Product Identification

Product Name

1,4-Epoxybutane

Synonyms

1,4-Epoxybutane
Cyclotetramethylene oxide
Furanidine
Oxacyclopentane
Oxolane
Tetramethylene oxide

CAS

109-99-9

Formula

C4H8O

Molecular Weight

72.11

EINECS

203-726-8

RTECS

LU5950000

RTECS Class

Tumorigen; Mutagen; Reproductive Effector; Human Data

Merck

12,9351

Beilstein/Gmelin

102391

Beilstein Reference

5-17-01-00027

EC Index Number

603-025-00-0

EC Class

Highly flammable; Irritant

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance

Clear, colorless, mobile liquid with an ether-like odor.

Solubility in water

Miscible

Melting Point

-108.5

Boiling Point

66

Vapor Pressure

127 (20 C)

Density

0.888 g/cm3 (20 C)

Partition Coefficient

.46

Heat Of Vaporization

32.0 kJ/mol

Heat Of Combustion

-2507 kJ/mol

Usage

Solvent for high polymer like polyvinyl chloride. As reaction medium for grignard & metal hydride reactions. In the synthesis of butyrolactone, succinic acid, 1,4-butanediol diacetate. Solvent in histological techniques and reverse phase hplc.

Saturation Concentration

17.3% at 20 C; 19.1% at 20 C (calculated).

Vapor Density

2.5

Odor threshold

20-50 ppm

Refractive Index

1.407 (20 C)

First Aid Measures

Ingestion

Induce vomiting immediately as directed by medical personnel. Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. Get medical attention.

Inhalation

Get medical aid immediately. Remove from exposure to fresh air immediately. If breathing is difficult, give oxygen. DO NOT use mouth-to-mouth respiration. If breathing has ceased apply artificial respiration using oxygen and a suitable mechanical device such as a bag and a mask.

Skin

Get medical aid. Immediately flush skin with plenty of soap and water for at least 15 minutes while removing contaminated clothing and shoes. Wash clothing before reuse.

Eyes

Immediately flush eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, occasionally lifting the upper and lower eyelids. Get medical aid immediately.

Handling and Storage

Storage

Keep away from heat, sparks, and flame. Keep away from sources of ignition. Store in a cool place in the original container and protect from sunlight. Keep under a nitrogen blanket. Keep from contact with oxidizing materials. Flammables-area. Regularly check inhibitor levels to maintain peroxide levels below 1%. Store protected from moisture.

Handling

Wash thoroughly after handling. Use only in a well ventilated area. Ground and bond containers when transferring material. Avoid contact with eyes, skin, and clothing. Empty containers retain product residue, (liquid and/or vapor), and can be dangerous. Keep container tightly closed. Avoid contact with heat, sparks and flame. Do not ingest or inhale. Prevent build up of vapors to explosive concentration. Do not pressurize, cut, weld, braze, solder, drill, grind, or expose empty containers to heat, sparks or open flames.

Hazards Identification

Inhalation

Causes irritation to the respiratory tract. Symptoms may include coughing, shortness of breath. THF is an anesthetic agent in high concentrations. Overexposure may cause dizziness, headache, nausea and possible fluid in the lungs. May cause liver, kidney or lung injury.

Skin

Causes irritation to skin. Symptoms include redness, itching, and pain. May be absorbed through the skin.

Eyes

Causes irritation, redness, and pain. Contact may cause permanent eye damage.

Ingestion

Causes irritation to the gastrointestinal tract. Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. May cause sore throat and abdominal pain. May cause liver or kidney injury.

Hazards

Vapor is heavier than air and may travel considerable distance to source of ignition and flash back.

EC Risk Phrase

R 11 19 36/37

EC Safety Phrase

S 16 29 33

UN (DOT)

2056

Exposure Controls/Personal Protection

Personal Protection

Eyes: Wear appropriate protective eyeglasses or chemical safety goggles as described by OSHA's eye and face protection regulations in 29 CFR 1910.133 or European Standard EN166. Skin: Wear appropriate protective gloves to prevent skin exposure. Clothing: Wear appropriate protective clothing to prevent skin exposure.

Respirators

A half-face organic vapor respirator may be worn for up to ten times the exposure limit, or the maximum use concentration specified by the appropriate regulatory agency or respirator supplier, whichever is lowest. A full-face piece organic vapor respirator may be worn up to 50 times the exposure limit, or the maximum use concentration specified by the appropriate regulatory agency or respirator supplier, whichever is lowest. For emergencies or instances where the exposure levels are not known, use a full-face piece positive-pressure, air-supplied respirator.

Exposure Effects

Repeated or high exposures may cause kidney or liver damage; may affect the lungs. Repeated skin exposure can cause dryness, cracking of skin and rash.

Exposure limit(s)

OSHA PEL: TWA 200 ppm (590 mg/m3) NIOSH REL: TWA 200 ppm (590 mg/m3) ST 250 ppm (735 mg/m3) NIOSH IDLH: 2000 ppm LEL

Poison Class

3

Fire Fighting Measures

Flash Point

-14

Autoignition

321

Fire Fighting

Wear full protective clothing and NIOSH-approved self-contained breathing apparatus with full facepiece operated in the pressure demand or other positive pressure mode. Do not extinguish fire unless flow can be stopped. Use water in flooding quantities as fog. Solid streams of water may be ineffective. Cool all affected containers with flooding quantities of water. Apply water from as far a distance as possible. Use alcohol foam, dry chemical or carbon dioxide.

Upper exp. limit

11.8

Lower exp. limit

2

Fire Potential

Extremely Flammable Liquid and Vapor! Vapor may cause flash fire. Dangerous fire hazard when exposed to heat or flame.

Accidental Release Measures

Small spills/leaks

Absorb spill with inert material, (e.g., dry sand or earth), then place into a chemical waste container. Use water spray to dilute spill to a non-flammable mixture. Avoid runoff into storm sewers and ditches which lead to waterways. Remove all sources of ignition. Use a spark-proof tool. Isolate area and deny entry. A vapor suppressing foam may be used to reduce vapors.

Stability and Reactivity

Disposal Code

1

Stability

Stable in closed containers with oxygen and light excluded. Distillation or evaporation can concentrate peroxides (if present) to create an explosion hazard.

Incompatibilities

Tetrahydrofuran reacts violently with air on standing. LiAlH2, strong oxidizers, NaAlH2 and potassium hydroxide. Will attack some forms of plastics, rubbers and coatings.

Decomposition

Carbon monoxide, irritating and toxic fumes and gases, carbon dioxide.

Combustion Products

Irritating vapor is generated when heated.

Transport Information

UN Number

2056

Hazard Class

3

Packing Group

II

HS Code

2932 11 00