Substance profile
Chloromethyl Methyl Ether
Chloromethyl Methyl Ether is a colorless liq with an irritating odor.
01 · Identification
What Chloromethyl Methyl Ether is
Chloromethyl Methyl Ether is a colorless liq with an irritating odor. Its molecular formula is C2H5ClO and its molecular weight is 80.51 g/mol. It boils at 59.5 °C, melts at -103 °C.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Danger. It is classed as hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPs).
Other names for Chloromethyl Methyl Ether
- chlormethyl methyl ether
- chlorodimethyl ether
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 |
|---|---|
| H225 | Highly flammable liquid and vapour. |
| H350 | May cause cancer <state route of exposure if it is conclusively proven that no other routes of exposure cause the hazard>. |
| H332 | Harmful if inhaled. |
| H312 | Harmful in contact with skin. |
| H302 | Harmful if swallowed. |
Precautionary statements: P201, P210, P233, P241, P242, P260, P270, P271, P280, P301, P302, P304, P308, P312, P313, P330, P352, P403
03 · Physical and chemical properties
Chloromethyl Methyl 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 | 59.5 °C (139.1 °F) | HSDB | |
| 58.89 °C (138 °F) | NIOSH | ||
| 58.89 °C (138 °F) | at 760 mmHg | CAMEO | |
| Melting point | -103.5 °C (-154.3 °F) | HSDB | |
| -103.33 °C (-154 °F) | NIOSH | ||
| Density | 1.06 g/cm³ | NIOSH | |
| 1.0603 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | HSDB | |
| 1.0605 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | CAMEO | |
| Solubility | MISCIBLE WITH ETHANOL & ETHER & MANY OTHER ORG SOLVENTS | HSDB | |
| SOL IN ACETONE, CHLOROFORM, ETHYL ETHER, ETHYL ALCOHOL | HSDB | ||
| Solubility in water: decomposes | decomposes | ICSC | |
| Vapor pressure | 30 mmHg | at 22 °C | HSDB |
| 192 mmHg | at 21.11 °C | NIOSH | |
| Flash point | 0 °C (32 °F) | open cup | HSDB |
| 0 °C (32 °F) | NIOSH | ||
| Lower explosive limit (LEL) | VAPOR MAY EXPLODE IF IGNITED IN AN ENCLOSED AREA. | HSDB | |
| Class IB Flammable Liquid: Fl.P. below 73 °F and BP at or above 100 °F. | NIOSH | ||
| Explosive limits , vol% in air: | ICSC | ||
| Vapor density | 2.8 (air = 1) | ICSC | |
| 0.524 (air = 1) | at 21.11 °C | HSDB | |
| Corrosivity | Will react with surface moisture to evolve hydrogen chloride which is corrosive to metal. | HSDB |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Handling and storage
Storing and handling Chloromethyl Methyl Ether
Storage conditions
Store at ambient temperature.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Incompatible materials
Water [Note: Reacts with water to form hydrochloric acid & formaldehyde].
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Reactivity
METHYL CHLOROMETHYL ETHER Is a halogenated ether. Ethers tend to form unstable peroxides when exposed to oxygen. Ethyl, isobutyl, ethyl tert-butyl, and ethyl tert-pentyl ether are particularly hazardous in this respect. Ether peroxides can sometimes be observed as clear crystals deposited on containers or along the surface of the liquid. Ethers can act as bases. They form salts with strong acids and addition complexes with Lewis acids. The complex between diethyl ether and boron trifluoride is an example. Ethers may react violently with strong oxidizing agents. In other reactions, which typically involve the breaking of the carbon-oxygen bond, ethers are relatively inert.
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check Chloromethyl Methyl Ether in the storage compatibility matrix →