Product Name: Diethylene Glycol
Chemical Formula: C4H10O3
Synonyms: DEG, Diglycol, Ethylene diglycol, 2,2'-Oxydiethanol
CAS Number: 111-46-6
Recommended Use: Solvent, chemical intermediate, humectant, plasticizer
Supplier Contact: Emergency phone numbers available on the container label and company documentation
GHS Classification: Acute toxicity (oral, dermal), Eye irritation, Specific target organ toxicity (repeated exposure)
GHS Symbol: Skull and crossbones, Exclamation mark
Signal Word: Danger
Hazard Statements: Harmful if swallowed or absorbed through skin, causes serious eye irritation, may cause damage to organs (kidneys) through prolonged or repeated exposure
Precautionary Statements: Avoid breathing vapors, wash hands thoroughly after handling, do not eat, drink or smoke when using, wear protective equipment
Component: Diethylene Glycol
Concentration: 99% minimum
Impurities: Trace amounts of monoethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, water as residuals
Chemical Family: Glycol ether
Inhalation: Move to fresh air and monitor for respiratory symptoms, seek immediate medical attention if symptoms develop
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing and wash exposed area using soap and water; seek medical attention if irritation persists
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes, remove contact lenses if present and easy to do, continue rinsing and obtain medical help
Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting, rinse mouth with water and get medical attention immediately—diethylene glycol can cause acute kidney toxicity
Most Important Symptoms: Central nervous system effects, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness, reduced urine production, kidney failure
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical, carbon dioxide
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: High volume water jet may spread fire
Specific Hazards: Combustion produces carbon oxides, hazardous vapors
Protective Equipment: Firefighters require self-contained breathing apparatus and chemical resistant protective clothing
Precautions: Evacuate area and cool containers exposed to fire using water spray; avoid exposure to combustion products
Personal Precautions: Wear chemical resistant gloves, safety goggles, and respiratory protection for large spills
Environmental Precautions: Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe, do not let chemical enter drains or watercourses
Methods for Cleanup: Absorb with inert material (sand, earth, vermiculite), collect in suitable containers for disposal, ventilate area and wash spill site after material pickup is complete
Emergency Procedures: Restrict access to affected area, avoid contact with spilled material, report large spills to local environmental authorities
Handling: Work in well-ventilated areas, avoid ingestion and inhalation, use appropriate PPE, prevent contact with eyes and skin, keep away from incompatible substances such as strong oxidizers
Storage: Keep container tightly closed in a dry, cool, and well-ventilated place, store away from foodstuffs, beverages, and animal feed
Other Requirements: Ground and bond containers when transferring material, protect from moisture and physical damage, keep only in original or approved containers; monitor for leaks or deterioration regularly
Occupational Exposure Limits: ACGIH TLV: 10 mg/m³ (inhalable fraction and vapor—not established in all jurisdictions, always check local regulations)
Engineering Controls: Local exhaust ventilation, enclosed handling systems, safety shower, and eyewash stations in immediate work area
Personal Protective Equipment: Chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile, neoprene), safety goggles or face shield, flame-resistant lab coat or apron, suitable respiratory protection (NIOSH approved) in case of inadequate ventilation or exposure risk
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands and face before breaks and at end of work, avoid contact with skin, eyes, and clothing, launder contaminated clothing before reuse
Appearance: Clear, colorless, odorless, slightly viscous liquid
Odor: Mild, sweet
Odor Threshold: Not available
pH: Neutral
Melting Point/Freezing Point: -10.45 °C
Boiling Point/Range: 244–245 °C
Flash Point: 138 °C (closed cup)
Evaporation Rate: Negligible
Flammability: Not highly flammable, can burn at high temperatures
Upper/Lower Flammability Limits: Lower: 1.5%, Upper: 10.8% (v/v in air)
Vapor Pressure: 0.01 mmHg at 20 °C
Vapor Density: 3.7 (air=1)
Relative Density: 1.118 at 20 °C
Solubility: Miscible with water, soluble in acetone and ethanol
Partition Coefficient (n-octanol/water): -1.47
Auto-ignition Temperature: 229 °C
Decomposition Temperature: Not available
Viscosity: 36.6 mPa.s at 20 °C
Chemical Stability: Stable under normal temperatures and pressures
Possible Reactions: Reacts with strong oxidizing agents, acids, and chlorinating agents
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, irritating or toxic fumes in poorly ventilated fire conditions
Polymerization: Will not occur
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizers, acids, halogens, anhydrides—may cause violent chemical reactions or degradation
Acute Toxicity: Oral (LD50, rat): 12,565 mg/kg, Dermal (LD50, rabbit): 11,890 mg/kg—ingestion can be fatal or cause serious damage with delayed onset; symptoms include metabolic acidosis, kidney failure, central nervous system depression
Skin Corrosion/Irritation: Mildly irritating upon prolonged contact
Eye Damage/Irritation: Causes serious eye irritation
Respiratory Sensitization: Not classified
Chronic Toxicity: Prolonged exposure can lead to kidney and liver injury, central nervous system effects
Carcinogenicity: Not classified as carcinogen by IARC, NTP, OSHA
Reproductive Toxicity: Data lacking for direct fetal effects, but renal and CNS injury in adults are well documented
Mutagenicity: Not expected to be mutagenic based on available information
Other Effects: Can cause metabolic acidosis, hypoglycemia, muscle twitching, and multi-organ failure in severe poisoning
Toxicity to Aquatic Organisms: Moderate hazard for freshwater and marine species—LC50 (fish, 96h): 32,000 mg/L; EC50 (Daphnia, 48h): 28,000 mg/L
Persistence and Degradability: Readily biodegradable under aerobic conditions, breaks down in wastewater over days to weeks
Bioaccumulative Potential: Low potential (log Kow -1.47)
Mobility in Soil: High mobility, unlikely to adsorb to soils or sediments
Other Adverse Effects: Spills in aquatic environments can cause oxygen depletion through microbial degradation, posing a threat to aquatic life
Waste Generation: Collect waste in tightly sealed, properly labeled containers
Disposal Methods: Incineration in approved chemical waste facility, comply with all national, regional, and local laws
Contaminated Packaging: Rinse with water, then dispose of as hazardous waste
Special Precautions: Do not discharge into drains, waterways, or soil—potential risk for environmental contamination; authorized contractors should handle disposal, documenting steps for regulatory compliance
UN Number: Not classified as a dangerous good for transport under UN, DOT, ADR/RID, IMDG, or IATA regulations in most concentrations
Proper Shipping Name: Diethylene Glycol
Packing Group: Not regulated
Hazard Class: Not regulated
Environmental Hazards: Not regarded as a marine pollutant but take precautions against leaks/spills
Special Transport Precautions: Use sealed, impact- and leak-resistant containers; prevent container falls and secure loads during transit
Inventory Status: Listed on TSCA (US), EINECS (EU), DSL (Canada), AICS (Australia), ENCS (Japan), and other regional chemical inventories
Safety, Health, and Environmental Regulations: Comply with OSHA Hazard Communication, EU REACH, GHS requirements where applicable
Other Regulations: Subject to workplace exposure limits in some countries, ensure compliance with relevant guidelines on storage, labeling, and transport; not listed as a DEA controlled substance
Restrictions: Some use restrictions in children’s products, food, cosmetics depending on jurisdiction; verify compliance with sector-specific regulations
