Product Name: Ethyl Methyl Carbonate
Synonyms: EM Carbonate, 1-Ethoxy-1-methoxycarbonylethane
Chemical Formula: C4H8O3
CAS Number: 623-53-0
Recommended Use: Electrolyte solvent in lithium-ion batteries, specialty chemical applications, lab reagent
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GHS Classification: Flammable liquid Category 2, Eye Irritant Category 2A, Specific Target Organ Toxicity - Single Exposure Category 3
Signal Word: Danger
Hazard Statements: Highly flammable liquid and vapor. Causes serious eye irritation. May cause respiratory irritation.
Pictograms: Flame, Exclamation mark
Potential Health Effects: Inhalation might provoke irritation of mucous membranes, headaches, dizziness; contact with eyes can cause severe irritation and redness; prolonged exposure could lead to skin dryness or cracking.
Environmental Hazards: Large spills risk contamination of waterways.
Chemical Name: Ethyl Methyl Carbonate
CAS Number: 623-53-0
Concentration: >99%
Impurities: Typically <1%; may include trace quantities of other alkyl carbonates or residual starting materials, rarely outside specification for laboratory chemicals.
Inhalation: Move affected individual to fresh air. Maintain comfortable position for breathing. Seek medical attention if symptoms persist.
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing. Wash skin thoroughly with soap and water. If irritation appears, get medical advice.
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for at least 15 minutes, keeping eyelids apart. Remove contact lenses if present. Immediate medical attention required if symptoms worsen.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth. Do not induce vomiting. Seek immediate medical attention. Risk of aspiration or chemical pneumonia.
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Alcohol-resistant foam, dry powder, carbon dioxide. Water spray may be used to cool containers.
Unsuitable Media: Avoid use of direct water streams which may spread burning liquid.
Hazards from Combustion: Irritating or toxic gases like carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide form during combustion.
Protective Equipment: Full chemical protective clothing and self-contained breathing apparatus.
Special Instructions: Remove containers from fire area if safe. Contain run-off. Thorough decontamination after fire exposure.
Personal Precautions: Evacuate area, prevent inhalation of vapors. Use proper personal protective gear—respirator, goggles, gloves.
Environmental Precautions: Prevent further leakage or spillage. Do not allow to enter drains, water courses or soil.
Spill Clean-up: Contain and absorb with inert material like sand, vermiculite. Collect into suitable containers. Use spark-proof tools.
Disposal: Dispose of contaminated material as hazardous waste following local regulations.
Handling: Ensure adequate ventilation. Ground/bond containers when transferring material. Keep away from hot surfaces, open flames, sparks. Avoid inhaling vapors. Wear appropriate personal protective equipment.
Storage: Store in tightly sealed containers in a cool, well-ventilated area designed for flammable liquids. Keep containers upright and protected from physical damage. Store away from strong oxidizers, acids, alkalis.
Incompatible Materials: Strong acids, strong bases, oxidizing agents.
Specific Precautions: Use explosion-proof electrical equipment and non-sparking tools. Maintain spill control materials nearby.
Occupational Exposure Limits: No established TLV or PEL for EMC. General ventilation and good process enclosure recommended.
Engineering Controls: Ensure local exhaust ventilation or fume hood in processing area.
Personal Protective Equipment: Chemical splash goggles, resistant gloves (nitrile or butyl rubber), flame-retardant lab coat, or apron. Respiratory protection if ventilation inadequate.
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands before breaks and at end of work, remove contaminated clothing.
Appearance: Colorless, clear liquid
Odor: Mild, sweet
Odor Threshold: Not well defined
pH: Neutral, not measurable in water
Melting Point/Freezing Point: -14°C
Boiling Point: 107°C
Flash Point: 25°C (closed cup)
Flammability: Highly flammable liquid
Vapor Pressure: 20 mmHg at 20°C
Vapor Density: 3.1 (Air = 1)
Density: 1.04 g/cm³ at 20°C
Solubility: Soluble in water and most organic solvents
Partition Coefficient: log Kow approximately 0.4
Auto-Ignition Temp: 417°C
Viscosity: 0.65 mPa.s at 25°C
Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage and use conditions.
Reactivity: No dangerous reaction known under normal conditions.
Hazardous Reactions: Risk of explosion with strong oxidizers. In presence of water vapor, slow hydrolysis occurs.
Incompatible Materials: Acids, bases, oxidizers.
Decomposition: Emits carbon oxides on thermal breakdown or combustion.
Acute Toxicity: Low acute toxicity by oral, dermal, and inhalation routes; LD50 (oral, rat): >5000 mg/kg
Skin Corrosion/Irritation: May cause mild to moderate skin irritation with repeated or prolonged exposure.
Serious Eye Damage/Irritation: Severe irritation likely on direct contact.
Respiratory or Skin Sensitization: Not reported to be a sensitizer.
CMR Effects (Carcinogenicity, Mutagenicity, Reproductive toxicity): No reliable indication of carcinogenic, mutagenic, or reproductive toxicity from available data.
Chronic Effects: No known chronic health effects with normal usage patterns.
Ecotoxicity: Not classified as environmentally hazardous. In high concentration, toxic to aquatic life.
Persistence and Degradability: Readily biodegradable in the environment. Will break down in water and soil through microbial action.
Bioaccumulative Potential: Low expected bioaccumulation based on log Kow.
Mobility in Soil: High mobility due to water solubility.
Other Adverse Effects: No significant ozone depletion or greenhouse gas contribution.
Disposal Methods: Send waste for incineration at authorized chemical disposal facilities. Do not pour into sewers, on the ground, or into surface water.
Container Disposal: Empty, triple-rinsed containers may be recyclable; otherwise, dispose as chemical waste in accordance with national, regional, and local regulations.
Special Precautions: Handle empty containers as if they have residual product. Avoid re-use for other purposes.
UN Number: UN 1993
UN Proper Shipping Name: Flammable Liquid, n.o.s. (Ethyl Methyl Carbonate)
Transport Hazard Class: 3
Packing Group: II
Environmental Hazards: Not a marine pollutant
Transport Precautions: Use approved, sealed containers; keep away from heat/sparks/open flame. Ensure vehicle documentation matches the product.
Additional Information: Review applicable bulk transport regulations where relevant.
Labeling: GHS-compliant labels for all containers
Safety Regulations: OSHA Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200), EU REACH Regulation, Canadian WHMIS - all classify EMC as a hazardous, flammable chemical.
Chemical Inventory Status: Listed on TSCA (USA), EINECS/ELINCS (EU), DSL (Canada), AICS (Australia), ENCS (Japan)
Restrictions: No major trade restrictions identified; handle as regulated flammable chemical.
Workplace Notifications: Ensure Safety Data Sheet available, all employees informed of hazards and protective measures.
Other Regulatory Info: Fire codes may require storage permit above defined thresholds and spill containment; check with local fire marshal for specifics.