International Chemical Safety Cards

METHYL TERT-BUTYL ETHER

ICSC: 1164

tert-Butyl methyl ether
MTBE
Methyl-1,1-dimethylethyl ether
2-Methoxy-2-methyl propane
(CH₃)₃COCH₃ / C₅H₁₂O
Molecular mass: 88.2

ICSC #    1164
CAS #     1634-04-4
RTECS # KN5250000
UN #        2398
EC #         603-181-00-X
April 11, 2000 Peer reviewed

TYPES OF HAZARD/ EXPOSURE	ACUTE HAZARDS/ SYMPTOMS	PREVENTION	FIRST AID/ FIRE FIGHTING
FIRE	Highly flammable.	NO open flames, NO sparks, and NO smoking. NO contact with oxidants.	Powder, AFFF, foam, carbon dioxide.
EXPLOSION	Vapour/air mixtures are explosive.	Closed system, ventilation, explosion-proof electrical equipment and lighting. Do NOT use compressed air for filling, discharging, or handling.	In case of fire: keep drums, etc., cool by spraying with water.

EXPOSURE
•INHALATION	Drowsiness. Dizziness. Headache. Weakness. Unconsciousness.	Ventilation, local exhaust, or breathing protection.	Fresh air, rest. Artificial respiration may be needed. Refer for medical attention.
•SKIN	Dry skin. Redness.	Protective gloves.	Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse and then wash skin with water and soap.
•EYES	Redness.	Safety goggles or face shield.	First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then take to a doctor.
•INGESTION	Abdominal pain. Nausea. Vomiting. (Further see Inhalation).	Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work.	Rinse mouth. Give a slurry of activated charcoal in water to drink. Do NOT induce vomiting. Refer for medical attention.

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL

STORAGE

PACKAGING & LABELLING

Remove all ignition sources. Collect leaking and spilled liquid in sealable containers as far as possible. Absorb remaining liquid in sand or inert absorbent and remove to safe place. Do NOT wash away into sewer. Personal protection: filter respirator for organic gases and vapours.

Fireproof. Separated from strong oxidants, strong acids.

F symbol
Xi symbol
R: 11-38
S: 2-9-16-24
UN Hazard Class: 3
UN Packing Group: II

SEE IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON BACK

ICSC: 1164

Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International Programme on Chemical Safety & the Commission of the European Communities (C) IPCS CEC 1994. No modifications to the International version have been made except to add the OSHA PELs, NIOSH RELs and NIOSH IDLH values.

International Chemical Safety Cards

METHYL TERT-BUTYL ETHER

ICSC: 1164

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PHYSICAL STATE; APPEARANCE:
COLOURLESS LIQUID , WITH CHARACTERISTIC ODOUR.

PHYSICAL DANGERS:
The vapour is heavier than air and may travel along the ground; distant ignition possible.

CHEMICAL DANGERS:
Reacts violently with strong oxidants causing fire hazard. The substance decomposes on contact with acids.

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS:
TLV: 50 ppm as TWA; A3; (ACGIH 2004).
MAK: 50 ppm, 180 mg/m³;
Peak limitation category: I(1.5); Carcinogen category: 3B; Pregnancy risk group: C;
(DFG 2004).

ROUTES OF EXPOSURE:
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation and by ingestion.

INHALATION RISK:
A harmful contamination of the air can be reached rather quickly on evaporation of this substance at 20°C.

EFFECTS OF SHORT-TERM EXPOSURE:
The substance is irritating to the skin. If this liquid is swallowed, aspiration into the lungs may result in chemical pneumonitis. Exposure far above the OEL could cause lowering of consciousness.

EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM OR REPEATED EXPOSURE:

PHYSICAL
PROPERTIES

Boiling point: 55°C
Melting point: -109°C
Relative density (water = 1): 0.7
Solubility in water, g/100 ml at 20°C: 4.2
Vapour pressure, kPa at 20°C: 27
Relative vapour density (air = 1): 3.0

Relative density of the vapour/air-mixture at 20°C (air = 1): 1.5
Flash point:
-28°C c.c.
Auto-ignition temperature: 375°C
Explosive limits, vol% in air: 1.6-15.1
Octanol/water partition coefficient as log Pow: 1.06

ENVIRONMENTAL
DATA

It is strongly advised not to let the chemical enter into the environment because it persists in the environment.

N O T E S

Much less likely to form peroxides than other ethers. Card has been partly updated in October 2004. See sections Occupational Exposure Limits, EU classification, Emergency Response.

Transport Emergency Card: TEC (R)-30GF1-I+II

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

ICSC: 1164	METHYL TERT-BUTYL ETHER
(C) IPCS, CEC, 1994

IMPORTANT LEGAL NOTICE:

Neither NIOSH, the CEC or the IPCS nor any person acting on behalf of NIOSH, the CEC or the IPCS is responsible for the use which might be made of this information. This card contains the collective views of the IPCS Peer Review Committee and may not reflect in all cases all the detailed requirements included in national legislation on the subject. The user should verify compliance of the cards with the relevant legislation in the country of use. The only modifications made to produce the U.S. version is inclusion of the OSHA PELs, NIOSH RELs and NIOSH IDLH values.