Substance profile
2,4,6-trimethyl-1,3,5-trioxane
2,4,6-trimethyl-1,3,5-trioxane is colorless, transparent liquid with a characteristic aromatic odor.
01 · Identification
What 2,4,6-trimethyl-1,3,5-trioxane is
2,4,6-trimethyl-1,3,5-trioxane is colorless, transparent liquid with a characteristic aromatic odor. It boils at 125 °C, melts at 12.6 °C.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Warning. It is classed as flammable agents - 3rd degree.
Other names for 2,4,6-trimethyl-1,3,5-trioxane
- paraldehyde
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 |
|---|---|
| H226 | Flammable liquid and vapour. |
03 · Physical and chemical properties
2,4,6-trimethyl-1,3,5-trioxane 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 | 124.5 °C (256.1 °F) | HSDB | |
| 127.78 °C (262 °F) | at 760 mmHg | CAMEO | |
| Melting point | 12.6 °C (54.7 °F) | HSDB | |
| 12.61 °C (54.7 °F) | CAMEO | ||
| Density | 0.9923 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | HSDB |
| 0.991 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | HSDB | |
| 0.9943 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | CAMEO | |
| Solubility | Sol in water: 1 in 9 parts at 20 °C, 1 in 10 parts at 30 °C, & 1 in 11.5 parts at 37 °C | at 20 °C | HSDB |
| Sol in sodium chloride solution: 1 in 9.5 parts at 20 °C, 1 in 11 parts at 30 °C, & 1 in 12.5 parts at 37 °C | at 20 °C | HSDB | |
| SOL IN 8 PARTS WATER AT 25 °C; 17 PARTS BOILING WATER | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| Vapor pressure | 25.3 mmHg | at 20 °C | HSDB |
| 7.5006 mmHg | at 20 °C | ICSC | |
| 7.5 mmHg | at 17 °C | DOE PAC | |
| Flash point | 35.56 °C (96 °F) | HSDB | |
| 24 °C (75.2 °F) | ICSC | ||
| Autoignition temperature | 237.78 °C (460 °F) | HSDB | |
| 235 °C (455 °F) | ICSC | ||
| Lower explosive limit (LEL) | 1.3 % by volume | HSDB | |
| Upper explosive limit (UEL) | 17 % by volume | ICSC | |
| Vapor density | 4.5 (air = 1) | HSDB | |
| Odor threshold | 0.02-0.025 mg/cu m (recognition) | HSDB | |
| Critical temperature and pressure | 290 °C (554 °F) | HSDB | |
| Corrosivity | ... Has solvent action upon rubber, polystyrene, & styrene-acrylonitrile copolymer | like | HSDB |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Handling and storage
Storing and handling 2,4,6-trimethyl-1,3,5-trioxane
Storage conditions
PARALDEHYDE SHOULD BE STORED IN WELL-FILLED, TIGHT, LIGHT-RESISTANT GLASS CONTAINERS WITH A CAPACITY OF NO MORE THAN 30 ML, AT A TEMP NOT EXCEEDING 25 °C.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Incompatible materials
Paraldehyde is incompatible with many plastics
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Reactivity
PARALDEHYDE is an ether derivative. This compound is decomposed by light and air, on prolonged storage, to acetaldehyde and acetic acid. Incompatible with alkalis, hydrocyanic acid iodides and oxidizers. (NTP, 1992)
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check 2,4,6-trimethyl-1,3,5-tri… in the storage compatibility matrix →