DIETHYL ETHER ICSC: 0355 (May 2002)

Ethyl ether

Ethyl oxide

Ether
CAS #: 60-29-7

UN #: 1155

EC Number: 200-467-2

  ACUTE HAZARDS PREVENTION FIRE FIGHTING

FIRE & Extremely flammable.  Vapour/air
EXPLOSION mixtures are explosive.  build-up of electrostatic charges
NO open flames, NO sparks and NO
smoking. NO contact with hot
surfaces.  Closed system,
ventilation, explosion-proof electrical Use alcohol-resistant foam, powder,
equipment and lighting. Prevent carbon dioxide.  In case of fire: keep
drums, etc., cool by spraying with
(e.g., by grounding). Do NOT use water. 
compressed air for filling,
discharging, or handling. Use non-
sparking handtools. 

   
  SYMPTOMS PREVENTION FIRST AID
Cough. Sore throat. Drowsiness. Fresh air, rest. Artificial respiration
Use ventilation, local exhaust or
Inhalation Vomiting. Headache. Laboured
breathing protection. 
may be needed. Refer for medical
breathing. Unconsciousness.  attention. 
Remove contaminated clothes.
Skin Dry skin.  Protective gloves.  Rinse skin with plenty of water or
shower. 
First rinse with plenty of water for
several minutes (remove contact
Eyes Redness. Pain.  Wear safety goggles. 
lenses if easily possible), then refer
for medical attention. 
Rinse mouth. Do NOT induce
Do not eat, drink, or smoke during vomiting. Give one or two glasses of
Ingestion Dizziness. Drowsiness. Vomiting. 
work.  water to drink. Refer for medical
attention . 

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL CLASSIFICATION & LABELLING

Remove all ignition sources. Evacuate danger area! Consult an
expert! Personal protection: filter respirator for organic gases According to UN GHS Criteria
and vapours adapted to the airborne concentration of the
 

substance. Collect leaking liquid in sealable containers. Absorb

remaining liquid in sand or inert absorbent. Then store and Transportation
dispose of according to local regulations.  UN Classification

UN Hazard Class: 3; UN Pack Group: I 

STORAGE
Fireproof. Separated from strong oxidants. See Chemical
Dangers. Cool. Keep in the dark. Store only if stabilized. 
PACKAGING
Airtight. 

Prepared by an international group of experts on behalf of ILO and WHO,

with the financial assistance of the European Commission.

© ILO and WHO 2021

DIETHYL ETHER ICSC: 0355
PHYSICAL & CHEMICAL INFORMATION

Physical State; Appearance

Formula: C4H10O / (C2H5)2O

VERY VOLATILE COLOURLESS LIQUID WITH CHARACTERISTIC Molecular mass: 74.1

ODOUR.  Boiling point: 35°C

Melting point: -116°C

Physical dangers
Relative density (water = 1): 0.7

The vapour is heavier than air and may travel along the ground; Solubility in water, g/100ml at 20°C: 6.9

distant ignition possible. As a result of flow, agitation, etc., electrostatic Vapour pressure, kPa at 20°C: 58.6

charges can be generated.  Relative vapour density (air = 1): 2.6

Relative density of the vapour/air-mixture at 20°C (air = 1): 1.9

Chemical dangers

The substance can form explosive peroxides under the influence of Flash point: -45°C c.c.

Auto-ignition temperature: 160-180°C

light and air. Reacts violently with halogens, interhalogens, sulfur

compounds and oxidants. This generates fire and explosion hazard. Explosive limits, vol% in air: 1.7-48

Octanol/water partition coefficient as log Pow: 0.89  

Attacks plastics and rubber. 

EXPOSURE & HEALTH EFFECTS

Routes of exposure
Inhalation risk

The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation of its A harmful contamination of the air can be reached rather quickly on
vapour and by ingestion.  evaporation of this substance at 20°C. 

Effects of short-term exposure

Effects of long-term or repeated exposure

The substance is irritating to the eyes and respiratory tract. If this The substance defats the skin, which may cause dryness or cracking.
liquid is swallowed, aspiration into the lungs may result in chemical The substance may have effects on the central nervous system. May
pneumonitis. The substance may cause effects on the central nervous cause addiction. 
system. This may result in narcosis. 

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS

TLV: 400 ppm as TWA; 500 ppm as STEL.

MAK: 1200 mg/m3, 400 ppm; peak limitation category: I(1); pregnancy risk group: D.

EU-OEL: 308 mg/m3, 100 ppm as TWA; 616 mg/m3, 200 ppm as STEL 

ENVIRONMENT
 

NOTES
Use of alcoholic beverages enhances the harmful effect.

Check for peroxides prior to distillation; eliminate if found. 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
 
EC Classification

Symbol: F+, Xn; R: 12-19-22-66-67; S: (2)-9-16-29-33; Note: 6 

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