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bis-Chloromethyl ether

Synonyms & Trade Names
BCME, Chloromethyl ether, bis-CME, Dichlorodimethyl ether, Dichloromethyl ether, Oxybis(chloromethane)
CAS No.
542-88-1
RTECS No.
KN1575000
DOT ID & Guide
2249 131
Formula
(CH₂Cl)₂O
Conversion
IDLH
Ca [N.D.]
See: IDLH INDEX
Exposure Limits
NIOSH REL
Ca See Appendix A
OSHA PEL
[1910.1008] See Appendix B
Measurement Methods
OSHA 10
See: NMAM or OSHA Methods
Physical Description
Colorless liquid with a suffocating odor.
Molecular Weight
115.0
Boiling Point
223°F
Freezing Point
-43°F
Solubility
Reacts
Vapor Pressure
(72°F): 30 mmHg
Ionization Potential
?
Specific Gravity
1.32
Flash Point
<66°F
Upper Exposive Limit
?
Lower Explosive Limit
?
Class IB Flammable Liquid: Fl.P. below 73°F and BP at or above 100°F.
Incompatibilities & Reactivities
Acids, water [Note: Reacts with water to form hydrochloric acid & formaldehyde.]
Exposure Routes
inhalation, skin absorption, ingestion, skin and/or eye contact
Symptoms
irritation eyes, skin, mucous membrane, respiratory system; pulmonary congestion, edema; corneal damage, necrosis; decreased pulmonary function, cough, dyspnea (breathing difficulty), wheezing; blood-stained sputum, bronchial secretions; [potential occupational carcinogen]
Target Organs
Eyes, skin, respiratory system
Cancer Site
[lung cancer]
Personal Protection/Sanitation
(See protection codes)
Skin:Prevent skin contact
Eyes:Prevent eye contact
Wash skin:When contaminated/Daily
Remove:When wet (flammable)
Change:Daily
Provide:Eyewash, Quick drench
First Aid
(See procedures)
Eye:Irrigate immediately
Skin:Soap wash immediately
Breathing:Respiratory support
Swallow:Medical attention immediately
Respirator Recommendations

(See Appendix E)

NIOSH

Escape:
(APF = 50) Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator (gas mask) with a chin-style, front- or back-mounted organic vapor canister
Any appropriate escape-type, self-contained breathing apparatus

At concentrations above the NIOSH REL, or where there is no REL, at any detectable concentration:
(APF = 10,000) Any self-contained breathing apparatus that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode
(APF = 10,000) Any supplied-air respirator that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode in combination with an auxiliary self-contained positive-pressure breathing apparatus

Important additional information about respirator selection

See also
INTRODUCTION   ICSC CARD: 0237   MEDICAL TESTS: 0026

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