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Ethyl ether

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Synonyms & Trade Names
Diethyl ether, Diethyl oxide, Ether, Ethyl oxide, Solvent ether
CAS No.
60-29-7
RTECS No.
KI5775000
DOT ID & Guide
1155 127
Formula
C₂H₅OC₂H₅
Conversion
1 ppm = 3.03 mg/m3
IDLH
1900 ppm [10%LEL]
See: 60297
Exposure Limits
NIOSH REL
See Appendix D
OSHA PEL
TWA 400 ppm (1200 mg/m3) See Appendix G
Measurement Methods
NIOSH 1610;
OSHA 7
See: NMAM or OSHA Methods
Physical Description
Colorless liquid with a pungent, sweetish odor. [Note: A gas above 94°F.]
Molecular Weight
74.1
Boiling Point
94°F
Freezing Point
-177°F
Solubility
8%
Vapor Pressure
440 mmHg
Ionization Potential
9.53 eV
Specific Gravity
0.71
Flash Point
-49°F
Upper Explosive Limit
36.0%
Lower Explosive Limit
1.9%
Class IA Flammable Liquid: Fl.P. below 73°F and BP below 100°F.
Incompatibilities & Reactivities
Strong oxidizers, halogens, sulfur, sulfur compounds [Note: Tends to form explosive peroxides under influence of air and light.]
Exposure Routes
inhalation, ingestion, skin and/or eye contact
Symptoms
irritation eyes, skin, upper respiratory system; dizziness, drowsiness, headache, excited, narcosis; nausea, vomiting
Target Organs
Eyes, skin, respiratory system, central nervous system
Personal Protection/Sanitation
(See protection codes)
Skin:Prevent skin contact
Eyes:Prevent eye contact
Wash skin:No recommendation
Remove:When wet (flammable)
Change:No recommendation
First Aid
(See procedures)
Eye:Irrigate immediately
Skin:Water wash promptly
Breathing:Respiratory support
Swallow:Medical attention immediately
Respirator Recommendations

OSHA

Up to 1900 ppm:
(APF = 10) Any chemical cartridge respirator with organic vapor cartridge(s)*
(APF = 50) Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator (gas mask) with a chin-style, front- or back-mounted organic vapor canister
(APF = 25) Any powered, air-purifying respirator with organic vapor cartridge(s)*
(APF = 10) Any supplied-air respirator*
(APF = 50) Any self-contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece

Emergency or planned entry into unknown concentrations or IDLH conditions:
(APF = 10,000) Any self-contained breathing apparatus that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode
(APF = 10,000) Any supplied-air respirator that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode in combination with an auxiliary self-contained positive-pressure breathing apparatus

Escape:
(APF = 50) Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator (gas mask) with a chin-style, front- or back-mounted organic vapor canister
Any appropriate escape-type, self-contained breathing apparatus

Important additional information about respirator selection

See also
INTRODUCTION   ICSC CARD: 0355   MEDICAL TESTS: 0095
Page last reviewed: October 30, 2019
Content source: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health