Material Safety Data Sheet for Ethyl Chloroacetate

Identification

Product Name: Ethyl Chloroacetate
Chemical Formula: C4H7ClO2
CAS Number: 105-39-5
Synonyms: Chloroacetic acid ethyl ester, Ethyl monochloroacetate
Recommended Use: Intermediate in organic synthesis, pharmaceuticals, herbicides
Supplier Information: Contact details for responsible company or distributor
Emergency Phone Number: Local and available 24 hours

Hazard Identification

GHS Classification: Acute Toxicity (Oral, Inhalation, Dermal) Category 3, Skin Corrosion/Irritation Category 2, Eye Damage/Irritation Category 1
Signal Word: Danger
Hazard Statements: Toxic if swallowed, toxic in contact with skin, toxic if inhaled, causes severe skin burns and eye damage
Precautionary Statements: Avoid breathing vapor or mist, wear protective gloves, clothing, and eye protection, wash thoroughly after handling, use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area
Physical Hazards: Flammable liquids, can form explosive mixtures with air
Environmental Hazards: Harmful to aquatic life, potential for long-lasting effects

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Name: Ethyl Chloroacetate
CAS Number: 105-39-5
Concentration: >98% by weight
Impurities: Chloroacetic acid, Ethanol, less than 2%

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Remove victim to fresh air, seek immediate medical attention, provide artificial respiration or oxygen if breathing is difficult
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing immediately, rinse skin with plenty of water for no less than 15 minutes, consult a physician
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for at least 15 minutes, lift eyelids to ensure thorough rinsing, get medical advice as soon as possible
Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting, rinse mouth with water if victim is conscious, seek medical attention promptly, never administer anything by mouth to an unconscious person
Most Important Symptoms: Severe irritation, tissue damage, difficulty breathing, possible central nervous system depression

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Carbon dioxide, dry chemical powder, alcohol-resistant foam
Hazards From Combustion Products: Production of hydrogen chloride gas, phosgene, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide during combustion
Special Protective Equipment for Firefighters: Self-contained breathing apparatus, full protective gear to prevent skin and eye contact
Specific Firefighting Procedures: Keep containers cool by spraying with water, remove uninvolved material from area if possible
Explosion Risk: Vapors may form explosive mixtures with air, closed containers can rupture under fire conditions

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Use chemical splash goggles, protective gloves, long-sleeved clothing, avoid inhalation of vapors, evacuate unnecessary personnel
Environmental Precautions: Prevent entry into sewers, surface and ground water, contain spill with inert material
Cleanup Methods: Absorb spill with sand, earth, or vermiculite, place in sealed containers for disposal, ventilate area thoroughly, decontaminate area with sodium bicarbonate solution followed by aqueous ammonia if safe

Handling and Storage

Handling: Use with adequate ventilation, avoid contact with skin, eyes, and clothing, do not eat, drink, or smoke while handling, wash hands after use
Storage: Store in a tightly closed container, in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area, segregate from incompatible materials such as acids, bases, oxidizing agents, and strong reducing agents
Incompatibilities: Hydroxides, ammonia, alkali metals, strong oxidizers, amines
Safe Packaging Materials: Use corrosion-resistant, sealed containers, with secondary containment to prevent leaks

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Exposure Limits: No specific OSHA PEL or ACGIH TLV established, use control methods to reduce airborne levels to the lowest achievable concentration
Engineering Controls: Fume hood, local exhaust ventilation, safety shower and eyewash station in working area
Respiratory Protection: Wear NIOSH-approved full-face air-purifying respirator with appropriate organic vapor cartridges during potential exposure
Skin Protection: Nitrile or butyl rubber gloves, long-sleeved lab coat, chemical-resistant apron
Eye Protection: Chemical safety goggles, face shield
Hygiene Measures: Replace contaminated clothing, wash thoroughly after handling, maintain clean working environment by routine cleaning

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Colorless to pale yellow liquid
Odor: Strong, pungent, fruity
Odor Threshold: Noticeable at low concentrations
Melting Point: -38°C
Boiling Point: 143–144°C
Flash Point: 41°C (closed cup)
Evaporation Rate: Not recorded
Flammability: Flammable liquid
Vapor Pressure: 5 mmHg at 25°C
Vapor Density: 4.3 (air = 1)
Solubility: Miscible with most organic solvents, limited solubility in water (<2 g/100 ml at 20°C)
pH: Not applicable
Partition Coefficient (log Kow): 1.02
Decomposition Temperature: >144°C
Viscosity: Not determined

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable during normal use and storage, decomposes in presence of moisture
Reactivity: Reacts vigorously with strong bases, nucleophiles, and oxidizing agents
Hazardous Reactions: May liberate toxic and corrosive gases (HCl, phosgene) on contact with water, strong bases, or heat
Polymerization: Not known to occur
Conditions to Avoid: Elevated temperatures, flames, ignition sources, contact with incompatible substances
Incompatible Materials: Alkalis, alcohols, amines, water, acid chlorides

Toxicological Information

Routes of Exposure: Skin, eyes, ingestion, inhalation
Acute Toxicity: Oral LD50 (rat): 580 mg/kg; Dermal LD50 (rabbit): 430 mg/kg; inhalation LC50 (rat, 4 h): 0.47 mg/l
Chronic Effects: Prolonged or repeated exposure may cause dermatitis, respiratory sensitization, damage to liver or kidneys
Symptoms of Overexposure: Irritation of respiratory tract, coughing, headache, dizziness, nausea, abdominal pain, burns to eyes or skin
Carcinogenicity: Not classified as a carcinogen by IARC, NTP, or OSHA
Mutagenicity: Not reported in published studies
Reproductive Toxicity: No conclusive data from animal studies
Target Organs: Central nervous system, respiratory system, skin, eyes

Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: Toxic to aquatic organisms, short-term exposure may cause death of fish and daphnia
Persistence and Degradability: Hydrolyzes in water to form ethyl alcohol and chloroacetic acid, which may persist under some conditions
Bioaccumulative Potential: Low (log Kow indicates minor accumulation)
Mobility in Soil: High mobility, risk of groundwater contamination
Other Adverse Effects: Avoid release to environment, legislation may restrict large-scale use close to natural water bodies

Disposal Considerations

Disposal Methods: Dispose of through licensed chemical waste contractor, incinerate in accordance with local, state, and federal regulations
Contaminated Packaging: Triple-rinse, puncture container, dispose of as hazardous waste
Precautions: Do not discharge into drains, surface water, or soil, avoid contact with reactive chemicals in waste stream
Special Instructions: Consult environmental authorities for guidance, use secondary containment during transportation for disposal

Transport Information

UN Number: 2672
UN Proper Shipping Name: Ethyl chloroacetate
Transport Hazard Class: 6.1 (Toxic substance), 3 (Flammable liquid)
Packing Group: II
Labels: Toxic, Flammable
Marine Pollutant: Yes
Special Transport Precautions: Secure containers, avoid heat or direct sun, transport with compatible chemicals only, comply with all applicable DOT, IMDG, IATA, ADR regulations

Regulatory Information

OSHA (US): Listed as hazardous chemical, subject to workplace labeling and training requirements
SARA Title III (Hazard Categories): Acute health hazard, fire hazard
TSCA Inventory: Listed
EU Classification: T+ (Very toxic), C (Corrosive), N (Dangerous for the environment)
REACH Status: Registered substance
Canada (DSL): Included
Other National Requirements: Subject to chemical safety assessment, additional national or local restrictions may apply depending on intended use