Material Safety Data Sheet: Triethylene Glycol

1. Identification

Product Name: Triethylene Glycol
Synonyms: TEG, 2,2'-[1,2-Ethanediylbis(oxy)]diethanol
CAS Number: 112-27-6
Recommended Use: Solvent, dehydrating agent, plasticizer, humectant, chemical intermediate
Supplier: Name, address, and contact phone number of supplier or manufacturer
Emergency Contact: Chemtrec or local emergency number

2. Hazard Identification

GHS Classification: Not classified as hazardous under GHS criteria
Signal Word: None
Hazard Statements: May cause mild skin and eye irritation, inhalation of mist may cause discomfort
Pictogram: No pictogram required
Precautionary Statements: Avoid unnecessary contact with skin or eyes, prevent inhalation of mist or vapors, use with adequate ventilation
Other Hazards: Slippery when spilled

3. Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Identity: Triethylene Glycol
CAS Number: 112-27-6
Purity: ≥99% by weight
Impurities: Water (≤1%), Diethylene glycol, Tetraethylene glycol (trace amounts)

4. First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Remove from exposure to fresh air, assist breathing if necessary, seek medical attention if symptoms persist
Skin Contact: Wash skin thoroughly with soap and water, remove contaminated clothing and launder before reuse
Eye Contact: Flush cautiously with water for at least 15 minutes, remove contact lenses, seek medical attention for persistent irritation
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, drink water to dilute, do not induce vomiting, seek medical attention if feeling unwell

5. Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, foam, carbon dioxide, dry chemical
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: No information suggesting unsuitability
Special Hazards: Heating may produce irritating vapors and fumes, can form carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide on combustion
Advice for Firefighters: Wear self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective clothing
Flash Point: 177°C (350°F) (closed cup)
Explosion Limits: Lower - Not applicable; Upper - Not applicable

6. Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Use protective gloves and goggles, avoid splashing or formation of mist, ensure adequate ventilation
Environmental Precautions: Avoid release to drains, sewers, or streams, use absorbent materials to contain spill
Methods for Cleanup: Contain and collect spillage with inert material (sand, earth, etc.), clean spill area with water, place waste in suitable containers for disposal

7. Handling and Storage

Precautions for Safe Handling: Avoid contact with skin, eyes, and clothing, do not breathe mist or vapors, use in a well-ventilated area, wash thoroughly after handling
Storage Conditions: Store in tightly closed and labeled containers, keep in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated place, protect from direct sunlight and incompatible substances
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizers, strong acids

8. Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Exposure Limits: No established OSHA, ACGIH, or NIOSH limits for triethylene glycol
Engineering Controls: Provide local exhaust ventilation if mist or vapors generate, ensure safety showers and eyewash stations are easily accessible
Personal Protective Equipment: Chemical-resistant gloves, splash-proof goggles, protective clothing, use NIOSH-approved respirator if engineering controls do not maintain airborne concentrations below recommended guidelines
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands, face, and exposed skin after use and before eating or drinking

9. Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Colorless, nearly odorless, viscous liquid
Odor: Faint sweet odor
Odor Threshold: Not determined
Molecular Formula: C6H14O4
Molecular Weight: 150.17 g/mol
pH: Neutral in water
Melting Point: -7°C (19°F)
Boiling Point: 285°C (545°F)
Flash Point: 177°C (350°F) (closed cup)
Evaporation Rate: Negligible
Flammability: Not highly flammable
Vapor Pressure: 0.007 mm Hg at 20°C (68°F)
Vapor Density: 5.2 (air = 1)
Solubility: Miscible with water, ethanol, and acetone
Partition Coefficient (n-octanol/water): -1.98
Autoignition Temperature: 378°C (712°F)
Decomposition Temperature: Not determined
Viscosity: 45 mPa·s at 25°C (77°F)

10. Stability and Reactivity

Stability: Stable under recommended conditions of storage and handling
Reactivity: No dangerous reactions known under normal conditions
Hazardous Reactions: Contact with strong oxidizing agents or acids can produce hazardous decomposition products
Decomposition Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and possibly other toxic fumes if burning
Conditions to Avoid: Excessive heat, open flames, strong oxidizing agents

11. Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: Oral LD50 (rat): 22,000 mg/kg; Dermal LD50 (rabbit): >5,000 mg/kg
Skin Corrosion/Irritation: Mild irritant based on animal studies
Serious Eye Damage/Irritation: Mild irritant
Respiratory Sensitization: Not expected to be a sensitizer
Skin Sensitization: Not expected to be a sensitizer
Germ Cell Mutagenicity: Negative in standard tests
Carcinogenicity: Not classified as carcinogenic according to IARC, NTP, or OSHA
Reproductive Toxicity: No evidence of adverse reproductive effects
Specific Target Organ Toxicity (Single Exposure): None identified
Specific Target Organ Toxicity (Repeated Exposure): None identified
Aspiration Hazard: Not expected to pose an aspiration risk
Symptoms: May cause mild transient eye or skin irritation, high vapor concentrations may cause headache or dizziness

12. Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: Low toxicity to aquatic life, LC50 (fish, 96h): >5000 mg/L, EC50 (daphnia, 48h): >10,000 mg/L
Persistence and Degradability: Readily biodegradable (OECD 301 test)
Bioaccumulative Potential: Low, log Kow: -1.98
Mobility in Soil: High water solubility, expected to have high mobility
Other Adverse Effects: No significant environmental hazards identified under normal handling and use

13. Disposal Considerations

Waste Treatment Methods: Collect and contain for proper disposal, do not discharge into sewers or waterways
Disposal: Dispose of according to local, regional, and national regulations for non-hazardous organic chemicals
Empty Containers: Rinse thoroughly before recycling or disposal, avoid contact with runoff
Special Precautions: Consult local waste authorities for guidance on environmentally safe disposal

14. Transport Information

UN Number: Not regulated for transport by road, rail, sea, or air
UN Proper Shipping Name: Not classified as hazardous cargo
Transport Hazard Class: Not applicable
Packing Group: Not applicable
Environmental Hazards: Not considered a marine pollutant
Special Precautions: Secure containers to avoid leaks or spills during transit, avoid excessive heat

15. Regulatory Information

OSHA Hazard Communication: Not hazardous under 29 CFR 1910.1200
TSCA Inventory: Listed
REACH: Registered
EINECS: 203-953-2
DSL/NDSL (Canada): Listed
SARA Title III: Not subject to reporting under Sections 302, 304, 311/312, or 313
California Proposition 65: Not listed
Other Inventories: Complies with regulations in Australia, Japan, Korea, Philippines, and China
Labeling Requirements: No hazard labeling required under GHS or OSHA