Substance profile
1,4-dioxane
1,4-dioxane is a colorless liquid or solid (below 53 degrees F) with a faint pleasant odor.
01 · Identification
What 1,4-dioxane is
1,4-dioxane is a colorless liquid or solid (below 53 degrees F) with a faint pleasant odor. Its molecular formula is C4H8O2 and its molecular weight is 88.11 g/mol. It boils at 101 °C, melts at 11.8 °C.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Danger. It is classed as hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPs).
Other names for 1,4-dioxane
- dioxane
- Di(Ethylene Oxide)
- Diethylene Dioxide
- 1,4-Diethylene Dioxide
- Diethylene Ether
- Diethylene Oxide
- Diokan
- 1,4-Dioxacyclohexane
- Dioxan
- 1,4-Dioxan
- Dioxane-1,4
- 1, 4-Dioxane
- 1,4-Dioxin, Tetrahydro-
02 · GHS classification
Hazards and label elements
Harmonised classification under CLP Annex VI. This is the legally binding classification in the EU; other jurisdictions may differ.
| Code | Hazard statement |
|---|---|
| H225 | Highly flammable liquid and vapour. |
| H350 | May cause cancer <state route of exposure if it is conclusively proven that no other routes of exposure cause the hazard>. |
| H335 | May cause respiratory irritation. |
| H319 | Causes serious eye irritation. |
Supplemental EU statements: EUH019, EUH066
Precautionary statements: P201, P210, P233, P241, P242, P264, P280, P305, P308, P313, P337, P338, P403
03 · Physical and chemical properties
1,4-dioxane properties
Every value is shown with the conditions it was measured under and the source it came from. Where sources disagree, all values are listed rather than one being picked — the difference is usually a different form of the substance, not an error.
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boiling point | 101.2 °C (214.2 °F) | HSDB | |
| 101.11 °C (214 °F) | NIOSH | ||
| 101.11 °C (214 °F) | at 760 mmHg | CAMEO | |
| Melting point | 11.75 °C (53.2 °F) | HSDB | |
| 11.67 °C (53 °F) | NIOSH | ||
| 11.78 °C (53.2 °F) | CAMEO | ||
| Density | 1.03 g/cm³ | NIOSH | |
| 1.0337 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | HSDB | |
| 1.036 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | CAMEO | |
| Solubility | Miscible with most organic solvents | HSDB | |
| Miscible with aromatic hydrocarbons and oils. | HSDB | ||
| In water, >800 g/L at 25 °C | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| Vapor pressure | 29 mmHg | NIOSH | |
| 29 mmHg | at 20 °C | CAMEO | |
| 38.1 mmHg | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| Flash point | 18.33 °C (65 °F) | HSDB | |
| 12.78 °C (55 °F) | NIOSH | ||
| 12.22 °C (54 °F) | CAMEO | ||
| Autoignition temperature | 180 °C (356 °F) | HSDB | |
| Lower explosive limit (LEL) | 2 % by volume | HSDB | |
| Upper explosive limit (UEL) | 22 % by volume | HSDB | |
| Vapor density | 3.03 (air = 1) | HSDB | |
| 3 (air = 1) | ICSC | ||
| Odor threshold | ...Air threshold of recognition at 170 ppm. This odor recognition threshold allows for dioxane to be detected before acute toxic effects occur. | HSDB | |
| Odor Threshold Low: 0.8 [ppm] | Haz-Map | ||
| Odor Threshold High: 172.0 [ppm] | Haz-Map | ||
| Critical temperature and pressure | 312 °C (593.6 °F) | HSDB |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Handling and storage
Storing and handling 1,4-dioxane
Storage conditions
Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated location. Store away from heat, oxidizing materials, and sunlight. Outside or detached storage is preferred. Inside storage should be in a standard flammable liquids storage warehouse, room, or cabinet.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Incompatible materials
Pure, dry, o- and hydroperoxide-free dioxane rapidly forms hydroperoxide on contact with air.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Reactivity
DIOXANE is a flammable liquid; when exposed to air it undergoes autooxidation with formation of peroxides. In the distillation process peroxides will concentrate causing violent explosion. The addition complex with sulfur trioxide (1:1) sometimes decomposes violently on storing at room temperature [Sisler, H. H. et al., Inorg. Synth., 1947, 2, p. 174]. Evaporation of boron trifluoride in aqueous dioxane with nitric acid led to an explosion upon addition of perchloric acid [MCA Guide, 1972, p. 312]. Explosive reaction with Raney nickel catalyst above 210 °C {Mozingo R., Org. Synth., 1955, Coll. Vol. 3, p. 182].
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check 1,4-dioxane in the storage compatibility matrix →
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