International Chemical Safety Cards

2-METHOXY-2-METHYL PROPANE ICSC: 1164
2-METHOXY-2-METHYL PROPANE
tert-Butyl methyl ether
Methyl tert-butyl ether
MTBE
(CH3)3COCH3
Molecular mass: 88.2
CAS # 1634-04-4
RTECS # KN5250000
ICSC # 1164
UN # 2398
TYPES OF
HAZARD/
EXPOSURE 		ACUTE HAZARDS/
SYMPTOMS 		PREVENTION FIRST AID/
FIRE FIGHTING
FIRE Highly flammable.
NO open flames, NO sparks, and NO smoking. NO contact with oxidants.
Water spray. Alcohol-resistant foam. Carbon dioxide.
EXPLOSION Vapour/air mixtures are explosive. Risk of fire and explosion.
Prevent build-up of electrostatic charges (e.g., by grounding).
In case of fire: keep drums, etc., cool by spraying with water.
 
EXPOSURE


INHALATION Cough. Dizziness. Unconsciousness. Weakness.
Ventilation.
Fresh air, rest. Artificial respiration if indicated. Refer for medical attention.
SKIN Dry skin.
Protective gloves.
Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse and then wash skin with water and soap.
EYES Redness. Pain.
Safety goggles or face shield.
First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then take to a doctor.
INGESTION Abdominal pain. Dizziness. Nausea. Vomiting.
Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work.
Rinse mouth. Give a slurry of activated charcoal in water to drink. Do NOT induce vomiting. 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. Use self-contained breathing apparatus in the case of large spills.
Fireproof. Separated from strong oxidants, strong acids. Keep in a well-ventilated room.

UN Haz Class: 3
UN Pack Group: II
SEE IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON BACK
ICSC: 1164 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

2-METHOXY-2-METHYL PROPANE ICSC: 1164

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

PHYSICAL DANGERS:
The vapour is heavier than air and may travel along the ground; distant ignition possible. The vapour mixes well with air, explosive mixtures are easily formed. As a result of flow, agitation, etc., electrostatic charges can be generated.

CHEMICAL DANGERS:
Reacts violently with strong oxidants causing fire hazard.

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS (OELs):
TLV not established.


ROUTES OF EXPOSURE:
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation and by ingestion.

INHALATION RISK:


EFFECTS OF SHORT-TERM EXPOSURE:
Inhalation of high concentrations of vapour may cause irritation of respiratory tract. Exposure to high concentrations could cause lowering of consciousness.

EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM OR REPEATED EXPOSURE:
PHYSICAL
PROPERTIES
 Boiling point: 55°C
Melting point: -109°C
Relative density (water = 1): 0.7
Solubility in water, g/100 ml: 4.8
Solubility in water: 6.9% by volume
Vapour pressure, kPa at 25°C: 32.7
 Relative vapour density (air = 1): 3.0
Relative density of the vapour/air-mixture at 20°C (air = 1): 1.7
Flash point: -28°C
Auto-ignition temperature: 224°C
Explosive limits, vol% in air: 1.6-15.1
Octanol/water partition coefficient as log Pow: 1.3
ENVIRONMENTAL
DATA
NOTES
Other explosive limits: 1.6-8.4 volume %. Much less likely to form peroxides than other ethers.
Transport Emergency Card: TEC (R)-30G30
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION


ICSC: 1164 2-METHOXY-2-METHYL PROPANE
© IPCS, CEC, 1993
IMPORTANT LEGAL NOTICE: Neither the CEC or the IPCS nor any person acting on behalf of the CEC or the IPCS is responsible for the use which might be made of this information. This card contains the collective views of the IPCS Peer Review Committee and may not reflect in all cases all the detailed requirements included in national legislation on the subject. The user should verify compliance of the cards with the relevant legislation in the country of use.