tert-Butyl methyl ether
MTBE
Methyl-1,1-dimethylethyl ether
2-Methoxy-2-methyl propane
(CH3)3COCH3 / C5H12O
Molecular mass: 88.2
ICSC # 1164
CAS # 1634-04-4
RTECS # KN5250000
UN # 2398
EC # 603-181-00-X
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Types of Hazard/ Exposure
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Acute Hazards/ Symptoms
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Prevention
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First Aid/
Fire Fighting
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FIRE
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Highly flammable.
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NO open flames, NO sparks, and NO smoking.
NO contact with oxidants.
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Powder, AFFF, foam, carbon dioxide.
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Explosion
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Vapour/air mixtures are explosive.
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Closed system, ventilation, explosion-proof electrical equipment and lighting.
Do NOT use compressed air for filling, discharging, or handling.
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In case of fire: keep drums, etc., cool by spraying with water.
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Exposure
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•Inhalation
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Drowsiness.
Dizziness.
Headache.
Weakness.
Unconsciousness.
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Ventilation, local exhaust, or breathing protection.
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Fresh air, rest.
Artificial respiration may be needed.
Refer for medical attention.
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•Skin
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Dry skin.
Redness.
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Protective gloves.
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Remove contaminated clothes.
Rinse and then wash skin with water and soap.
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•Eyes
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Redness.
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Safety goggles
or face shield.
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First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then take to a doctor.
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•Ingestion
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Abdominal pain.
Nausea.
Vomiting.
(Further see Inhalation).
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Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work.
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Rinse mouth.
Give a slurry of activated charcoal in water to drink.
Do NOT induce vomiting.
Refer for medical attention.
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Spillage Disposal
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Storage
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Packaging & Labelling
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Remove all ignition sources.
Collect leaking and spilled liquid in sealable containers as far as possible.
Absorb remaining liquid in sand or inert absorbent and remove to safe place.
Do NOT wash away into sewer.
Personal protection:
filter respirator for organic gases and vapours.
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Fireproof.
Separated from
strong oxidants,
strong acids.
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F symbol
Xi symbol
R: 11-38
S: 2-9-16-24
UN Hazard Class: 3
UN Packing Group: II
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Important Data
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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
causing fire hazard.
The substance decomposes
on contact with
acids.
Occupational Exposure Limits:
TLV: 50 ppm as TWA; A3; (ACGIH 2004).
MAK: 50 ppm, 180 mg/m3
Peak limitation category: I(1.5); Carcinogen category: 3B; Pregnancy risk group: C;
(DFG 2004).
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Routes of Exposure:
The substance can be absorbed into the body
by inhalation
and
by ingestion.
Inhalation Risk:
A harmful contamination of the air can be reached rather quickly on evaporation of this substance at 20°C.
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.
Effects of Long-Term or Repeated Exposure:
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Physical
Properties
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Boiling point: 55°C
Melting point: -109°C
Relative density (water = 1): 0.7
Solubility in water, g/100 ml at 20°C: 4.2
Vapour pressure, kPa at 20°C: 27
Relative vapour density (air = 1): 3.0
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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
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Environmental
Data
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It is strongly advised not to let the chemical enter into the environment because it persists in the environment.
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N O T E S
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Much less likely to form peroxides than other ethers.
Card has been partly updated in October 2004. See sections Occupational Exposure Limits, EU classification, Emergency Response.
Transport Emergency Card: TEC (R)-30GF1-I+II
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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
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ICSC: 1164
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METHYL TERT-BUTYL ETHER
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(C) IPCS, CEC, 1994
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IMPORTANT LEGAL NOTICE:
Neither NIOSH, the CEC or the IPCS nor any person acting on behalf of NIOSH,
the CEC or the IPCS is responsible for the use which might be made of this
information. This card contains the collective views of the IPCS Peer Review Committee and may
not reflect in all cases all the detailed requirements included in national legislation
on the subject. The user should verify compliance of the cards with the relevant legislation
in the country of use.
The only modifications made to produce the U.S. version is inclusion of the OSHA PELs, NIOSH RELs and NIOSH IDLH values.
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