Agent Name |
Dichloroethyl ether |
Alternative Name |
2,2'-Dichlorodiethyl ether |
CAS Number |
111-44-4 |
Formula |
C4-H8-Cl2-O |
Major Category |
Solvents |
Synonyms |
Bis(2-chloroethyl)ether; 2,2`-Dichloroethyl ether; 2,2'-Dichlorodiethyl ether; [NIOSH] UN1916 |
Category |
Ethers |
Description |
Colorless liquid with a chlorinated solvent-like odor; [NIOSH] |
Sources/Uses |
Used as a solvent, dewaxing agent, wetting agent, soil fumigant, and chemical intermediate; [ACGIH] Used to control earworms on corn silks; No longer used as a soil fumigant; [HSDB] |
Comments |
Damage to the lungs, liver, kidneys, and brain occur in studies of guinea pigs and rats at 500 ppm for 5 to 8 hours. Volunteers found exposures above 550 ppm intolerable because of nauseating odor and irritation of the eyes, nose, and respiratory tract. [ACGIH] The vapor can cause lacrimation.[HSDB] A severe eye irritant; [CHEMINFO] |
Exposure Assessment |
Skin Designation (ACGIH) |
Yes |
TLV (ACGIH) |
5 ppm |
STEL (ACGIH) |
10 ppm |
PEL (OSHA) | Ceiling(OSHA) = 15 ppm |
MAK |
10 ppm |
IDLH (NIOSH) |
100 ppm |
Excerpts from Documentation for IDLHs |
Basis for original (SCP) IDLH: The chosen IDLH is based on the statements by Patty [1963] that 250 ppm caused death in rats from a 4�hour exposure [Carpenter et al. 1949] and that 500 to 1000 ppm might cause death in guinea pigs from an exposure of only 30 to 60 minutes duration [Schrenk et al. 1933]. . . . Human data: Volunteers found brief (undefined) exposures to 100 to 260 ppm to be tolerable, although irritating [Schrenk et al. 1933]. |
Vapor Pressure |
0.7 mm Hg |
Odor Threshold Low |
0.04 ppm |
Lethal Concentration |
LC50 (rats) = 330 mg/m3/4H |
Explanatory Notes |
Odor threshold from CHEMINFO; |
Reference Link |
ATSDR ToxFAQs - bis(2-Chloroethyl) Ether |
Flammability (NFPA) |
2: high ambient temperature required |
Adverse Effects |
Lacrimator |
Yes |
Neurotoxin |
CNS Solvent Syndrome |
Hepatotoxin |
Hepatotoxin, Secondary |
IARC Carcinogen |
Not Classifiable |
Links to Other NLM Databases |
Health Studies |
Human Health Effects from Hazardous Substances Data Bank: BIS(2-CHLOROETHYL) ETHER
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