep away from heat, sparks, open flames. Wear protective gloves and eye protection. Use only with adequate ventilation.

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Main Component: Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether
CAS Number: 107-98-2
Percent Range: 99% or greater
Impurities: Typical trace impurities do not significantly alter hazards.
Additives: None common for commercial grade.

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Remove to fresh air. Seek medical attention if symptoms develop or persist, including headache, dizziness, or irritation.
Skin Contact: Wash with soap and water. Remove contaminated clothing and launder before reuse. If irritation occurs, get medical attention.
Eye Contact: Flush eyes with plenty of running water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing and seek medical advice if irritation persists.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water. Do not induce vomiting unless directed by medical personnel. Get medical help if large amounts are swallowed or symptoms occur.
Note to Physician: Symptomatic and supportive treatment recommended.

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical powder, carbon dioxide, water spray for large fires.
Specific Hazards: Vapors may form explosive mixtures with air. Burning releases toxic gases including carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide.
Protective Equipment and Precautions: Firefighters should wear self-contained breathing apparatus and protective clothing to prevent skin and eye contact.
Firefighting Procedures: Use water spray to cool containers. Avoid direct streams which may spread the fire.
Unusual Fire Hazards: Containers exposed to heat may burst or explode.

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Evacuate area. Eliminate all sources of ignition. Ventilate the area.
Protective Equipment: Wear gloves, chemical safety goggles, and appropriate protective clothing.
Containment: Prevent entry into drains, surface water, or soil.
Cleanup Methods: Absorb with inert material such as sand or earth. Collect in suitable containers for proper disposal.
Environmental Precautions: Notify authorities if large spills contaminate water or if local regulations require.

Handling and Storage

Safe Handling: Use with adequate ventilation. Avoid breathing vapors, mist, or spray. Avoid skin and eye contact. Keep away from heat, sparks, and open flames.
Storage Conditions: Store in tightly closed, properly labeled containers in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from incompatible materials such as strong oxidizers.
Incompatibilities: Strong acids, base, and oxidizers.
Other Recommendations: Use non-sparking tools and intrinsically safe equipment. Ground and bond containers during transfer.

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Occupational Exposure Limits: ACGIH TLV - 50 ppm TWA (184 mg/m³); STEL 100 ppm
Engineering Controls: Local exhaust ventilation or general ventilation to keep vapor concentrations below exposure limits.
Personal Protective Equipment: Eyes: Chemical goggles; Skin: Nitrile or neoprene gloves, protective clothing; Respiratory: Respirator if concentrations exceed limits or during cleanup and maintenance.
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands before breaks and after handling. Remove contaminated clothing and wash before reuse.

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Clear, colorless liquid
Odor: Mild ether-like
Odor Threshold: About 10 ppm
pH: Not applicable
Melting Point/Freezing Point: -97°C
Initial Boiling Point/Range: 120°C
Flash Point: 31°C (Closed cup)
Evaporation Rate: 0.45 (butyl acetate = 1)
Flammability: Flammable liquid
Upper/Lower Explosive Limits: 1.5% / 13.1% (vol % in air)
Vapor Pressure: 10 mmHg @ 20°C
Vapor Density: 3.1 (air = 1)
Relative Density: 0.92 g/cm³ @ 20°C
Solubility: Miscible with water
Partition Coefficient (n-octanol/water): Log Pow: -0.43
Auto-ignition Temperature: 287°C
Decomposition Temperature: Not determined
Viscosity: 1.7 mPa·s @ 20°C

Stability and Reactivity

Stability: Stable under normal temperatures and pressure.
Hazardous Reactions: Can react vigorously with strong oxidizing agents.
Conditions to Avoid: Heat, flames, sources of ignition, static discharge.
Materials to Avoid: Strong acids, alkali metals, oxidizing substances.
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, formaldehyde in case of incomplete combustion.

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: Oral LD50 (rat): 4016 mg/kg; Dermal LD50 (rat): 13000 mg/kg; Inhalation LC50 (rat, 4h): 6.0 mg/L
Skin Corrosion/Irritation: May cause mild skin irritation after prolonged or repeated contact.
Eye Damage/Irritation: Causes significant irritation.
Respiratory Effects: Inhalation may cause drowsiness, dizziness, headache, or throat irritation.
Chronic Effects: No reliable evidence for carcinogenic, mutagenic, reproductive, or developmental effects in humans.
Sensitization: Not identified as a sensitizer.

Ecological Information

Aquatic Toxicity: LC50 (fish, 96h): 20,800 mg/L (Pimephales promelas)
Degradation: Readily biodegradable
Bioaccumulation Potential: Log Pow -0.43 shows low potential for bioaccumulation.
Mobility in Soil: Likely to volatilize and migrate through soil but also diluted quickly in surface waters.
Other Effects: Not expected to cause harmful effects to aquatic life at typical concentrations for commercial and industrial use.

Disposal Considerations

Waste Treatment Methods: Recycle or dispose in accordance with local, regional, national, and international regulations.
Disposal of Containers: Rinse thoroughly and puncture before disposal or offer recycling if available.
Precautions: Keep waste out of sewers and water sources. Incineration may be preferred for large volumes.
Regulatory Waste Codes: Please refer to local and national requirements for waste classification.

Transport Information

UN Number: UN 3092
Proper Shipping Name: 1-Methoxy-2-Propanol
Transport Hazard Class: 3 (Flammable liquids)
Packing Group: III
Labels Required: Flammable liquid
Environmental Hazards: Not classed as a marine pollutant.
Special Transport Notes: Avoid transport with foodstuffs, strong oxidizers, or household chemicals. Secure loads against tipping, leaks, or impacts.

Regulatory Information

OSHA Status: Classified as hazardous.
TSCA Inventory: Listed.
SARA Title III Sections 311/312: Fire hazard, acute health hazard
SARA Title III Section 313: Not subject to reporting
REACH Status (EU): Registered substance; please refer to the ECHA database for details.
Other Regulatory Listings: WHMIS (Canada): Class B2 (flammable liquid), Class D2B (toxic)
Restrictions: Follow all region-specific and workplace requirements regarding handling, exposure, transport, and disposal.