IPCS INCHEM Home
1,2-DICHLOROETHYLENE
ICSC: 0436
Peer-Review Status: 05.07.2003 Validated
1,2-Dichloroethene
Acetylene dichloride
symmetrical Dichloroethylene 
CAS #: 540-59-0 RTECS #: KV9360000
UN #: 1150
EC #: 602-026-00-3
EINECS #: 208-750-2
 		    Formula: C2H2Cl2 / ClCH=CHCl
Molecular mass: 96.95

TYPES OF
HAZARD /
EXPOSURE 		ACUTE HAZARDS / SYMPTOMS      PREVENTION      FIRST AID / FIRE FIGHTING
FIRE Highly flammable. Gives off irritating or toxic fumes (or gases) in a fire.  NO open flames, NO sparks and NO smoking.  Use water spray, powder, foam, carbon dioxide. 
EXPLOSION Vapour/air mixtures are explosive.  Closed system, ventilation, explosion-proof electrical equipment and lighting. Do NOT use compressed air for filling, discharging, or handling.  In case of fire: keep drums, etc., cool by spraying with water. 
 
EXPOSURE   STRICT HYGIENE!   
Inhalation Cough. Sore throat. Dizziness. Nausea. Drowsiness. Weakness. Unconciousness. Vomiting.  Use ventilation, local exhaust or breathing protection.  Fresh air, rest. Refer for medical attention. 
Skin Dry skin.  Protective gloves.  Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse skin with plenty of water or shower. 
Eyes Redness. Pain.  Wear safety spectacles.  First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then refer for medical attention. 
Ingestion Abdominal pain. Further see Inhalation.  Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work.  Rinse mouth. Give one or two glasses of water to drink. Refer for medical attention . 

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL
 		PACKAGING & LABELLING
Personal protection: complete protective clothing including self-contained breathing apparatus. Ventilation. Remove all ignition sources. Do NOT wash away into sewer. Collect leaking and spilled liquid in sealable containers as far as possible. Absorb remaining liquid in dry sand or inert absorbent. Then store and dispose of according to local regulations.   
EC Classification
Symbol: F, Xn; R: 11-20-52/53; S: (2)-7-16-29-61; Note: C 
UN Classification
UN Hazard Class: 3; UN Pack Group: II 
GHS Classification
 

EMERGENCY RESPONSE SAFE STORAGE
Transport Emergency Card: TEC (R)-30GF1-I+II.
NFPA Code: H2; F3; R2.  		Fireproof. Well closed. See Chemical Dangers. 

IMPORTANT DATA
Physical State; Appearance
COLOURLESS LIQUID WITH CHARACTERISTIC ODOUR. 

Physical dangers
The vapour is heavier than air and may travel along the ground; distant ignition possible. 

Chemical dangers
Decomposes on heating and under the influence of air, light and moisture. This produces toxic and corrosive fumes including hydrogen chloride (see ICSC 0163). Reacts with strong oxidants. Reacts with copper, copper alloys and bases. This produces toxic chloroacetylene which is spontaneously flammable in contact with air. Attacks plastics. 

Occupational exposure limits
TLV: 200ppm as TWA; (ACGIH 2003).
MAK: 200 ppm, 800 mg/m³; Peak limitation category: II(2); (DFG 2002). 

Routes of exposure
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation of its vapour and by ingestion. 

Inhalation risk
A harmful contamination of the air will be reached quickly on evaporation of this substance at 20°C; on spraying or dispersing, however, much faster. 

Effects of short-term exposure
The substance is irritating to the eyes and respiratory tract. The substance may cause effects on the central nervous system at high levels. This may result in lowering of consciousness. 

Effects of long-term or repeated exposure
The liquid defats the skin. The substance may have effects on the liver. 


PHYSICAL PROPERTIES ENVIRONMENTAL DATA
Boiling point: 55°C
Relative density (water = 1): 1.28
Solubility in water: poor
Relative vapour density (air = 1): 3.34
Flash point: 2°C c.c.
Auto-ignition temperature: 460°C
Explosive limits, vol% in air: 9.7-12.8
Octanol/water partition coefficient as log Pow: 2   		 

NOTES
This compound has two isomers, cis and trans.
Data for the isomers: cis-isomer (CAS 156-59-2), trans isomer (CAS 156-60-5), other boiling point 60.3, melting point -81.5°C (cis), -49.4°C (trans); flash point c.c.
6°C (cis), 2-4°C (trans); relative density (water = 1) 1.28 (cis), 1.26 (trans); vapour pressure 24.0 kPa (cis), 35.3 kPa (trans) at 20°C; relative density of the vapour/air-mixture at 20°C (air = 1): 1.6 (cis), 1.8 (trans); octanol/water part
Depending on the degree of exposure, periodic medical examination is suggested. 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
 

IPCS
International
Programme on
Chemical Safety 		WHO ILO EC Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International Programme on Chemical Safety and the European Commission
© IPCS 2004-2012
LEGAL NOTICE Neither the EC nor the IPCS nor any person acting on behalf of the EC or the IPCS is responsible for the use which might be made of this information. 
    See Also:
       Toxicological Abbreviations