Substance profile
Chloroethane
Chloroethane is a colorless liquid with an ethereal odor.
01 · Identification
What Chloroethane is
Chloroethane is a colorless liquid with an ethereal odor. Its molecular formula is C2H5Cl and its molecular weight is 64.51 g/mol. It boils at 12.3 °C, melts at -139 °C.
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 |
|---|---|
| H220 | Extremely flammable gas. |
| H351 | Suspected of causing cancer <state route of exposure if it is conclusively proven that no other routes of exposure cause the hazard>. |
| H412 | Harmful to aquatic life with long lasting effects. |
Precautionary statements: P201, P210, P233, P273, P280, P308, P313, P403, P501
03 · Physical and chemical properties
Chloroethane 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 | 12.3 °C (54.1 °F) | at 760 mmHg | HSDB |
| 12.22 °C (54 °F) | NIOSH | ||
| 12.28 °C (54.1 °F) | at 760 mmHg | CAMEO | |
| Melting point | -138.7 °C (-217.7 °F) | HSDB | |
| -138.89 °C (-218 °F) | NIOSH | ||
| Density | 0.918 g/cm³ | ICSC | |
| 0.906 g/cm³ | at 12.2 °C | CAMEO | |
| 0.9214 g/cm³ | at 0 °C | HSDB | |
| Solubility | 48.3 g/100 ml in alc | HSDB | |
| 0.574 g/100 ml in water @ 20 °C | at 20 °C | HSDB | |
| Vapor pressure | 1000 mmHg | NIOSH | |
| 1010 mmHg | at 20 °C | HSDB | |
| 1000 mmHg | at 20 °C | CAMEO | |
| Flash point | -50 °C (-58 °F) | Closed cup | HSDB |
| -50 °C (-58 °F) | NIOSH | ||
| Autoignition temperature | 519 °C (966.2 °F) | HSDB | |
| 518.89 °C (966 °F) | CAMEO | ||
| Lower explosive limit (LEL) | 3.8 % by volume | HSDB | |
| 3.6 % by volume | HSDB | ||
| Upper explosive limit (UEL) | 15.4 % by volume | HSDB | |
| 14.8 % by volume | HSDB | ||
| Vapor density | 2.22 (air = 1) | Air= 1.00 | HSDB |
| 2.22 (air = 1) | CAMEO | ||
| Odor threshold | 10-12 mg/cu m (recognition in air) | HSDB | |
| Odor Threshold Low: 4.2 [ppm] | Haz-Map | ||
| Odor threshold from NJ "Hazardous Substance Fact Sheet" | Haz-Map | ||
| Critical temperature and pressure | 187 °C (368.6 °F) | HSDB | |
| Corrosivity | Reacts with water or steam to produce corrosive fumes. | HSDB | |
| Liquid ethyl chloride will attack some forms of plastics, rubber, and coatings. | HSDB |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Handling and storage
Storing and handling Chloroethane
Storage conditions
MATERIALS WHICH ARE TOXIC AS STORED OR WHICH CAN DECOMPOSE INTO TOXIC COMPONENTS ... SHOULD BE STORED IN A COOL WELL VENTILATED PLACE, OUT OF THE DIRECT RAYS OF THE SUN, AWAY FROM AREAS OF HIGH FIRE HAZARD, AND SHOULD BE PERIODICALLY INSPECTED. INCOMPATIBLE MATERIALS SHOULD BE ISOLATED ...
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Incompatible materials
... CAN REACT VIGOROUSLY WITH OXIDIZING MATERIALS.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Reactivity
ETHYL CHLORIDE is heat sensitive. This compound will hydrolyze in the presence of alkalis and water. It reacts with water or steam to produce toxic and corrosive fumes. It can also react vigorously with oxidizing materials. The vapor forms highly flammable mixtures with air. A mixture of this compound with potassium is shock-sensitive. Contact with chemically active metals such as Na, K, Ca, powdered Al, Zn and Mg may result in violent reactions. (NTP, 1992)
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check Chloroethane in the storage compatibility matrix →