Chloromethyl methyl ether
Synonyms & Trade Names
Chlorodimethyl ether, Chloromethoxymethane, CMME, Dimethylchloroether, Methylchloromethyl ether
Exposure Limits
Measurement Methods
Physical Description
Colorless liquid with an irritating odor.
Molecular Weight
80.5
Boiling Point
138°F
Freezing Point
-154°F
Solubility
Reacts
Vapor Pressure
(70°F): 192 mmHg
Ionization Potential
10.25 eV
Specific Gravity
1.06
Flash Point
(oc) 32°F
Upper Explosive Limit
?
Lower Explosive Limit
?
Class IB Flammable Liquid: Fl.P. below 73°F and BP at or above 100°F.
Incompatibilities & Reactivities
Water
[Note: Reacts with water to form hydrochloric acid & formaldehyde.]
Exposure Routes
inhalation, skin absorption, ingestion, skin and/or eye contact
Symptoms
irritation eyes, skin, mucous membrane; pulmonary edema, pulmonary congestion, pneumonitis; skin burns, necrosis; cough, wheezing, pulmonary congestion; blood stained-sputum; weight loss; bronchial secretions; [potential occupational carcinogen]
Target Organs
Eyes, skin, respiratory system
Cancer Site
[in animals: skin & lung cancer]
Personal Protection/Sanitation
(See protection codes)
Skin:Prevent skin contact
Eyes:Prevent eye contact
Wash skin:When contaminated/Daily
Remove:When wet (flammable)
Change:Daily
Provide:Eyewash, Quick drench
Skin:Prevent skin contact
Eyes:Prevent eye contact
Wash skin:When contaminated/Daily
Remove:When wet (flammable)
Change:Daily
Provide:Eyewash, Quick drench
First Aid
(See procedures)
Eye:Irrigate immediately
Skin:Soap wash immediately
Breathing:Respiratory support
Swallow:Medical attention immediately
Eye:Irrigate immediately
Skin:Soap wash immediately
Breathing:Respiratory support
Swallow:Medical attention immediately
Respirator Recommendations
NIOSH
At concentrations above the NIOSH REL, or where there is no REL, at any detectable concentration:
(APF = 10,000) Any self-contained breathing apparatus that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode
(APF = 10,000) Any supplied-air respirator that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode in combination with an auxiliary self-contained positive-pressure breathing apparatus
Escape:
(APF = 50) Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator (gas mask) with a chin-style, front- or back-mounted organic vapor canister
Any appropriate escape-type, self-contained breathing apparatus
See also
Page last reviewed: October 30, 2019
Content
source: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health