Material Safety Data Sheet for Propylene Glycol Monomethyl Ether Propionate

Identification

Product Name: Propylene Glycol Monomethyl Ether Propionate
Other Names: PGMEP, 1-Methoxy-2-propanol acetate
Recommended Use: Industrial solvent, printing inks, coatings, cleaners
Supplier: Chemical manufacturers and distributors
CAS Number: 34590-94-8
Emergency Contact: Local poison control center or local fire department for incidents involving this product
UN Number: 3272
Synonyms: Propylene glycol methyl ether acetate, PM Acetate
Prepared by: Safety Officer or Environmental Health Specialist

Hazard Identification

Classification: Flammable liquid, Eye irritation, Specific target organ toxicity (Single exposure - may cause drowsiness)
Signal Word: Warning
Hazard Statements: Flammable liquid and vapor. Causes eye irritation. May cause drowsiness or dizziness.
Pictograms: Flame, Exclamation mark
Precautionary Statements: Keep away from open flames and hot surfaces. Use PPE. Ensure proper ventilation. Do not inhale mist or vapors.
Routes of Exposure: Skin, eye contact, inhalation, ingestion
Potential Acute Health Effects: Irritates eyes and respiratory tract, headache, dizziness, nausea
Potential Chronic Health Effects: Long-term exposure may affect central nervous system and liver functions

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Identity: Propylene Glycol Monomethyl Ether Propionate
Chemical Formula: C6H12O3
Ingredient Percent: 99-100% pure
Impurities: Minimal, typically trace amounts of related glycol ethers
UN Number: 3272
Molecular Weight: 132.16 g/mol

First Aid Measures

Eye Contact: Flush eyes immediately with plenty of water for at least fifteen minutes, lifting eyelids occasionally and removing contact lenses if present. Seek medical attention if irritation persists.
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, wash affected area with soap and water. If irritation appears, get medical advice.
Inhalation: Move person to fresh air instantly. Give oxygen if breathing is difficult. See a doctor if symptoms continue.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water. Do not induce vomiting unless told by a doctor. Seek medical attention.
Most Important Symptoms: Drowsiness, dizziness, headache, nausea, irritation of eyes and respiratory system
Medical Attention: Always consult a healthcare professional in accidental exposures, particularly for children or if symptoms don't resolve rapidly

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use water spray, alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical, or carbon dioxide.
Hazardous Combustion Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, potentially irritating gases
Protective Equipment: Wear full protective clothing, self-contained breathing apparatus
Specific Hazards: Vapors can form explosive mixtures with air. Containers may rupture from pressure buildup
Firefighting Instructions: Remove containers from fire area if it can be done safely. Cool containers with water spray. Keep fire-exposed containers cool to prevent bursting

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Ventilate area well. Evacuate non-essential personnel from affected area. Avoid exposure to vapors.
Protective Equipment: Wear chemical-resistant gloves, goggles, and protective clothing
Spill Response: Contain spill with non-flammable absorbent material such as sand or earth, collect and transfer to a chemical waste container
Environmental Precautions: Prevent run-off from entering drains, surface water, or soil
Cleanup Methods: Wipe up or sweep up material and place into a labeled container for disposal. Dispose of in line with local and national regulation

Handling and Storage

Handling: Use only in well-ventilated areas. Avoid breathing vapors or mist. Wear appropriate personal protection. Keep away from heat, sparks, and open flame. Do not smoke during use.
Storage: Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated space. Keep away from direct sunlight and sources of ignition. Ground and bond containers for static discharge control
Incompatibility: Strong acids, alkalis, oxidizing agents
Special Precautions: Use proper labeling on storage containers. Inspect regularly for leaks or damage

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Occupational Exposure Limits: ACGIH TLV: 100 ppm TWA. OSHA PEL: 100 ppm TWA.
Engineering Controls: Ensure local exhaust ventilation. Use non-sparking equipment.
Personal Protective Equipment: Chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile or neoprene), safety goggles or face shield, long-sleeve clothing, respiratory protection when ventilation is poor
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands and face thoroughly after handling. Remove and wash contaminated clothing before reuse

Physical and Chemical Properties

Physical State: Clear, colorless liquid
Odor: Mild ether-like
pH: Not applicable (liquid solvent)
Melting Point: −66°C
Boiling Point: 145°C
Flash Point: 47°C (closed cup)
Evaporation Rate: Slower than ether
Vapor Pressure: 0.5 mmHg at 20°C
Relative Density: 0.96 g/cm³ at 20°C
Solubility: Miscible with water, ethanol, most organic solvents
Partition Coefficient (log Kow): 0.56
Auto-ignition Temperature: 315°C
Explosion Limits: Lower: 1.5%; Upper: 13.1% (vol%)
Viscosity: 1.7 mPa·s at 20°C
Decomposition Temperature: Not determined

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under normal use and recommended conditions
Conditions to Avoid: Heat, flames, sparks, static discharge
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizing agents, acids, alkalis
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, irritating fumes
Possibility of Hazardous Reactions: Does not polymerize

Toxicological Information

Likely Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin absorption, eye contact, ingestion
Acute Toxicity: Oral LD50 (rat): 5170 mg/kg; Dermal LD50 (rabbit): >5000 mg/kg
Skin Irritation: Mild irritation possible
Eye Irritation: Moderate irritant
Respiratory Sensitization: Possible drowsiness or dizziness, irritation to respiratory tract
Chronic Toxicity: Long-term exposure may impact the central nervous system or kidney/liver function
Carcinogenicity: Not classified as a carcinogen by IARC, NTP, or OSHA
Other Information: No significant mutagenic, teratogenic, or reproductive hazards identified in standard tests

Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: Not expected to be highly toxic, but large spills can cause harm to aquatic organisms
Persistence and Degradability: Biodegradable under environmental conditions
Bioaccumulative Potential: Low (log Kow below 1)
Mobility in Soil: Product is highly mobile and may reach groundwater if large quantities are released
Other Adverse Effects: Avoid discharge into lakes or waterways. Follow local requirements for environmental protection

Disposal Considerations

Waste Procedures: Dispose of waste and residues according to federal, state and local laws.
Recommended Disposal Method: Send to certified hazardous waste facility for incineration or suitable chemical treatment
Container Disposal: Empty containers may hold residues or vapors; do not use for other purposes. Triple rinse and offer drums for recycling after decontamination
Special Precautions: Never pour product down drains, sewers, or watercourses
Regulatory Waste Numbers: Follow local hazardous waste labeling and tracking requirements

Transport Information

UN Number: 3272
UN Proper Shipping Name: Esters, n.o.s. (contains Propylene Glycol Monomethyl Ether Propionate)
Transport Hazard Class: 3 (Flammable liquid)
Packing Group: III
Transport Labels: Flammable liquid
Environmental Hazards: Not considered marine pollutant but handle to prevent spills
Special Precautions for User: Ensure containers are secure, upright and labeled clearly. Check national and international guidelines for special exceptions on small quantities or consumer use

Regulatory Information

OSHA Status: Regulated as hazardous
TSCA (Toxic Substances Control Act): Listed
SARA Title III Sections 311/312: Fire hazard, Acute health hazard
SARA 313: Not listed
RCRA Status: Not classified as hazardous waste but check state requirements
California Proposition 65: Not listed as a chemical known to cause cancer or reproductive harm
EU Classification: Flammable (F), Irritant (Xi)
Inventory Status: Listed in EINECS, DSL (Canada), AICS (Australia), ENCS (Japan), and other global inventories
Other Requirements: Containers must have clear hazard labeling; users must have access to SDS and proper training in handling and emergency measures