METHYLAL

International Chemical Safety Cards

METHYLAL

ICSC: 1152

METHYLAL
Dimethoxymethane
Formal
Formaldehyde dimethylacetal
C₃H₈O₂/CH₂-(OCH₃)₂
Molecular mass: 76.1
CAS # 109-87-5
RTECS # PA8750000
ICSC # 1152
UN # 1234

TYPES OF HAZARD/ EXPOSURE	ACUTE HAZARDS/ SYMPTOMS	PREVENTION	FIRST AID/ FIRE FIGHTING
FIRE	Highly flammable.	NO open flames, NO sparks, and NO smoking.	Powder, alcohol-resistant foam, water in large amounts, carbon dioxide.
EXPLOSION	Vapour/air mixtures are explosive.	Closed system, ventilation, explosion-proof electrical equipment and lighting. Do NOT use compressed air for filling, discharging, or handling.	In case of fire: keep drums, etc., cool by spraying with water.

EXPOSURE
INHALATION	Cough. Dizziness. Drowsiness. Headache. Sore throat. Unconsciousness.	Ventilation, local exhaust, or breathing protection.	Fresh air, rest. Refer for medical attention.
SKIN	MAY BE ABSORBED! Dry skin. Redness. Pain (Further see Inhalation).	Protective gloves.	Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse skin with plenty of water or shower. Refer for medical attention.
EYES	Redness. Pain.	Safety spectacles.	First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then take to a doctor.
INGESTION	Abdominal pain. Nausea. Vomiting (further see Inhalation).	Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work.	Rinse mouth. Refer for medical attention.

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL

STORAGE

PACKAGING & LABELLING

Collect leaking and spilled liquid in sealable containers as far as possible. Absorb remaining liquid in sand or inert absorbent and remove to safe place. Do NOT wash away into sewer (extra personal protection: self-contained breathing apparatus).

Fireproof. Separated from strong oxidants. Cool. Keep in the dark. Well closed. Store only if stabilized.

Airtight.
UN Hazard Class: 3
UN Packing Group: II

SEE IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON BACK

ICSC: 1152

Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International Programme on Chemical Safety & the Commission of the European Communities © IPCS CEC 1993

International Chemical Safety Cards

METHYLAL

ICSC: 1152

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PHYSICAL STATE; APPEARANCE:
VERY VOLATILE COLOURLESS LIQUID , WITH CHARACTERISTIC ODOUR.

PHYSICAL DANGERS:
The vapour is heavier than air and may travel along the ground; distant ignition possible.

CHEMICAL DANGERS:
The substance can presumably form explosive peroxides. May explode on heating. Reacts vigorously with strong oxidants causing fire and explosion hazard.

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS (OELs):
TLV: 1000 ppm; 3110 mg/m³ (ACGIH 1991-1992).

ROUTES OF EXPOSURE:
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation of its vapour and through the skin.

INHALATION RISK:
A harmful contamination of the air can be reached rather quickly on evaporation of this substance at 20°C.

EFFECTS OF SHORT-TERM EXPOSURE:
The substance irritates the eyes, the skin and the respiratory tract. The substance may cause effects on the central nervous system. Exposure far above the OEL may result in unconsciousness.

EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM OR REPEATED EXPOSURE:
The liquid defats the skin.

PHYSICAL
PROPERTIES

Boiling point: 42°C
Melting point: -105°C
Relative density (water = 1): 0.86
Solubility in water, g/100 ml at 20°C: 33
Vapour pressure, kPa at 20°C: 44
Relative vapour density (air = 1): 2.6

Relative density of the vapour/air-mixture at 20°C (air = 1): 1.7
Flash point: -18°C o.c.
Auto-ignition temperature: 237°C
Explosive limits, vol% in air: 1.6-17.6
Octanol/water partition coefficient as log Pow: 0