Methyl chloride
Synonyms & Trade Names
Chloromethane, MonochloromethaneExposure Limits
NIOSH REL
Ca See Appendix AOSHA PEL
TWA 100 ppm C 200 ppm 300 ppm (5-minute maximum peak in any 3 hours) See Appendix GPhysical Description
Colorless gas with a faint, sweet odor which is not noticeable at dangerous concentrations. [Note: Shipped as a liquefied compressed gas.]Molecular Weight
50.5Boiling Point
-12°FFreezing Point
-144°FSolubility
0.5%Vapor Pressure
5.0 atmIonization Potential
11.28 eVFlash Point
NA (Gas)Upper Exposive Limit
17.4%Lower Explosive Limit
8.1%Relative Gas Density
1.78
Flammable Gas
Incompatibilities & Reactivities
Chemically-active metals such as potassium, powdered aluminum, zinc & magnesium; water [Note: Reacts with water (hydrolyzes) to form hydrochloric acid.]Exposure Routes
inhalation, skin and/or eye contact (liquid)Symptoms
dizziness, nausea, vomiting; visual disturbance, stagger, slurred speech, convulsions, coma; liver, kidney damage; liquid: frostbite; reproductive, teratogenic effects; [potential occupational carcinogen]Target Organs
central nervous system, liver, kidneys, reproductive systemCancer Site
[in animals: lung, kidney & forestomach tumors]Personal Protection/Sanitation
(See protection codes)Skin:Frostbite
Eyes:Frostbite
Wash skin:No recommendation
Remove:When wet (flammable)
Change:No recommendation
Provide:Frostbite wash
Respirator Recommendations
NIOSH
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
Escape:
Any appropriate escape-type, self-contained breathing apparatus
- Page last reviewed:April 11, 2016
- Page last updated:April 11, 2016
- Content source:
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Education and Information Division