2,2'-Dichlorodiethyl ether

Description

Dichloroethyl ether is a clear, colorless liquidwith a pungent, fruity odor. It is also described as having achlorinated solvent-like odor. Molecular weight=143.02;Boiling point=176-178℃; Flash point=55℃;Autoignition temperature=369℃; Explosive limits:LEL=2.7%; UEL=unknown. Hazard Identification(based on NFPA-704 M Rating System): Health 3,Flammability 2, Reactivity 1. Insoluble in water.

Chemical properties

colourless liquid

Chemical properties

Dichloroethyl ether is a clear, colorless liquid. Pungent, fruity odor. It is also described as having a chlorinated solvent-like odor.

Physical properties

Colorless to pale yellow volatile liquid with a pungent, fruity, chlorinated-like odor. The low odor and high odor threshold concentrations were 90.0 and 2,160 mg/m³, respectively (Ruth, 1986).

The Uses of 2,2'-Dichlorodiethyl ether

Reagent for organic synthesis; solvent. Has been used as a scouring agent for textiles; as soil fumigant.

The Uses of 2,2'-Dichlorodiethyl ether

Soil fumigant; acaricide.

The Uses of 2,2'-Dichlorodiethyl ether

Bis(2-chloroethyl)ether (BCEE) is used as ascouring agent for textiles; as a dewaxingagent for lubricating oils; as a soil fumigant;as a solvent for resins, oils, and lacquers; andin organic synthesis.

Definition

ChEBI: Bis(2-chloroethyl)ether is an ether.

General Description

A clear colorless liquid with a sweet pleasant or nauseating odor. Flash point 131°F. Denser than water and insoluble in water. Toxic by inhalation and skin absorption. Used in cleaning compounds, paints, textile finishing, and as a general solvent.

Air & Water Reactions

Flammable. Insoluble in water. Reacts slowly with water to form HCl. Oxidizes readily in air to form unstable peroxides that may explode spontaneously [Bretherick, 1979 p.151-154].

Reactivity Profile

2,2'-Dichlorodiethyl ether may form phosgene or hydrogen when heated to high temperature. Oxidizes readily in air to form unstable peroxides that may explode spontaneously [Bretherick, 1979 p.151-154]. Mixing in equal molar portions with the following substances in a closed container caused the temperature and pressure to increase: chlorosulfonic acid and oleum [NFPA 1991].

Health Hazard

2,2'-Dichlorodiethyl ether is very toxic; the probable oral lethal dose is 50-500 mg/kg, or between 1 teaspoonful and 1 ounce for a 150 pound person. It can be a central nervous system depressant in high concentrations. It is extremely irritating to the eyes, nose, and respiratory passages. It can penetrate the skin to cause serious and even fatal poisoning. Poisonous; may be fatal if inhaled, swallowed or absorbed through skin.

Health Hazard

BCEE is an acute toxic compound withcancer-causing properties. The toxic routesare inhalation, ingestion, and absorptionthrough the skin. Exposure to its vaporscaused irritation of the eyes, nose, and res piratory tracts in test animals. Exposure to aconcentration of 250 ppm in air for 4 hoursproved lethal to rats (ACGIH 1986). At alower concentration, it caused delayed deathfollowing damage to lungs. Other organsaffected to a lesser degree were the liver,kidneys, and brain.
The irritant action of BCEE on the eyesvaried from mild to severe. In humans,contact of pure liquid can cause conjunctivalirritation and injury to the cornea. On theskin, its irritation effect is mild. However,on prolonged contact, the liquid may beabsorbed through the skin and manifest toxiceffects
Ingestion of this compound in smallamounts may produce nausea and vomiting.An oral dose of 50–75 mL is expected to befatal to humans
LC50 value, inhalation (rats): 330 mg (56ppm)/m³/4 hr
LD50 value, oral (rats): 75 mg/kg
LD50 value, skin (guinea pigs): 300 mg/kg
LD50 value, skin (guinea pigs): 300 mg/kg.

Fire Hazard

May form phosgene or hydrogen chloride in fires. There is danger of explosion when ethers are heated or exposed to flames or sparks. Ethers tend to form peroxides; when ethers containing peroxides are heated, they can detonate. May be ignited by heat, sparks, or flames. Container may explode in heat of fire. Vapor explosion and poison hazard indoors, outdoors or in sewers. Decomposes in the presence of moisture to form hydrochloric acid. Emits toxic fumes when heated to decomposition. Reacts vigorously with oleum and chlorosulfonic acid. Ethers tend to form peroxides upon standing. Heating peroxide-containing ethers can cause detonation.

Flammability and Explosibility

Not classified

Chemical Reactivity

Reactivity with Water : No reaction; Reactivity with Common Materials: No reaction; Stability During Transport: Stable; Neutralizing Agents for Acids and Caustics: Not pertinent; Polymerization: V; Inhibitor of Polymerization: Not pertinent.

Safety Profile

A poison by ingestion, skin contact, and inhalation. A skin, eye, and mucous membrane irritant. Questionable carcinogen with experimental carcinogenic and tumorigenic data. Mutation data reported. Exposure to 1000 ppm for 30 to 60 minutes may result in death within days. The odor is easily detectable at 35 ppm whch causes only slight irritation. Flammable liquid when exposed to heat, flame, or oxidants. Dangerous explosion hazard; reacts vigorously with oleum, chlorosulfonic acid. Reacts with water or steam to evolve toxic and corrosive fumes. Can react vigorously with oxidizing materials. To fight fire, use water, foam, mist, fog, spray, dry chemical. When heated to decomposition it emits toxic fumes of Cl-. See also ETHERS.

Potential Exposure

Dichloroethyl ether is used as a soil fumigant, an insecticide, and an acaricide; in the manufacture of paint, varnish, lacquer, soap, and finish removers. It is also used as a solvent for cellulose esters, naphthalenes, oils, fats, waxes, greases, pectin, tar, and gum; in dry cleaning and in textile scouring.

First aid

If this chemical gets into the eyes, remove anycontact lenses at once and irrigate immediately for at least15 min, occasionally lifting upper and lower lids. Seek medical attention immediately. If this chemical contacts theskin, remove contaminated clothing and wash immediatelywith soap and water. Seek medical attention immediately. Ifthis chemical has been inhaled, remove from exposure,begin rescue breathing (using universal precautions, including resuscitation mask) if breathing has stopped and CPR ifheart action has stopped. Transfer promptly to a medicalfacility. When this chemical has been swallowed, get medical attention. Give large quantities of water and inducevomiting. Do not make an unconscious person vomit.Medical observation is recommended for 24-48 h afterbreathing overexposure, as pulmonary edema may bedelayed. As first aid for pulmonary edema, a doctor orauthorized paramedic may consider administering a corticosteroid spray.

Source

Bis(2-chloroethyl) ether does not occur naturally in the environment. In Canada, this compound enters the environment as a by-product from chlorination of waste streams containing ethylene, propylene (Environment Canada, 1993) or ethyl ether (quoted, Verschueren, 1983).

Environmental Fate

Biological. When 5 and 10 mg/L of bis(2-chloroethyl)ether were statically incubated in the dark at 25°C with yeast extract and settled domestic wastewater inoculum, complete degradation was observed after 7 days (Tabak et al., 1981).
Chemical/Physical. Bis(2-chloroethyl)ether is subject to hydrolysis (Enfield and Yates, 1990; NIOSH, 1994). The hydrolysis rate constant for bis(2-chloroethyl)ether at pH 7 and 25°C was determined to be 2.6 × 10–5/hour, resulting in a half-life o
Emits chlorinated acids when incinerated (Sittig, 1985).

storage

Color Code—Blue: Health Hazard/Poison: Storein a secure poison location. Prior to working with BCEEyou should be trained on its proper handling and storage.Before entering confined space where this chemical may bepresent, check to make sure that an explosive concentrationdoes not exist. Bis (2-chloroethyl) ether must be stored toavoid contact with strong oxidizers, such as chlorine, bromine, and chlorine dioxide, since violent reactions occur,and moisture. Store in tightly closed containers in a cool,dry, well-ventilated area away from heat. Sources of ignition, such as smoking and open flames are prohibited wherebis (2-chloroethyl) ether is used, handled, or stored in amanner that could create a potential fire or explosion hazard. A regulated, marked area should be established wherethis chemical is handled, used, or stored in compliance withOSHA Standard 1910.1045.

Shipping

UN1916 2,20 -Dichlorodiethyl ether, Hazard class: 6.1; Labels: 6.1-Poisonous materials, 3-Flammable liquid

Purification Methods

Wash the ether with conc H2SO4, then Na2CO3 solution, dry with anhydrous Na2CO3, and finally pass it through a 50cm column of activated alumina before distillation. Altern

Incompatibilities

Contact with moisture caused decomposition producing hydrochloric acid. Can form peroxides. May form explosive mixture with air. Contact with strong oxidizers may cause fire and explosion hazard. Attacks some plastics, rubber, and coatings. Attacks metals in the presence of moisture

Waste Disposal

A potential candidate for liquid injection incineration at a temperature range of 650 to 1600C and a residence time 0.1 to 2 seconds. Also, a potential candidate for rotary kiln incineration at a temperature range of 820 to 1600C and residence times of seconds for liquids and gases, and hours for solids. Also, a potential candidate for fluidized bed incineration at a temperature range of 450 to 980C and residence times of seconds for liquids and gases, and longer for solids. Consult with environmental regulatory agencies for guidance on acceptable disposal practices. Generators of waste containing this contaminant (≧100 kg/mo) must conform with EPA regulations governing storage, transportation, treatment, and waste disposal