| Agent Name |
Methylal |
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| Alternative Name |
Dimethoxymethane |
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| CAS Number |
109-87-5 |
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| Formula |
C3-H8-O2 |
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| Major Category |
Solvents |
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| Synonyms |
2,4-Dioxapentane; Anesthenyl; Bis(methoxy)methane; Dimethoxymethane; Dimethyl formal; Formal; Formaldehyde dimethyl acetal; Formaldehyde dimethylacetal; Formaldehyde methyl ketal; Methane, dimethoxy-; Methoxymethyl methyl ether; Methylene dimethyl ether; Metylal [Polish]; [ChemIDplus] UN1234 |
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| Category |
Other Solvents |
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| Description |
Colorless liquid with a chloroform-like odor; [NIOSH] |
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| Sources/Uses |
Used as a solvent for adhesives and coatings, a fuel, and an intermediate for other organic compounds; [ACGIH] Has been used as an anesthetic; [HSDB] |
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| Comments |
Animal inhalation studies: anesthesia and damage to the liver and other organs; [ACGIH] A skin, eye, and respiratory tract irritant; Inhalation of high concentrations can cause CNS depression; [ICSC] |
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| Exposure Assessment |
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| Skin Designation (ACGIH) |
No |
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| TLV (ACGIH) |
1000 ppm |
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| PEL (OSHA) |
1000 ppm |
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| MAK |
1000 ppm |
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| IDLH (NIOSH) |
2200 ppm |
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| Excerpts from Documentation for IDLHs |
Other animal data: In one study, the "no effect" levels were determined to be 2,810 and 8,450 ppm in rats and guinea pigs, respectively [Price et al. 1978]. Fifteen 7�hour exposures to 11,000 ppm caused only minor irritation in 50 mice [Weaver et al. 1951]. . . .Human data: Methylal has been used as an anesthetic in surgery [ACGIH 1991]. |
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| Vapor Pressure |
398 mm Hg |
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| Lethal Concentration |
LC50 (mice) = 57,000 mg/m3/7H |
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| Explanatory Notes |
IDLH = 10% LEL; Flash point = -32 deg C; |
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| Flammability (NFPA) |
3: may ignite at ambient temperature |
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| Adverse Effects |
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| Neurotoxin |
CNS Solvent Syndrome |
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| Hepatotoxin |
Hepatotoxin, Secondary |
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| Links to Other NLM Databases |
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| Health Studies |
Human Health Effects from Hazardous Substances Data Bank: METHYLAL
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