Substance profile
Metaldehyde
Metaldehyde is a crystalline powder with a menthol odor.
01 · Identification
What Metaldehyde is
Metaldehyde is a crystalline powder with a menthol odor. Its molecular formula is C8H16O4 and its molecular weight is 176.21 g/mol. It boils at 115 °C, melts at 246 °C.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Danger. It is classed as flammable agents - 3rd degree.
Other names for Metaldehyde
- metaldehyde (ISO)
- 2,4,6,8-tetramethyl- 1,3,5,7-tetraoxacyclooctane
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 |
|---|---|
| H228 | Flammable solid. |
| H361f | Suspected of damaging fertility. |
| H301 | Toxic if swallowed. |
| H412 | Harmful to aquatic life with long lasting effects. |
Precautionary statements: P270, P273, P301, P310, P330, P501
03 · Physical and chemical properties
Metaldehyde 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 | 115 °C (239 °F) | sublimes, sublimes | HSDB |
| Melting point | 246.2 °C (475.2 °F) | closed capillary | HSDB |
| Density | 1.27 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | HSDB |
| Solubility | Insoluble in water, acetone, acetic acid, and carbon disulfide. | HSDB | |
| In toluene 530 mg/L at 20 °C, in methanol 1730 mg/L at 20 °C | at 20 °C | HSDB | |
| Vapor pressure | 49500000 mmHg | at 25 °C | HSDB |
| Vapor pressure is negligible at room temperature. | HSDB | ||
| Flash point | 36.11 °C (97 °F) | HSDB |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Source notes
Further notes on Metaldehyde
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.
Solubility
Moderately soluble in water, fairly soluble in toluene, readily soluble in methanol, very soluble in benzene and chloroform, insoluble in acetic acid, and slightly soluble in ethanol.
Source: HSDB
05 · Handling and storage
Storing and handling Metaldehyde
Storage conditions
Regulated by IATA.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Incompatible materials
Can react with oxidizing materials.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Reactivity
METALDEHYDE is an ether derivative. The ether being relatively unreactive. Flammable and/or toxic gases are generated by the combination of alcohols with alkali metals, nitrides, and strong reducing agents. They react with oxoacids and carboxylic acids to form esters plus water. Oxidizing agents convert alcohols to aldehydes or ketones.
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check Metaldehyde in the storage compatibility matrix →