Substance profile
Ethyl methyl ether
Ethyl methyl ether is a colorless liquid.
01 · Identification
What Ethyl methyl ether is
Ethyl methyl ether is a colorless liquid. Its molecular formula is C3H8O and its molecular weight is 60.1 g/mol. It boils at 7.4 °C, melts at -113 °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 |
|---|---|
| H220 | Extremely flammable gas. |
03 · Physical and chemical properties
Ethyl 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 | 7.4 °C (45.3 °F) | HSDB | |
| Melting point | -113 °C (-171.4 °F) | HSDB | |
| Density | 0.7251 g/cm³ | at 0 °C | HSDB |
| Solubility | SOL IN ACETONE | HSDB | |
| MISCIBLE IN ETHYL ALCOHOL, ETHYL ETHER | HSDB | ||
| Vapor pressure | 1493 mmHg | at 25 °C | HSDB |
| Flash point | -37.22 °C (-35 °F) | HSDB | |
| Autoignition temperature | 190 °C (374 °F) | HSDB | |
| Lower explosive limit (LEL) | 2 % by volume | HSDB | |
| ... DANGEROUS ... EXPLOSION RISK. | HSDB | ||
| Ether tends to form unstable, explosive peroxides on standing in presence of air. | HSDB | ||
| Upper explosive limit (UEL) | 10.1 % by volume | HSDB | |
| Vapor density | 2.1 (air = 1) | HSDB | |
| Critical temperature and pressure | 164.7 °C (328.5 °F) | HSDB |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Handling and storage
Storing and handling Ethyl methyl ether
Incompatible materials
... can react vigorously with oxidizing materials (e.g., air, O2).
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Reactivity
Ethers, such as ETHYL METHYL ETHER, 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 Ethyl methyl ether in the storage compatibility matrix →