| Agent Name |
Dimethyl ether |
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| CAS Number |
115-10-6 |
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| Formula |
C2-H6-O |
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| Major Category |
Solvents |
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| Synonyms |
DME; Demeon D; Dimethyl oxide; Dymel A; Ether, dimethyl; Ether, methyl; Methane, oxybis-; Methoxymethane; Methyl ether; Methyl oxide; Oxybismethane; Wood ether; UN1033; [ChemIDplus] |
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| Category |
Ethers |
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| Description |
Colorless compressed gas or liquid with a slight ether-like odor; [HSDB] |
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| Sources/Uses |
Used as solvent, propellant, refrigerant, chemical intermediate, and polymerization catalyst and stabilizer; [HSDB] |
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| Comments |
In animal studies at lethal concentrations, dimethyl ether acts as a general anesthetic. [ChemIDplus] Liquid will cause frostbite. [CHRIS] Dimethyl ether is in the list of "Some volatile substances which may be abused by inhalation" published on the web site of the U.N. International Drug Control Programme, indicating its potential to cause narcosis in workers. [Reference #1] |
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| Reference Link |
Volatile Substance Abuse |
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| Exposure Assessment |
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| Skin Designation (ACGIH) |
Not evaluated |
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| MAK |
1000 ppm |
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| Vapor Pressure |
4450 mm Hg |
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| Lethal Concentration |
LC50 (rats) = 308,000 mg/m3 |
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| Flammability (NFPA) |
4: burns readily |
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| Adverse Effects |
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| Neurotoxin |
CNS Solvent Syndrome |
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| Links to Other NLM Databases |
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| Health Studies |
Human Health Effects from Hazardous Substances Data Bank: DIMETHYL ETHER
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