Substance profile
Bis(2-methoxyethyl) ether
Bis(2-methoxyethyl) ether is a colorless liquid with a mild odor.
01 · Identification
What Bis(2-methoxyethyl) ether is
Bis(2-methoxyethyl) ether is a colorless liquid with a mild odor. Its molecular formula is C6H14O3 and its molecular weight is 134.17 g/mol. It boils at 162 °C, melts at -68 °C, is miscible with water.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Danger.
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. |
| H360FD | May damage fertility. May damage the unborn child. |
Supplemental EU statements: EUH019
03 · Physical and chemical properties
Bis(2-methoxyethyl) 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 | 162 °C (323.6 °F) | at 760 mmHg | HSDB |
| 162 °C (323.6 °F) | ICSC | ||
| Melting point | -68 °C (-90.4 °F) | HSDB | |
| -67.78 °C (-90 °F) | CAMEO | ||
| Density | 0.95 g/cm³ | ICSC | |
| 0.9451 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | HSDB | |
| 0.945 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | CAMEO | |
| Solubility | Miscible with alcohol, ether, hydrocarbon solvents | HSDB | |
| Soluble in benzene | HSDB | ||
| In water, miscible | HSDB | ||
| Vapor pressure | 2.4752 mmHg | at 20 °C | ICSC |
| 2.96 mmHg | Haz-Map | ||
| Flash point | 67.22 °C (153 °F) | HSDB | |
| 51 °C (123.8 °F) | ICSC | ||
| 68.61 °C (155.5 °F) | range, midpoint shown | CAMEO | |
| Autoignition temperature | 190 °C (374 °F) | ICSC | |
| Lower explosive limit (LEL) | 1.5 % by volume | ICSC | |
| Upper explosive limit (UEL) | 17.4 % by volume | ICSC | |
| Vapor density | 4.6 (air = 1) | ICSC |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Fire and explosion
Fire and explosion behaviour of Bis(2-methoxyethyl) ether
These are descriptions rather than measured values, so they are kept out of the table above and quoted here with the source that reported them.
Fire and explosion
Presence of carbon dioxide in solutions of the hydride in dimethyl or bis(2-methoxyethyl)ether can cause a violent decomposition on warming the residue from evaporation. Presence of aluminum chloride tends to increase the vigour of decomposition to explosion.
Source: HSDB
05 · Handling and storage
Storing and handling Bis(2-methoxyethyl) ether
Incompatible materials
Glycol ethers, glycols, ketones, and alcohols undergo violent decomposition in contact with 68-72% perchloric acid
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Reactivity
A violent explosion occurred when lithium aluminum hydride was being used to dry diethylene glycol dimethyl ether. The ignition may have occurred due to the presence of large amounts of water or perhaps peroxide formed in the ether. About 75% of the ether had been removed when the explosion occurred, [MCA Case History 1494 (1968)].
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check Bis(2-methoxyethyl) ether in the storage compatibility matrix →