Substance profile
Methyl vinyl ether
Methyl vinyl ether is colorless, compressed gas or colorless liquid with a sweet, pleasant odor.
01 · Identification
What Methyl vinyl ether is
Methyl vinyl ether is colorless, compressed gas or colorless liquid with a sweet, pleasant odor. Its molecular formula is C3H6O and its molecular weight is 58.08 g/mol. It boils at 6 °C, melts at -122 °C.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Danger. It is classed as flammable agents - 4th degree.
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
Methyl vinyl 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 | 6 °C (42.8 °F) | HSDB | |
| 5.5 °C (41.9 °F) | at 760 mmHg | CAMEO | |
| Melting point | -122 °C (-187.6 °F) | HSDB | |
| -122.22 °C (-188 °F) | CAMEO | ||
| Density | 0.7725 g/cm³ | at 0 °C | HSDB |
| 0.777 g/cm³ | at 0 °C | CAMEO | |
| Solubility | Slightly soluble in water | HSDB | |
| Very soluble in ethanol, ether, acetone, benzene | HSDB | ||
| In water, 0.97 wt% /15,000 mg/L/ at 20 °C | at 20 °C | HSDB | |
| Vapor pressure | 1316 mmHg | at 25 °C | HSDB |
| 1316 mmHg | Haz-Map | ||
| Flash point | -56.11 °C (-69 °F) | CAMEO | |
| Autoignition temperature | 287.22 °C (549 °F) | HSDB | |
| Lower explosive limit (LEL) | 2.6 % by volume | HSDB | |
| Explosive in the form of vapor when exposed to heat or flame. | HSDB | ||
| Upper explosive limit (UEL) | 39 % by volume | HSDB | |
| Vapor density | 2 (air = 1) | HSDB |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Handling and storage
Storing and handling Methyl vinyl ether
Incompatible materials
Can react vigorously with oxidizing materials.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Reactivity
VINYL METHYL ETHER reacts vigorously with oxidizing materials. Explosive in the form of vapor when exposed to heat, flame or strong oxidizing agents. Reacts, possibly explosively with halogens (bromine, chlorine) or hydrogen halides (hydrogen bromide, hydrogen chloride) [Baker, 1980, p. 487]. On contact with dilute acids or even mildly acidic solids (calcium chloride, ceramics) undergoes rapid, exothermic homopolymerization, which cannot be prevented by antioxidants. Must be stored in the presence of base [MVE Brochure, Billingham, ICI, 1962].
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check Methyl vinyl ether in the storage compatibility matrix →