Chemical Name: Ethyl methyl carbonate
Synonyms: EMC, ethyl methyl ester of carbonic acid
Molecular Formula: C4H8O3
Molecular Weight: 104.11 g/mol
CAS Number: 623-53-0
Product Code: EMC-99
Recommended Use: Electrolyte solvent, chemical intermediates, solvent in laboratories
Manufacturer Contact: Safety Department, Chemical Solutions Company, 1234 Industry Lane, Houston, TX, USA, 77002, Phone (555) 123-4567, Emergency (800) 555-6789
GHS Classification: Flammable liquid (Category 2), Eye irritation (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 drowsiness or dizziness
Pictograms: Flame, Exclamation mark
Precautionary Statements: Keep away from heat, sparks, open flames, and hot surfaces; Use explosion-proof equipment; Avoid release to the environment; Avoid breathing vapor or mist; Wear protective gloves, eye, and face protection
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin and eye contact, ingestion
Target Organs: Central nervous system, eyes, skin
Potential Health Effects: Drowsiness, headache, irritation to eyes, nose, and throat
Substance: Ethyl methyl carbonate
Concentration: ≥99% by weight
Chemical Formula: C4H8O3
Impurities/ Additives: Traces of ethanol, traces of dimethyl carbonate (<0.1%), water (<0.2%)
Relevant Impurities: No hazardous impurities in concentrations required to be disclosed under applicable regulations
Inhalation: Move to fresh air immediately; keep person at rest, provide oxygen if breathing is difficult; seek medical attention for persistent symptoms
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing; rinse skin with plenty of water and mild soap for at least 15 minutes; consult a physician if irritation develops
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for 15 minutes, removing contact lenses if present and easy; seek medical help promptly if irritation persists
Ingestion: Call a poison center or physician; rinse mouth thoroughly with water; do not induce vomiting unless instructed by medical personnel
Advice for doctor: Treat symptomatically and supportively; monitor for respiratory depression and CNS effects
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use dry chemical, CO2, alcohol-resistant foam, or water spray
Unsuitable Media: Avoid direct water jets; may spread fire
Specific Hazards: Vapors are heavier than air and can travel to ignition sources; fire may produce toxic gases including carbon oxides
Protective Equipment: Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) with full face-shield; wear protective fire-fighting clothing
Special Precautions: Evacuate area and keep upwind; cool containers with flooding amounts of water; prevent run-off from entering drains
Personal Precautions: Use appropriate PPE including gloves, goggles, and chemically resistant clothing; ensure adequate ventilation; eliminate ignition sources
Environmental Precautions: Prevent further leakage or spillage; avoid discharge into drains, water courses, or ground; contain spill using sand, earth, or other inert material
Methods for Cleaning Up: Absorb with inert absorbent (vermiculite, dry sand); collect in suitable closed container for disposal; ventilate area; wash contaminated surface with water and detergent
Reporting Requirements: Report to local environmental authorities if significant quantities are released
Handling: Ground and bond containers and transfer equipment to prevent static discharge; use only in well-ventilated areas; avoid inhalation, ingestion, and contact with skin and eyes; use spark-proof tools and explosion-proof equipment; refrain from eating, drinking, or smoking where material is handled
Storage: Keep tightly closed in original container in cool, dry, well-ventilated area; store away from strong oxidizers, acids, and sources of ignition; protect from sunlight, heat, and moisture; store below 30°C (86°F); segregate from incompatible chemicals
Incompatibilities: Strong acids, strong bases, strong oxidizing agents, reducing agents
Exposure Limits: No OSHA PEL or ACGIH TLV established; recommended workplace exposure: minimize exposure
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust ventilation or other engineering controls to keep airborne levels below recommended exposure limits; maintain eyewash stations and safety showers in work area
Personal Protective Equipment: Full chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile or neoprene), chemical splash goggles, lab coat or chemical-resistant coveralls, face shield for splash risks, flame-resistant clothing in large-scale handling
Respiratory Protection: NIOSH-approved organic vapor respirator recommended for vapors or aerosols, especially if ventilation is inadequate
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands thoroughly after handling; remove contaminated clothing before leaving work area
Appearance: Clear, colorless liquid
Odor: Mild, fruity odor
Odor Threshold: Not determined
pH: Neutral (approx. 7)
Melting Point: -53°C (-63°F)
Boiling Point: 107°C (225°F)
Flash Point: 18°C (64°F) (closed cup)
Evaporation Rate: Not established
Flammability: Highly flammable liquid and vapor
Explosive Limits: Lower 1.5%, Upper 10.5% (v/v in air)
Vapor Pressure: 9.2 mm Hg at 25°C
Vapor Density: 3.6 (air = 1)
Specific Gravity (20°C): 0.97
Solubility in Water: 17 g/L at 20°C (partially miscible)
Partition Coefficient (n-octanol/water): 0.24
Auto-ignition Temperature: 455°C
Decomposition Temperature: Not available
Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage and handling conditions
Possibility of Hazardous Reactions: Can exhibit exothermic reactions with strong acids, bases, oxidizing and reducing agents; may form explosive peroxides on prolonged exposure to air
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and other toxic gases may form during combustion
Conditions to Avoid: Heat, flames, sparks, direct sunlight, incompatible chemicals
Incompatible Materials: Strong acids, strong bases, strong oxidizers, reducing agents, peroxides
Acute Toxicity: Oral LD50 (rat): >2000 mg/kg; Dermal LD50 (rabbit): >2000 mg/kg; Inhalation LC50 (rat, 4h): >5 mg/L
Eye Contact: Causes moderate to severe irritation, redness, and tearing; may cause corneal injury
Skin Contact: Prolonged or repeated contact may cause mild irritation and redness
Inhalation: Headache, dizziness, drowsiness, central nervous system depression if exposed to high vapor concentrations
Ingestion: May be harmful if swallowed; causes gastrointestinal irritation, nausea, vomiting
Chronic Exposure: Prolonged or repeated exposure may cause skin dryness, cracking; no evidence of carcinogenicity or mutagenicity according to available data
Sensitization / Allergic Response: Not reported in published literature
Additional Data: Not classified as a reproductive toxin, not listed as carcinogenic by IARC, NTP, or OSHA
Eco-toxicity: Low acute toxicity to aquatic organisms (Fish LC50: 250 mg/L, Daphnia EC50: 230 mg/L)
Persistence and Degradability: Readily biodegradable under aerobic conditions; estimated half-life of 10 to 20 days in surface water
Bioaccumulative Potential: Low potential for bioaccumulation (Log Kow 0.24)
Mobility in Soil: Expected to have moderate mobility due to partial water solubility
Other Adverse Effects: No evidence for significant long-term effects on environment when handled responsibly; product does not contain-fluorinated greenhouse gases or ozone-depleting substances
Waste Treatment Methods: Dispose of contents/container via authorized chemical waste disposal contractor; incineration recommended under controlled conditions
Contaminated Packaging: Empty residue in containers must be disposed as hazardous waste according to local, state, or federal regulations
Precautions: Prevent waste generation; avoid release to the environment; keep waste separate from incompatible substances
Special Notes: Do not flush to sewer, surface water, or groundwater; notify authorities if environmental contamination occurs
UN Number: UN 1993
UN Proper Shipping Name: Flammable liquid, n.o.s. (Ethyl Methyl Carbonate)
Transport Hazard Class: 3 (Flammable liquids)
Packing Group: II
Labels: Flammable liquid
Environmental Hazards: Not classified as a marine pollutant
Special Precautions for Transport: Secure containers upright, avoid impact or rough handling, keep away from heat sources; emergency response guide available for spills or leaks during transit
OSHA (US): Not listed as hazardous under OSHA Hazard Communication Standard
TSCA Inventory: Listed
SARA 302/304: Not subject to emergency planning requirements
SARA 311/312: Classified as fire hazard, acute health hazard
SARA 313: Not subject to reporting under Section 313
RCRA Status: Not listed as a hazardous waste, but may be regulated if discarded in bulk
California Prop 65: Not listed
REACH (EU): Registered; safety assessment available
WHMIS (Canada): B2 (flammable liquid), D2B (toxic material causing other effects)
International Inventories: Present on AICS (Australia), DSL (Canada), EINECS (EU), ENCS (Japan), KECI (Korea), PICCS (Philippines), IECSC (China)
Other Regulations: Avoid workplace exposure in accordance with good industrial hygiene and safety practices
