CHLOROETHANE

Description

Ethyl chloride is a colorless gas or liquid(below 12℃) with a pungent, ether-like odor and a burningtaste. Shipped as a liquefied compressed gas. Molecularweight 5 64.52; Specific gravity (H2O:1) = 0.92 (liquid at0℃); Boiling point = 12.2℃; Freezing/Meltingpoint = 2138.9; Vapor pressure = 1000 mmHg at 20℃;Flash point = -50℃ (liquid); Autoignitiontemperature = 519℃. Explosive limits: LEL = 3.8%;UEL = 15.4%. Hazard Identification (based on NFPA-704M Rating System): Health 1, Flammability 4, Reactivity 0.Slightly soluble in water; solubility = 0.6%.

Background

Ethyl chloride, or chloroethane, has a chemical formula C2H5Cl. It was commonly used in the production of tetraethyllead (TEL), which is an additive for gasoline. It was also used in other commerical applications as a chemical reagent. It is still used in the treatment of cellulose to make ethylcellulose for commercial products. Ethyl chloride is used as a diagnostic tool to detect a dead tooth with nonviable pulp.

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

The Uses of CHLOROETHANE

Historically, chloroethane was used to make tetraethyl lead (an anti-knock additive to leaded gasoline). Presently, chloroethane is widely used as a blower in foamed plastics. The use of chloroethane in insecticides and as an ethylating agent in the manufacture of dyes and drugs, refrigerants, local anesthetics, paints, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals has also been approved. In medicine, chloroethane is used to reduce pain caused by burns and insect bites, test pulp freshness in dentistry, and as a supplement in treating alopecia areata and creep eruptions as an anti-stimulant to relieve muscle and visceral pain.

Health effect

Inhalation of high concentrations of chloroethane sensitizes the heart to the effects of catecholamines. This, together with ethyl chloride-induced euphoria, excitement, asphyxia, and hypoxia can result in arrhythmias and death. It has been proposed that chloroethane may depress atrioventricular nodal conduction, causing atrioventricular block.

Storage

Color Code—Red Stripe: Flammability Hazard:Store separately from all other flammable materials. Priorto working with this chemical you should be trained on itsproper handling and storage. Before entering confined spacewhere this chemical may be present, check to make surethat an explosive concentration does not exist. Ethyl chloride must be stored to avoid contact with oxidizers (such asperoxides, chlorates, perchlorates, nitrates, and permanganates) or chemically active metals (such as sodium, potassium, calcium, powdered aluminum, zinc, and magnesium)because violent reactions occur. Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, well-ventilated area away from heat.Sources of ignition, such as smoking and open flames, areprohibited where ethyl chloride is handled, used, or stored.Metal containers used in the transfer of 5 gallons or more ofethyl chloride should be grounded and bonded. Drums mustbe equipped with self-closing valves, pressure vacuumbungs, and flame arresters. Use only nonsparking tools andequipment, especially when opening and closing containersof ethyl chloride. Procedures for the handling, use, and storage of cylinders should be in compliance with OSHA1910.101 and 1910.169, as with the recommendations ofthe Compressed Gas Association.

Synthesis

Chloroethane is synthesized using ethylene hydrochloride and as a by-product of polyvinyl chloride production.