Material Safety Data Sheet: Propylene Glycol Mono-t-Butyl Ether

Identification

Chemical Name: Propylene glycol mono-t-butyl ether
Synonyms: 1-Butoxy-2-propanol, PGMTBE
CAS Number: 57018-52-7
Recommended Use: Solvent in coatings, cleaners, inks, adhesives
Manufacturer: Refer to package or shipment documentation
Emergency Contact: Chemtrec 1-800-424-9300 (US); Company designated contact as provided
Address: Specified on shipping or safety documents

Hazard Identification

Hazard Classification: Flammable liquid, Acute toxicity (oral and dermal), Eye and skin irritation
Signal Word: Warning
Hazard Statements: Flammable liquid and vapor, Causes eye and skin irritation, Harmful if swallowed or in contact with skin
Pictograms: Flame, exclamation mark
Precautionary Statements: Avoid breathing vapors, Wash hands after handling, Keep away from ignition sources, Wear protective clothing, Use only in well-ventilated areas
Potential Health Effects: Inhalation may cause dizziness, headache, drowsiness, respiratory irritation; Skin contact may result in redness or dryness; Ingestion may lead to abdominal pain, nausea, central nervous system effects

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical: Propylene glycol mono-t-butyl ether
Common Name: PGMTBE
CAS Registry Number: 57018-52-7
Concentration: Greater than 98%
Impurities: Water (<0.5%), other glycol ethers (<1.0%)

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Remove person to fresh air. Seek medical attention if symptoms develop. Support breathing as needed. Remove contaminated clothing.
Skin Contact: Wash exposed area with soap and water for several minutes. Remove contaminated clothing and footwear. If irritation persists, seek medical advice.
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for at least 15 minutes, lifting eyelids occasionally. Remove contact lenses if present and easy to do. Obtain medical attention if discomfort continues.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water. Do not induce vomiting. Get medical help promptly. Give nothing by mouth if unconscious.

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Carbon dioxide, dry chemical, alcohol-resistant foam
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: Direct water stream (may spread fire)
Hazards: Vapors can form explosive mixtures with air. Containers may rupture in fire. Thermal decomposition releases toxic and irritating gases.
Special Protective Equipment: Firefighters should wear full protective gear and self-contained breathing apparatus.
Advice: Cool fire-exposed containers with water spray. Stay upwind.

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Protective Equipment: Wear gloves, protective goggles, and suitable clothing to avoid direct contact. Respiratory protection may be needed in poorly ventilated areas.
Environmental Precautions: Prevent entry into drains, waterways, or soil. Notify local authorities if significant spill reaches environment.
Containment: Eliminate sources of ignition. Ventilate area. Stop leak if it can be done safely.
Cleanup: Use inert absorbent material, such as sand or vermiculite, to contain spill. Collect residue in a clearly labeled container for disposal. Wash area with detergent and water after removal.

Handling and Storage

Handling: Use proper ventilation. Avoid contact with skin, eyes, and clothing. Do not breathe vapors. Wash thoroughly after handling. Ground and bond containers during transfer to prevent static discharge.
Storage: Store in tightly closed, properly labeled containers. Keep away from heat, sparks, open flames, and hot surfaces. Store in a dry, cool, well-ventilated location away from incompatible acids, oxidizers, and strong bases.
Special Requirements: Prevent electrostatic charge. Store bulk containers away from drains or sewers.

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Occupational Exposure Limits: No specific OSHA PEL or ACGIH TLV assigned; minimize exposure as for other glycol ethers
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust ventilation as needed to keep vapor concentrations below exposure limits
Personal Protection Equipment: Safety glasses with side shields or chemical goggles, impervious gloves (nitrile or neoprene), lab coat or chemical-resistant apron, suitable respiratory protection if ventilation is not adequate
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands after handling. Remove contaminated clothing and wash before use.
Monitoring: Air monitoring for organic vapors may be advisable in confined or high-use areas.

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Clear, colorless to pale yellow liquid
Odor: Mild ether-like
Odor Threshold: Not available
pH (neat): Not determined
Melting Point: -68°C
Boiling Point: 146°C
Flash Point: 48°C (closed cup)
Evaporation Rate: Moderate, slower than n-butyl acetate
Flammability: Flammable
Upper/Lower Flammability Limit: 1.2% - 7.2% (v/v in air, approximate)
Vapor Pressure: 2.2 mmHg at 20°C
Vapor Density: Heavier than air
Relative Density: 0.87 g/cm³ at 20°C
Water Solubility: Completely miscible
Partition Coefficient (n-octanol/water): 0.33 (estimated)
Auto-Ignition Temperature: 325°C
Decomposition Temperature: Not available
Viscosity: 3.1 mPa·s at 20°C

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under normal conditions of handling and storage
Possibility of Hazardous Reactions: May react with strong oxidizers, acids, alkalis
Conditions to Avoid: Heat, flames, sources of ignition, incompatible materials
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizing agents, strong acids, strong bases
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, possible aldehydes and organic vapors

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: Low to moderate acute oral and dermal toxicity; oral LD50 (rat) estimated > 2000 mg/kg
Skin Corrosion/Irritation: May cause moderate skin irritation on prolonged or repeated exposure
Serious Eye Damage/Irritation: Can cause eye irritation, temporary reddening, and tearing
Respiratory Sensitization: Data inadequate to classify
Specific Target Organ Toxicity (Single Exposure): May cause drowsiness or dizziness by inhalation
Chronic Effects: Data limited for chronic exposure, but glycol ethers have been associated with blood and kidney effects in lab animals
Carcinogenicity: Not listed as a carcinogen by NTP, IARC, or OSHA
Mutagenicity: No sufficient evidence found in standard tests
Reproductive Toxicity: Not expected at occupational exposure levels

Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: Not expected to be highly toxic to aquatic organisms; fish LC50 (96 hr): approximately 1000 mg/L
Persistence and Degradability: Readily biodegradable, expected to break down in the environment
Bioaccumulative Potential: Low based on log Kow value
Mobility in Soil: High due to water solubility; may migrate into groundwater
Other Adverse Effects: No known significant effects at typical environmental concentrations

Disposal Considerations

Waste Treatment: Collect in suitable containers for disposal in accordance with national, state, and local regulations
Waste Disposal Methods: Send to licensed chemical disposal facility; avoid release to water systems
Contaminated Packaging: Triple rinse and offer for recycling or disposal as hazardous waste
Food Chain Considerations: Do not allow significant residues to contaminate food or animal feed

Transport Information

UN Number: 3272
UN Proper Shipping Name: Ethers, N.O.S. (Propylene glycol mono-t-butyl ether)
Transport Hazard Class: 3 (Flammable liquid)
Packing Group: III
Environmental Hazards: Not marine pollutant
Special Precautions for User: Handle with care in transit, avoid sources of ignition
Transport in Bulk: Follow applicable regulations
DOT, IMDG, IATA Regulations: Subject to flammable liquid requirements

Regulatory Information

TSCA (US Toxic Substances Control Act): Listed
DSL/NDSL (Canada): Listed or considered equivalent
REACH (EU): Listed or notified
SARA Title III: Not listed as a Section 313 chemical
OSHA Hazard Communication Standard: Classified as hazardous chemical; Safety Data Sheet required
WHMIS (Canada): B2—Flammable liquid; D2B—Toxic material causing other effects
State Regulations: Subject to specific state requirements (California Proposition 65: Not listed)
Other Country Specific Regulations: Check local provisions for chemical inventories and labeling standards