Product Identification

Product Name

Bis(2-methoxyethyl) phthalate

Synonyms

bis(Methoxyethyl) phthalate
di(2-Methoxyethyl) phthalate
Dimethoxy ethyl phthalate
Dimethyl cellosolve phthalate
Dimethyl glycol phthalate
Dmep

CAS

117-82-8

Formula

C14H18O6

Molecular Weight

282.29000000000002

EINECS

204-212-6

RTECS

TI1400000

RTECS Class

Mutagen; Reproductive Effector; Primary Irritant

Beilstein/Gmelin

2056929

Beilstein Reference

4-09-00-03241

EC Index Number

607-228-00-5

EC Class

Toxic for reproduction Category 2; Toxic for reproduction Category 3

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance

Practically colorless, oily liq. Very slight.

Solubility in water

Insoluble

Boiling Point

313

Vapor Pressure

0.0005 (25 C)

Density

1.1708 g/cm3 (15 C)

Partition Coefficient

.79

Heat Of Vaporization

55.4 kJ/mol

Usage

Plasticizer, esp for cellulose acetate, solvent.

Vapor Density

1.171

Refractive Index

1.5025 (20 C)

First Aid Measures

Ingestion

Dilution: immediately dilute with 4 to 8 ounces (120 to 240 ml) of water (not to exceed 15 ml/kg in a child). Consider after ingestion of a potentially life-threatening amount of poison if it can be performed soon after ingestion (generally within 1 hour). Activated charcoal: administer charcoal as a slurry (240 ml water/30 g charcoal). Usual dose: 25 to 100 g in adults/adolescents. Carefully observe patients with ingestion exposure for the development of any systemic signs or symptoms and administer symptomatic treatment as necessary.

Inhalation

Move patient to fresh air. Monitor for respiratory distress. If cough or difficulty breathing develops, evaluate for respiratory tract irritation, bronchitis, or pneumonitis. Administer oxygen and assist ventilation as required. Treat bronchospasm with beta2 agonist and corticosteroid aerosols.

Skin

Remove contaminated clothing and wash exposed area thoroughly with soap and water. A physician should examine the area if irritation or pain persists. Some chemicals can produce systemic poisoning by absorption through intact skin. Carefully observe patients with dermal exposure for the development of any systemic signs or symptoms and administer symptomatic treatment as necessary.

Eyes

Irrigate exposed eyes with copious amounts of tepid water for at least 15 minutes. If irritation, pain, swelling, lacrimation, or photophobia persist, the patient should be seen in a health care facility.

Handling and Storage

Storage

Keep in a cool, dry, dark location in a tightly sealed container or cylinder. Keep away from incompatible materials, ignition sources and untrained individuals. Secure and label area. Protect containers/cylinders from physical damage.

Handling

All chemicals should be considered hazardous. Avoid direct physical contact. Use appropriate, approved safety equipment. Untrained individuals should not handle this chemical or its container. Handling should occur in a chemical fume hood.

Hazards Identification

Inhalation

Animals that have been fatally poisoned developed labored breathing and died of respiratory paralysis.

Skin

There have been several cases of contact dermatitis to dbp-containing products and plastics.

Ingestion

Nausea occurred in a human case where 10 grams was reportedly ingested.

Exposure Controls/Personal Protection

Personal Protection

Use of garments to protect workmen from irritation due to contact with phthalic anhydride which is used in the manufacturing process of phthalic acid esters; gloves should be used to prevent contamination of the hand and lower arm. Synth of phthalates require good ventilation in order to minimize contamination of air with phthalic anhydride or alcohols. There may be also some need for skin protection. Handling mineral acids used as catalysts requires ordinary precautions.

Respirators

Use NIOSH/MSHA approved respirator appropriate for exposure of concern.

Exposure Effects

Dizziness occurred in a human exposure to 10 g of dbp. Polyneuritis was reported in one soviet study. There have been several animal and laboratory tests done on the possible teratogenic effect of DBP. The results have been mixed. Studies done on Salmonella cultures have shown mildly positive mutagenic responses. DBP appears to affect females more than males, at least in the rodent studies performed.

Poison Class

4

Fire Fighting Measures

Flash Point

132

Fire Fighting

Alcohol foam. Water or foam may cause frothing.

Fire Potential

Combustible

Accidental Release Measures

Small spills/leaks

Evacuate area and ventilate. Wear protective equipment. If required, use an inert absrobent. Sweep up and place in an appropriate container for disposal. Wash contaminated surfaces.

Stability and Reactivity

Stability

Stable, less volatile than dibutyl phthalate.