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METHYL TERT-BUTYL ETHERICSC: 1164 (November 2000)
tert-Butyl methyl ether
MTBE
Methyl-1,1-dimethylethyl ether
2-Methoxy-2-methyl propane
CAS #: 1634-04-4
UN #: 2398
EC Number: 216-653-1

  ACUTE HAZARDS PREVENTION FIRE FIGHTING
FIRE & EXPLOSION Highly flammable.  Vapour/air mixtures are explosive.  NO open flames, NO sparks and NO smoking. NO contact with oxidizing agents.  Closed system, ventilation, explosion-proof electrical equipment and lighting. Do NOT use compressed air for filling, discharging, or handling.  Use powder, AFFF, foam, carbon dioxide.  In case of fire: keep drums, etc., cool by spraying with water. 

   
  SYMPTOMS PREVENTION FIRST AID
Inhalation Drowsiness. Dizziness. Headache. Weakness. Unconsciousness.  Use ventilation, local exhaust or breathing protection.  Fresh air, rest. Artificial respiration may be needed. Refer for medical attention. 
Skin Dry skin. Redness.  Protective gloves.  Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse and then wash skin with water and soap. 
Eyes Redness.  Wear safety goggles or face shield.  First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then refer for medical attention. 
Ingestion Abdominal pain. Nausea. Vomiting. Further see Inhalation.  Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work.  Rinse mouth. Give a slurry of activated charcoal in water to drink. Do NOT induce vomiting. Refer for medical attention . 

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL CLASSIFICATION & LABELLING
Personal protection: filter respirator for organic gases and vapours adapted to the airborne concentration of the substance. Remove all ignition sources. Collect leaking and spilled liquid in sealable containers as far as possible. Absorb remaining liquid in sand or inert absorbent. Then store and dispose of according to local regulations. Do NOT wash away into sewer. 

According to UN GHS Criteria

 

Transportation
UN Classification
UN Hazard Class: 3; UN Pack Group: II 

STORAGE
Fireproof. Separated from strong oxidants and strong acids. 
PACKAGING
 
METHYL TERT-BUTYL ETHER ICSC: 1164
PHYSICAL & CHEMICAL INFORMATION

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
Reacts violently with strong oxidants. This generates fire hazard. Decomposes on contact with acids. 

Formula: (CH3)3COCH3 / C5H12O
Molecular mass: 88.2
Boiling point: 55°C
Melting point: -109°C
Relative density (water = 1): 0.7
Solubility in water, g/100ml at 20°C: 4.2
Vapour pressure, kPa at 20°C: 27
Relative vapour density (air = 1): 3.0
Relative density of the vapour/air-mixture at 20°C (air = 1): 1.5
Flash point: -28°C c.c.
Auto-ignition temperature: 375°C
Explosive limits, vol% in air: 1.6-15.1
Octanol/water partition coefficient as log Pow: 1.06  


EXPOSURE & HEALTH EFFECTS

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

Effects of short-term exposure
The substance is irritating to the skin. If this liquid is swallowed, aspiration into the lungs may result in chemical pneumonitis. Exposure far above the OEL could cause lowering of consciousness. 

Inhalation risk
A harmful contamination of the air can be reached rather quickly on evaporation of this substance at 20°C. 

Effects of long-term or repeated exposure
 


OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS
TLV: 50 ppm as TWA; A3 (confirmed animal carcinogen with unknown relevance to humans).
MAK: 180 mg/m3, 50 ppm; carcinogen category: 3; pregnancy risk group: C.
EU-OEL: 183.5 mg/m3, 50 ppm as TWA; 367 mg/m3, 100 ppm as STEL 

ENVIRONMENT
It is strongly advised not to let the chemical enter into the environment because it is persistent. 

NOTES
Much less likely to form peroxides than other ethers. 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
  EC Classification
Symbol: F, Xi; R: 11-38; S: (2)-9-16-24 

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    See Also:
       Toxicological Abbreviations
       Methyl tert-Butyl Ether  (IARC Summary & Evaluation, Volume 73, 1999)