Substance profile
2-Chloroethanol
2-Chloroethanol is a colorless glycerine-like liq with a faint ethereal odor.
01 · Identification
What 2-Chloroethanol is
2-Chloroethanol is a colorless glycerine-like liq with a faint ethereal odor. Its molecular formula is C2H5ClO and its molecular weight is 80.51 g/mol. It boils at 128 °C, melts at -67.5 °C.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Danger. It is classed as flammable agents - 2nd degree.
Other names for 2-Chloroethanol
- ethylene chlorohydrin
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 |
|---|---|
| H310 | Fatal in contact with skin. |
| H330 | Fatal if inhaled. |
| H300 | Fatal if swallowed. |
Precautionary statements: P260, P270, P271, P280, P301, P302, P304, P310, P330, P352
03 · Physical and chemical properties
2-Chloroethanol 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 | 127.78 °C (262 °F) | NIOSH | |
| 127.78 °C (262 °F) | at 760 mmHg | CAMEO | |
| Melting point | -67.5 °C (-89.5 °F) | HSDB | |
| -67.78 °C (-90 °F) | NIOSH | ||
| Density | 1.2 g/cm³ | NIOSH | |
| 1.197 g/cm³ | CAMEO | ||
| 1.197 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | HSDB | |
| Solubility | SOL IN ALL PROPORTIONS IN WATER, ALC, ORG SOLVENTS; SLIGHTLY SOL IN ETHER | HSDB | |
| SOL IN VARIOUS RESINS | HSDB | ||
| Infinitely soluble in aqueous solution (1X10+6 mg/l @ 25 °C) | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| Vapor pressure | 5 mmHg | NIOSH | |
| 4.9 mmHg | at 20 °C | HSDB | |
| 7.18 mmHg | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| Flash point | 40.56 °C (105 °F) | HSDB | |
| 60 °C (140 °F) | NIOSH | ||
| Autoignition temperature | 425 °C (797 °F) | HSDB | |
| Lower explosive limit (LEL) | 4.9 % by volume | HSDB | |
| Upper explosive limit (UEL) | 15.9 % by volume | HSDB | |
| Vapor density | 2.78 (air = 1) | HSDB | |
| Odor threshold | Odor Threshold Low: 0.4 [ppm] | Haz-Map | |
| Odor threshold from CHEMINFO | Haz-Map |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Handling and storage
Storing and handling 2-Chloroethanol
Incompatible materials
... WILL REACT WITH WATER OR STEAM TO PRODUCE TOXIC & CORROSIVE FUMES ... .
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Reactivity
Mixing ethylene chlorohydrin in equal molar portions with any of the following substances in a closed container caused the temperature and pressure to increase: chlorosulfonic acid, ethylene diamine, and sodium hydroxide, [NFPA 1991]. Ethylenediamine reacts violently with ethylene chlorohydrin. (Lewis, R.J., Sr. 1992. Sax's Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials, 8th Edition. New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold. pp. 1554.).
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check 2-Chloroethanol in the storage compatibility matrix →