Material Safety Data Sheet
Ethyl ether

ACC# 08980
Section 1 - Chemical Product and Company Identification

MSDS Name: Ethyl ether
Catalog Numbers: AC410040000, AC410040025, AC410045000, AC611010190, S73990, S73990ANES-1, S73990ANES-2, E135-1, E135-20, E135-4, E136-1, E136-150, E188-20, E188-4, E188-500, S17573MF
Synonyms:
Ethane, 1,1'-oxybis-; Anesthetic ether; Diethyl ether; Ethoxyethane; Diethyl oxide; Ethyl ether; Ether; Ethyl oxide.
Company Identification:

              Fisher Scientific
              1 Reagent Lane
              Fair Lawn, NJ 07410
For information, call:
201-796-7100
Emergency Number:
201-796-7100
For CHEMTREC assistance, call:
800-424-9300
For International CHEMTREC assistance, call:
703-527-3887

Section 2 - Composition, Information on Ingredients

CAS# Chemical Name Percent EINECS/ELINCS
60-29-7Ethyl ether > 98 200-467-2
7732-18-5Water <0.1 231-791-2
128-37-0Butylated hydroxytoluene <.0007 204-881-4

Hazard Symbols:
XN F+
Risk Phrases:
12 19 22 66 67

Section 3 - Hazards Identification

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW

Appearance: APHA: 10 max clear liquid. Flash Point: -45 deg C. Danger! Causes eye and skin irritation. May cause central nervous system depression. May form explosive peroxides. Hygroscopic (absorbs moisture from the air). Air sensitive. Light sensitive. Aspiration hazard if swallowed. Can enter lungs and cause damage. May be harmful if swallowed. May be habit forming. Extremely flammable liquid and vapor. Vapor may cause flash fire.
Target Organs: Central nervous system, respiratory system, eyes, skin.


Potential Health Effects
Eye: Causes moderate eye irritation. Causes redness and pain.
Skin: Causes skin irritation. May be absorbed through the skin. Repeated or prolonged exposure may cause drying and cracking of the skin.
Ingestion: Aspiration hazard. Symptoms may include: headache, excitement, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, stupor, and coma. May cause central nervous system depression, characterized by excitement, followed by headache, dizziness, drowsiness, and nausea. Advanced stages may cause collapse, unconsciousness, coma and possible death due to respiratory failure. Aspiration of material into the lungs may cause chemical pneumonitis, which may be fatal.
Inhalation: Exposure to high concentrations may produce narcosis, nausea and loss of consciousness. Inhalation of vapors may cause drowsiness and dizziness.
Chronic: Prolonged or repeated skin contact may cause defatting and dermatitis. Prolonged or repeated exposure can cause psychic abnormalities such as anxiety, depression and excitability. Laboratory experiments have resulted in mutagenic effects. Prolonged exposure to high vapor concentrations may cause eye injury. Repeated exposures may be habit forming. Prolonged or repeated inhalation or ingestion may result in liver and kidney changes.

Section 4 - First Aid Measures


Eyes: In case of contact, immediately flush eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. Get medical aid.
Skin: In case of contact, immediately flush skin with plenty of water. Remove contaminated clothing and shoes. Get medical aid. Wash clothing before reuse.
Ingestion: Potential for aspiration if swallowed. Get medical aid immediately. Do not induce vomiting unless directed to do so by medical personnel. Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person.
Inhalation: If inhaled, remove to fresh air. If not breathing, give artificial respiration. If breathing is difficult, give oxygen. Get medical aid.
Notes to Physician: Persons with kidney disease, chronic respiratory disease, liver disease, or skin disease may be at increased risk from exposure to this substance. Alcoholic beverage consumption may enhance the toxic effects of this substance. Treat symptomatically and supportively.

Section 5 - Fire Fighting Measures


General Information: As in any fire, wear a self-contained breathing apparatus in pressure-demand, MSHA/NIOSH (approved or equivalent), and full protective gear. Vapors may form an explosive mixture with air. Extremely flammable. Material will readily ignite at room temperature. Use water spray to keep fire-exposed containers cool. Water may be ineffective. Material is lighter than water and a fire may be spread by the use of water. Containers may explode in the heat of a fire. May form explosive peroxides. Will be easily ignited by heat, sparks or flame. May re-ignite after fire is extinguished. Vapors are heavier than air and may travel to a source of ignition and flash back. Vapors can spread along the ground and collect in low or confined areas. This liquid floats on water and may travel to a source of ignition and spread fire.
Extinguishing Media: For small fires, use dry chemical, carbon dioxide, water spray or alcohol-resistant foam. Water may be ineffective. For large fires, use water spray, fog or alcohol-resistant foam. Do NOT use straight streams of water. Cool containers with flooding quantities of water until well after fire is out.
Flash Point: -45 deg C ( -49.00 deg F)
Autoignition Temperature: 180-190 deg C
Explosion Limits, Lower:1.9 vol %
Upper: 36.0 vol %
NFPA Rating: (estimated) Health: 1; Flammability: 4; Instability: 1

Section 6 - Accidental Release Measures


General Information: Use proper personal protective equipment as indicated in Section 8.
Spills/Leaks: Avoid runoff into storm sewers and ditches which lead to waterways. Remove all sources of ignition. Absorb spill using an absorbent, non-combustible material such as earth, sand, or vermiculite. Do not use combustible materials such as saw dust. Use a spark-proof tool. Place under an inert atmosphere. A vapor suppressing foam may be used to reduce vapors.

Section 7 - Handling and Storage


Handling: Wash thoroughly after handling. Remove contaminated clothing and wash before reuse. Ground and bond containers when transferring material. Avoid contact with eyes, skin, and clothing. Empty containers retain product residue, (liquid and/or vapor), and can be dangerous. Take precautionary measures against static discharges. Keep container tightly closed. Avoid contact with heat, sparks and flame. Handle under an inert atmosphere. If peroxide formation is suspected, do not open or move container. Do not pressurize, cut, weld, braze, solder, drill, grind, or expose empty containers to heat, sparks or open flames. Use only with adequate ventilation. Avoid breathing vapor.
Storage: Keep away from heat, sparks, and flame. Keep away from sources of ignition. Do not store near combustible materials. Do not store in direct sunlight. Store in a tightly closed container. Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from incompatible substances. Flammables-area. Do not expose to air. Store protected from light. Store under an inert atmosphere. Keep away from oxidizing agents. Store at room temperature or below. Do not exceed 86°F. Do not open unless contents are at 72°F or below for at least 24 hours. Ethyl ether may form explosive peroxides on long standing or after exposure to air or light.

Section 8 - Exposure Controls, Personal Protection


Engineering Controls: Use process enclosure, local exhaust ventilation, or other engineering controls to control airborne levels below recommended exposure limits. Use explosion-proof ventilation equipment. Facilities storing or utilizing this material should be equipped with an eyewash facility and a safety shower.
Exposure Limits
Chemical Name ACGIH NIOSH OSHA - Final PELs
Ethyl ether400 ppm TWA; 500 ppm STEL 1900 ppm IDLH400 ppm TWA; 1200 mg/m3 TWA
Waternone listed none listednone listed
Butylated hydroxytoluene2 mg/m3 TWA (inhalable fraction, vapor and aerosol) 10 mg/m3 TWAnone listed

OSHA Vacated PELs: Ethyl ether: 400 ppm TWA; 1200 mg/m3 TWA Water: No OSHA Vacated PELs are listed for this chemical. Butylated hydroxytoluene: 10 mg/m3 TWA
Personal Protective Equipment
Eyes: Wear chemical goggles.
Skin: Wear appropriate protective gloves to prevent skin exposure.
Clothing: Wear appropriate protective clothing to prevent skin exposure.
Respirators: A respiratory protection program that meets OSHA's 29 CFR 1910.134 and ANSI Z88.2 requirements or European Standard EN 149 must be followed whenever workplace conditions warrant a respirator's use.

Section 9 - Physical and Chemical Properties


Physical State: Clear liquid
Appearance: APHA: 10 max
Odor: sweetish odor - aromatic odor
pH: Not available.
Vapor Pressure: 442 mm Hg @ 20C
Vapor Density: 2.55 (Air=1)
Evaporation Rate:37.5 (Butyl acetate=1)
Viscosity: 0.2448 cp @ 20C
Boiling Point: 34.6 deg C
Freezing/Melting Point:-116.3 deg C
Decomposition Temperature:Not available.
Solubility: Slightly soluble.
Specific Gravity/Density:0.7110g/cm3
Molecular Formula:C4H10O
Molecular Weight:74.12

Section 10 - Stability and Reactivity


Chemical Stability: Stable under normal temperatures and pressures. Prolonged exposure to air and sunlight may form unstable peroxides.
Conditions to Avoid: Light, ignition sources, exposure to air, electrical sparks, exposure to flame, heat.
Incompatibilities with Other Materials: Strong oxidizing agents, bromine trifluoride, chlorine trifluoride, halogens, nitric acid, permanganates, silver perchlorate, sodium peroxide, sulfur, sulfuric acid, hydrogen peroxides, ozone, bromine, chromyl chloride, fluorine nitrate, nitrosyl perchlorate, bromine pentafluoride, perchloric acid, chromic anhydride, interhalogens, chlorine, uranyl nitrate, moisture, air, iodine heptafluoride, boron triazide, wood pulp extracts + heat, acetyl peroxide, bromoazide, potassium peroxide, triethyl or trimethyl aluminum + air, lithium aluminum hydride, thiotriazyl perchlorate, nitryl perchlorate, permanganic acid, peroxodisulfuric acid, iodine (VII) oxide, sulfonyl chloride, liquid air.
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Carbon monoxide, irritating and toxic fumes and gases, carbon dioxide, peroxides.
Hazardous Polymerization: Will not occur.

Section 11 - Toxicological Information


RTECS#:
CAS# 60-29-7: KI5775000
CAS# 7732-18-5: ZC0110000
CAS# 128-37-0: GO7875000
LD50/LC50:
CAS# 60-29-7:
Draize test, rabbit, eye: 100 mg Moderate;
Inhalation, mouse: LC50 = 31000 ppm/30M;
Oral, rat: LD50 = 1215 mg/kg;
Skin, rabbit: LD50 = >20 mL/kg;
CAS# 7732-18-5:
Oral, rat: LD50 = >90 mL/kg;
CAS# 128-37-0:
Draize test, rabbit, eye: 100 mg/24H Moderate;
Draize test, rabbit, skin: 500 mg/48H Moderate;
Oral, mouse: LD50 = 650 mg/kg;
Oral, rat: LD50 = 890 mg/kg;
Carcinogenicity:
CAS# 60-29-7: Not listed by ACGIH, IARC, NIOSH, NTP, or OSHA. CAS# 7732-18-5: Not listed by ACGIH, IARC, NIOSH, NTP, or OSHA. CAS# 128-37-0:
ACGIH: A4 - Not Classifiable as a Human Carcinogen
IARC: IARC Group 3 - not classifiable
Epidemiology: No information available.
Teratogenicity: No information available.
Reproductive Effects: No information available.
Neurotoxicity: No information available.
Mutagenicity: DNA Repair: Escherichia coli = 35670 ug/well/16H.; DNA Inhibition: Mouse, Embryo = 2850 mg/L.; Mutation Test Systems - not otherwise specified: Hamster, Fibroblast = 1 pph.
Other Studies: Open Irritation Test: Administration onto the skin (rabbit) = 360 mg (Mild). Standard Draize Test: Administration into the eye (rabbit) = 100 mg (Moderate). Standard Draize Test : Administration onto the skin (rabbit) = 50 mg/24H (Sev ere). Standard Draize Test: Administration into the eye (human) = 100 ppm.

Section 12 - Ecological Information


Ecotoxicity: Fish: Fathead Minnow: LC50 = 2600 mg/L; 96 Hr; Flow-through bioassay Bluegill/Sunfish: LC50 >10000 mg/L; 96 Hr; Static bioassay ria: Phytobacterium phosphoreum: EC50 = 5625 mg/L; 15 min; Microtox test If ethyl ether is released to soil, it will be subject to volatilization. It will be expected to exhibit high mobility in soil and, therefore, it may leach to groundwater. If ethyl ether is released to water, it will not be expected to significantly adsorb to sediment or suspended particulate matter, bioconcentrate in aquatic organisms or hydrolyze.
Environmental: Ethyl ether will not significantly photooxidize via reaction with photochemically produced hydroxyl radicals in the water. Ethyl ether in surface water will be subject to rapid volatilization with estimated half-lives of 3.1 hr and 1.5 days. It will not be expected to hydrolyze in water or soil. If ethyl ether is released to the atmosphere, it will be expected to exist almost entirely in the vapor phase.It will be susceptible to photooxidation via vapor phase reaction with photochemically produced hydroxyl radicals with a half-life of 29 hours.
Physical: No information available.
Other: No information available.

Section 13 - Disposal Considerations

Chemical waste generators must determine whether a discarded chemical is classified as a hazardous waste. US EPA guidelines for the classification determination are listed in 40 CFR Parts 261.3. Additionally, waste generators must consult state and local hazardous waste regulations to ensure complete and accurate classification.
RCRA P-Series: None listed.
RCRA U-Series: CAS# 60-29-7: waste number U117 (Ignitable waste).

Section 14 - Transport Information

US DOT IATA RID/ADR IMO Canada TDG
Shipping Name: DIETHYL ETHER No information available.
Hazard Class: 3
UN Number: UN1155
Packing Group: I

Section 15 - Regulatory Information

US FEDERAL

TSCA
CAS# 60-29-7 is listed on the TSCA inventory.
CAS# 7732-18-5 is listed on the TSCA inventory.
CAS# 128-37-0 is listed on the TSCA inventory.
Health & Safety Reporting List
None of the chemicals are on the Health & Safety Reporting List.
Chemical Test Rules
None of the chemicals in this product are under a Chemical Test Rule.
Section 12b
None of the chemicals are listed under TSCA Section 12b.
TSCA Significant New Use Rule
None of the chemicals in this material have a SNUR under TSCA.
SARA

CERCLA Hazardous Substances and corresponding RQs
CAS# 60-29-7: 100 lb final RQ; 45.4 kg final RQ
SARA Section 302 Extremely Hazardous Substances
None of the chemicals in this product have a TPQ.
SARA Codes
CAS # 60-29-7: acute, flammable, sudden release of pressure, reactive. CAS # 128-37-0: acute.
Section 313
No chemicals are reportable under Section 313.
Clean Air Act:
This material does not contain any hazardous air pollutants. This material does not contain any Class 1 Ozone depletors. This material does not contain any Class 2 Ozone depletors.
Clean Water Act:
None of the chemicals in this product are listed as Hazardous Substances under the CWA. None of the chemicals in this product are listed as Priority Pollutants under the CWA. None of the chemicals in this product are listed as Toxic Pollutants under the CWA.
OSHA:
None of the chemicals in this product are considered highly hazardous by OSHA.
STATE
CAS# 60-29-7 can be found on the following state right to know lists: California, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Minnesota, Massachusetts.
CAS# 7732-18-5 is not present on state lists from CA, PA, MN, MA, FL, or NJ.
CAS# 128-37-0 can be found on the following state right to know lists: California, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Minnesota, Massachusetts.
California No Significant Risk Level: None of the chemicals in this product are listed.

European/International Regulations

European Labeling in Accordance with EC Directives
Hazard Symbols:
XN F+
Risk Phrases:

R 12 Extremely flammable.
R 19 May form explosive peroxides.
R 22 Harmful if swallowed.
R 66 Repeated exposure may cause skin dryness or
cracking.
R 67 Vapors may cause drowsiness and dizziness.

Safety Phrases:

S 16 Keep away from sources of ignition - No
smoking.
S 29 Do not empty into drains.
S 33 Take precautionary measures against static
discharges.
S 9 Keep container in a well-ventilated place.

WGK (Water Danger/Protection)

CAS# 60-29-7: 1
CAS# 7732-18-5: No information available.
CAS# 128-37-0: 1
Canada - DSL/NDSL
CAS# 60-29-7 is listed on Canada's DSL List.
CAS# 7732-18-5 is listed on Canada's DSL List.
CAS# 128-37-0 is listed on Canada's DSL List.
Canada - WHMIS
This product has a WHMIS classification of B2, D2B.
Canadian Ingredient Disclosure List
CAS# 60-29-7 is listed on the Canadian Ingredient Disclosure List.
CAS# 128-37-0 is listed on the Canadian Ingredient Disclosure List.
Exposure Limits
CAS# 60-29-7: OEL-AUSTRALIA:TWA 400 ppm (1200 mg/m3);STEL 500 ppm (1
500 mg/m3) OEL-AUSTRIA:TWA 400 ppm (1200 mg/m3) OEL-BELGIUM:TWA 400
ppm (1210 mg/m3);STEL 500 ppm (1520 mg/m3) OEL-CZECHOSLOVAKIA:TWA 500
mg/m3;STEL 1500 mg/m3 OEL-DENMARK:TWA 400 ppm (1200 mg/m3) OEL-FINL
AND:TWA 400 ppm (1200 mg/m3);STEL 500 ppm (1500 mg/m3) OEL-FRANCE:TWA
400 ppm (1200 mg/m3);STEL 500 ppm (1500 mg/m3) OEL-GERMANY:TWA 400 p
pm (1200 mg/m3) OEL-HUNGARY:TWA 300 mg/m3;STEL 600 mg/m3;Skin OEL-JA
PAN:TWA 400 ppm (1200 mg/m3) OEL-THE NETHERLANDS:TWA 400 ppm (1200 mg
/m3) JAN9 OEL-THE PHILIPPINES:TWA 400 ppm (1200 mg/m3) JAN9 OEL-POLA
ND:TWA 300 mg/m3 OEL-RUSSIA:TWA 400 ppm;STEL 300 mg/m3 OEL-SWEDEN:TW
A 400 ppm (1200 mg/m3);STEL 500 ppm (1500 mg/m3) OEL-SWITZERLAND:TWA
400 ppm (1200 mg/m3);STEL 800 ppm OEL-TURKEY:TWA 400 ppm (1200 mg/m3)
OEL-UNITED KINGDOM:TWA 400 ppm (1200 mg/m3);STEL 500 ppm OEL IN BUL
GARIA, COLOMBIA, JORDAN, KOREA check ACGIH TLV OEL IN NEW ZEALAND, SI
NGAPORE, VIETNAM check ACGI TLV
CAS# 128-37-0: OEL-AUSTRALIA:TWA 10 mg/m3 OEL-BELGIUM:TWA 10 mg/m3
OEL-FINLAND:TWA 10 mg/m3;STEL 20 mg/m3;Skin OEL-FRANCE:TWA 10 mg/m3
OEL-THE NETHERLANDS:TWA 10 mg/m3 OEL-SWITZERLAND:TWA 10 mg/m3 OEL-U
NITED KINGDOM:TWA 10 mg/m3 OEL IN BULGARIA, COLOMBIA, JORDAN, KOREA c
heck ACGIH TLV OEL IN NEW ZEALAND, SINGAPORE, VIETNAM check ACGI TLV

Section 16 - Additional Information

MSDS Creation Date: 6/02/1999
Revision #6 Date: 6/11/2003

The information above is believed to be accurate and represents the best information currently available to us. However, we make no warranty of merchantability or any other warranty, express or implied, with respect to such information, and we assume no liability resulting from its use. Users should make their own investigations to determine the suitability of the information for their particular purposes. In no event shall Fisher be liable for any claims, losses, or damages of any third party or for lost profits or any special, indirect, incidental, consequential or exemplary damages, howsoever arising, even if Fisher has been advised of the possibility of such damages.