Butyl glycidyl ether

Description

n-Butyl glycidyl ether is a reactive diluent used to reduce viscosity of epoxy res ins Bisphenol A type.

Chemical properties

colourless liquid

Chemical properties

n-Butyl glycidyl ether is a colorless liquid with slight irritating odor.

The Uses of Butyl glycidyl ether

Uses include the roles of viscosity-reducing agent for easier handling of conventional epoxy resins, acid acceptor for stabilizing chlorinated solvents, and chemical intermediate. Some curing agents may produce hazardous polymerizations in large quantities.

The Uses of Butyl glycidyl ether

Viscosity-reducing agent, acid acceptor for solvents, chemical intermediate

Production Methods

n-Butyl glycidyl ether (BGE) is made by the condensation of n-butyl alcohol and epichlorohydrin with subsequent dehydrochlorination with caustic to form the epoxy ring.

General Description

Colorless to pale yellow liquid with a strong, slightly unpleasant odor. Flash point approximately 164°F. Denser than water. Vapors are heavier than air. Vapors may irritate the nose, throat and respiratory tract. Ingestion or inhalation may cause central nervous system depression. Liquid contact may severely irritate the eyes and skin. Prolonged contact with the skin may cause defatting and drying.

Air & Water Reactions

Highly flammable. Butyl glycidyl ether may be sensitive to prolonged exposure to air, may form explosive peroxide in contact with air.

Reactivity Profile

Butyl glycidyl ether, an ether, can act as a base. They form salts with strong acids and addition complexes with Lewis acids. The complex between diethyl ether and boron trifluoride is an example. Ethers may react violently with strong oxidizing agents. In other reactions, which typically involve the breaking of the carbon-oxygen bond, ethers are relatively inert.

Hazard

A mild skin and eye irritant. Sensitization and reproduction effects.

Health Hazard

Exposure can cause mild irritation of skin, eyes, nose, and respiratory tract. Chronic exposure may cause inflammation and sensitization of the skin.

Flammability and Explosibility

Flammable

Contact allergens

A reactive diluent used to reduce viscosity of epoxy resins Bisphenol A type.

Safety Profile

Suspected Carcinogen. Moderately toxic by ingestion, skin contact, and inuaperitoneal routes. Mildly toxic by inhalation. An experimental teratogen. Mutation data reported. A sktn and severe eye irritant. See also ETHERS. When heated to decomposition it emits acrid and irritating fumes.

Potential Exposure

NIOSH has estimated human exposures @ 18,000. Used as reactive diluent for epoxy resins, flooring, laminating, and electrical; and as a stabilizer, viscosity-reducing agent, as acid acceptor for solvents; and as a chemical intermediate

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. Seekmedical attention immediately. If this chemical contactsthe skin, remove contaminated clothing and wash immediately with soap and water. Seek medical attention immediately. If this chemical has been inhaled, remove fromexposure, begin rescue breathing (using universal precautions, including resuscitation mask) if breathing hasstopped and CPR if heart action has stopped. Transferpromptly to a medical facility. When this chemical hasbeen swallowed, get medical attention. Give large quantities of water and induce vomiting. Do not make an unconscious person vomit.

Carcinogenicity

BGE was mutagenic in bacterial assays, and DNA damage was induced in human cells in vitro.

storage

Color Code—Red: Flammability Hazard: Store ina flammable liquid storage area or approved cabinet awayfrom ignition sources and corrosive and reactive materials.Prior to working with this chemical you should be trainedon its proper handling and storage. Before entering confinedspace where n-butyl glycidyl ether may be present, check tomake sure that an explosive concentration does not exist.Store in a fireproof refrigerator in tightly closed containersunder an inert atmosphere, separated from strong oxidants, strong bases, strong acids. Metal containers involvingthe transfer of this chemical should be grounded andbonded. Where possible, automatically pump liquid fromdrums or other storage containers to process containers.Drums must be equipped with self-closing valves, pressurevacuum bungs, and flame arresters. Use only nonsparkingtools and equipment, especially when opening and closingcontainers of this chemical. Sources of ignition, such assmoking and open flames, are prohibited where this chemical is used, handled, or stored in a manner that could createa potential fire or explosion hazard. A regulated, markedarea should be established where this chemical is handled,used, or stored in compliance with OSHA Standard1910.1045.

Shipping

UN1993 Flammable liquids, n.o.s., Hazard Class: 3; Labels: 3—Flammable liquid, Technical Name Required

Incompatibilities

May form explosive mixture with air. Air and light form unstable and explosive peroxides. Contact with strong oxidizers may cause fire and explosions. Contact with strong caustics may cause polymerization. Attacks some plastics and rubber

Waste Disposal

Dissolve or mix the material with a combustible solvent and burn in a chemical incinerator equipped with an afterburner and scrubber. All federal, state, and local environmental regulations must be observed.