Substance profile
Bis(2-chloroethyl) ether
Bis(2-chloroethyl) ether is colorless, clear liq with a PUNGENT odor.
01 · Identification
What Bis(2-chloroethyl) ether is
Bis(2-chloroethyl) ether is colorless, clear liq with a PUNGENT odor. It boils at 179 °C, melts at -51.9 °C, is miscible with water.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Danger. It is classed as hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPs).
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 |
|---|---|
| H351 | Suspected of causing cancer <state route of exposure if it is conclusively proven that no other routes of exposure cause the hazard>. |
| H310 | Fatal in contact with skin. |
| H330 | Fatal if inhaled. |
| H300 | Fatal if swallowed. |
Precautionary statements: P201, P260, P270, P271, P280, P301, P302, P304, P308, P310, P313, P330, P352
03 · Physical and chemical properties
Bis(2-chloroethyl) ether 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 | 178.5 °C (353.3 °F) | HSDB | |
| 177.78 °C (352 °F) | NIOSH | ||
| 177.78 °C (352 °F) | at 760 mmHg | CAMEO | |
| Melting point | -51.9 °C (-61.4 °F) | HSDB | |
| -50 °C (-58 °F) | NIOSH | ||
| Density | 1.22 g/cm³ | NIOSH | |
| 1.22 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | HSDB | |
| Solubility | MISCIBLE WITH AROMATIC BUT NOT PARAFFIN HYDROCARBONS | HSDB | |
| SOL IN ALC, ETHER, ACETONE, BENZENE | HSDB | ||
| 1.1 wt% water @ 20 °C | at 20 °C | HSDB | |
| Vapor pressure | 0.7 mmHg | NIOSH | |
| 0.7 mmHg | at 20 °C | CAMEO | |
| 1.55 mmHg | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| Flash point | 63 °C (145.4 °F) | CLOSED CUP | HSDB |
| 55 °C (131 °F) | NIOSH | ||
| Autoignition temperature | 369 °C (696.2 °F) | HSDB | |
| 368.89 °C (696 °F) | CAMEO | ||
| Lower explosive limit (LEL) | 2.7 % by volume | NIOSH | |
| Vapor density | 4.93 (air = 1) | HSDB | |
| 4.9 (air = 1) | ICSC | ||
| Odor threshold | Odor detection in water= 3.60x10+2 ppm, purity not specified. | HSDB | |
| Low= 90 mg/cu m; High= 2,160 mg/cu m. | From table | HSDB | |
| Odor Threshold Low: 0.04 [ppm] | Haz-Map | ||
| Corrosivity | NOT VERY CORROSIVE TO IRON, MILD STEEL, OR ALUMINUM. | HSDB |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Handling and storage
Storing and handling Bis(2-chloroethyl) ether
Storage conditions
Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated location. Store away form heat, oxidizing materials, strong acids, & sunlight.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Incompatible materials
... IT DECOMPOSES IN PRESENCE OF MOISTURE TO FORM HYDROCHLORIC ACID.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Reactivity
2,2'-DICHLORODIETHYL ETHER may form phosgene or hydrogen when heated to high temperature. Oxidizes readily in air to form unstable peroxides that may explode spontaneously [Bretherick, 1979 p.151-154]. Mixing in equal molar portions with the following substances in a closed container caused the temperature and pressure to increase: chlorosulfonic acid and oleum [NFPA 1991].
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check Bis(2-chloroethyl) ether in the storage compatibility matrix →