Product Name: Diisopropyl Ether
Chemical Formula: C6H14O
CAS Number: 108-20-3
Synonyms: Isopropyl Ether, 2-Isopropoxypropane, Secondary Butyl Ether
Recommended Uses: Laboratory solvent, Extraction agent, Industry solvent
Supplier Information: Contact details provided on the original container’s label
Emergency Contact: National Poison Control Center or local/emergency medical services
GHS Classification: Flammable liquid (Category 2), Acute toxicity inhalation (Category 4), Skin irritation (Category 2), Eye irritation (Category 2A), Specific target organ toxicity—single exposure
Signal Word: Danger
Hazard Statements: Highly flammable liquid and vapor; May form explosive peroxides; Causes skin and eye irritation; Harmful if inhaled; May cause drowsiness and dizziness
Pictograms: Flame, Exclamation Mark
Precautionary Statements: Keep container tightly closed; Keep away from heat/sparks/open flames/hot surfaces—No smoking; Use explosion-proof electrical equipment; Avoid breathing vapors or mist; Wear protective gloves, protective clothing, and eye protection; Wash hands thoroughly after handling
Component: Diisopropyl Ether
Concentration: ≥99%
Impurities: Peroxides may accumulate during storage; Trace impurities possible from industrial synthesis methods
Inhalation: Remove individual to fresh air. If breathing is difficult or has stopped, perform artificial respiration and seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms can include headache, dizziness, nausea, and respiratory distress.
Skin Contact: Immediately remove contaminated clothing. Rinse affected skin with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. Get medical advice if irritation develops or persists.
Eye Contact: Flush eyes with running water for at least 15 minutes while holding eyelids apart. Remove contact lenses if present and easy to do. Seek medical attention.
Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting. Rinse mouth thoroughly with water. Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. Seek medical attention without delay.
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use foam, dry chemical, or carbon dioxide. Water spray may be used to cool fire-exposed containers, but direct streams can spread the fire.
Hazardous Combustion Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, possibly volatile peroxides
Specific Hazards Arising from the Chemical: Vapors can form explosive mixtures with air. Containers exposed to heat may burst. May accumulate static electricity.
Protective Equipment for Firefighters: Firefighters should wear self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and full protective gear designed for chemical hazards.
Personal Precautions: Evacuate unprotected personnel. Remove all ignition sources. Ventilate area. Avoid inhaling vapors or contact with skin and eyes. Wear splash-proof goggles, chemical-resistant gloves, and suitable protective clothing.
Containment: Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so. Stop the flow of material, if possible without risk.
Clean-Up Methods: Absorb spill with inert material such as sand, earth, or vermiculite. Place in chemical waste container for proper disposal. Do not allow product to reach drains or waterways. Wash area with water after material pickup is complete.
Environmental Precautions: Prevent release into the environment. Avoid runoff into sewers or waterways.
Precautions for Safe Handling: Work in well-ventilated locations. Avoid breathing vapors or contact with skin and eyes. Ground and bond all containers and equipment. Use non-sparking tools. Prevent peroxide accumulation by using only in original containers or those certified for ether storage. Never distill to dryness.
Conditions for Safe Storage: Store tightly closed in cool, dry, and well-ventilated areas far from heat, sparks, open flames, oxidizing agents, and strong bases or acids. Use explosion-proof refrigerators for storage. Routinely monitor storage containers for peroxide buildup.
Occupational Exposure Limits: OSHA PEL: 500 ppm (2100 mg/m³); ACGIH TLV: 250 ppm (1050 mg/m³)—values may vary by jurisdiction
Engineering Controls: Use ventilation systems to keep airborne concentrations below recommended limits. Fume hoods or explosion-proof exhaust systems fit laboratory settings.
Personal Protective Equipment: Wear appropriate chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile, neoprene), safety goggles, face shield, laboratory coat, and, if necessary, an approved respirator. Ensure access to emergency eyewash stations and safety showers.
Appearance: Clear, colorless liquid
Odor: Ether-like, sweet odor
Odor Threshold: Not precisely established
pH: Not applicable
Melting Point: −60°C
Boiling Point: 69°C
Flash Point: −28°C (closed cup)
Evaporation Rate: Fast
Flammability: Highly flammable
Explosion Limits: Lower: 1.4% v/v, Upper: 21% v/v
Vapor Pressure: 172 mmHg at 20°C
Relative Density: 0.724 - 0.726 g/cm³
Water Solubility: Slight (0.88 g/100 mL at 20°C)
Partition Coefficient (n-octanol/water): 1.42
Auto-Ignition Temperature: 443°C
Decomposition Temperature: Not available
Viscosity: 0.36 mPa·s at 25°C
Chemical Stability: Tends to form explosive peroxides on exposure to air and light, especially with prolonged storage
Hazardous Reactions: Contact with strong oxidizers—risk of violent reactions; reacts with acids, acid chlorides, alkali metals
Conditions to Avoid: Heat, sparks, open flames, sunlight, static discharge, prolonged air exposure
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizers (e.g., peroxides, nitrates), acids, alkali metals, acid anhydrides
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, ether peroxides when aged
Acute Toxicity: LD50 (oral, rat): 7400 mg/kg; LD50 (dermal, rabbit): not reported specifically; LC50 (inhalation, rat): 55,000 mg/m³/4h
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin absorption, eye contact, ingestion
Effects: Shortness of breath, headache, dizziness, central nervous system depression, respiratory tract irritation, skin and eye irritation
Chronic Exposure: Potential for liver and kidney damage; no known carcinogenic classification under IARC, NTP, or OSHA
Sensitization: No reliable data for skin or respiratory sensitization
Other Effects: High concentrations may cause unconsciousness or respiratory depression. Long-term exposure to peroxides generated in storage could be hazardous.
Ecotoxicity: Harmful to aquatic life (LC50 for fish: 964 mg/L, 96 h, Pimephales promelas)
Persistence and Degradability: Biodegradable under aerobic conditions, but slow in anaerobic settings
Bioaccumulation Potential: Low to moderate, based on partition coefficient (log Kow ≈ 1.42)
Mobility in Soil: High mobility—may leach into groundwater from spills or improper disposal
Other Adverse Effects: Volatile organic compound contributes if released in large quantities. Not considered persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic (PBT) by current regulatory standards.
Waste Disposal Methods: Burn in a chemical incinerator equipped with afterburner and scrubber. Obey federal, state, and local regulations. Do not pour down the drain. Always handle waste in accordance with environmental, health, and safety requirements.
Container Disposal: Empty containers may retain residues and vapors—dispose according to local environmental authorities. Do not pressurize or incinerate containers unless officially instructed.
UN Number: 1159
UN Proper Shipping Name: Diisopropyl Ether
Transport Hazard Class: 3 (Flammable Liquid)
Packing Group: II
Environmental Hazards: Marine pollutant is not listed for this substance, but avoid unintentional release
Special Precautions: Secure packaging to prevent leaks and sudden movement; keep separate from incompatible substances. Transportation regulations can vary by geographic region.
OSHA Classification: Hazardous chemical, meets requirements of 29 CFR 1910.1200
TSCA Status: Listed on the U.S. Toxic Substances Control Act inventory
SARA Title III: Not specifically listed under sections 302, 304, or 313
California Proposition 65: Not listed as a chemical known to cause cancer, birth defects, or reproductive harm
Other Regulations: Complies with REACH—regulation (EC) No 1907/2006, and classified under CLP Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008
Label Elements Required: Display flammable liquid pictogram, hazard, and precautionary statements on all primary and secondary containers
