EMS CATALOG NO: 20400
EMS PRODUCT: Propylene Oxide
DATE: 10/18/2007
PAGE NUMBER: ONE of 7
MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET
The information contained herein is based on data considered accurate. However, no
warranty is expressed or implied regarding the accuracy of these data or the results to
be obtained from the use thereof.
Electron Microscopy Sciences assumes no responsibility for personal injury or property
damage to vendees, users or third parties caused by the material. Such vendees or
users assume all risks associated with the use of the material.
ELECTRON MICROSCOPY SCIENCES
1560 INDUSTRY ROAD
P.O. BOX 550
HATFIELD, PA 19440 24 HOUR EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBER
(215) 412-8400 CHEMTREC: (800) 424-9300
_________________________________________________________________
FOR PRODUCT AND SALES INFORMATION
_________________________________________________________________
CONTACT ELECTRON MICROSCOPY SCIENCES OFFICE ABOVE.
_________________________________________________________________
PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION
_________________________________________________________________
PRODUCT NAME: Propylene Oxide
COMMON NAMES/SYNONYMS: PO, 1-2 Epoxyporpane, Propene Oxide, Methyl Ethylene
Oxide, Methoxirane, Propylene Epoxide, Epoxypropane
CAS NUMBER: 75-56-9
FORMULA: C3H6O
PRODUCT USE: Used primarily as an intermediate in the synthesis of other
chemicals and polymers; as a fumigant for dried fruits and food stuffs; as a mixture with
CO2; as a stabilizer for methylene chloride; treating wood for termite resistance; acid
scavenger; pH control agent; as a treatment chemical for removing residual from crude
polyolefins.
HAZARD RATING (NFPA 49): HAZARD RATING SCALE:
HEALTH: 3 0=MINIMAL 3=SERIOUS
FIRE: 4 1=SLIGHT 4=SEVERE
REACTIVITY: 2 2=MODERATE
SPECIAL: NONE
_________________________________________________________________
HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS
_________________________________________________________________
WEIGHT BY %: CAS #:
COMPONENT:
Propylene Oxide 100% 75-56-9
OSHA ACTION LEVEL (8HR TWA):
OSHA PEL 8 HR TWA: 100ppm (240mg/m3)
STEL: N/A
ACGIH TLV:
TLV-TWA: 20ppm (50mg/m3)
IDLH: 2000ppm
LD50: 1140 mg/kg, Rat-Oral
LC50 (4 HOUR): 4000ppm Rat-Inh
_________________________________________________________________
PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS
_________________________________________________________________
93.6oF / 34.2oC
BOILING POINT:
-169oF / -111.7oC
FREEZING:
SPECIFIC GRAVITY: 0.824@3.89掳C/39.00掳F
VAPOR PRESSURE: 455oC mm Hg
VAPOR DENSITY(Air=1): 2.0
39.5% @ 20oC
WATER SOLUBILITY:
MOLECULAR WEIGHT: 58.08 grams/mole
PERCENT VOLATILES BY VOL. 100%
EVAPORATION RATE: 33.70 Butyl Acetate=1
pH: Not applicable.
ODOR THRESHOLD: 35 ppm
APPEARANCE AND ODOR: Clear colorless liquid with a sweet ether like odor. Odor
threshold: 200 ppm
_________________________________________________________________
Catalog #20400 2
Propylene Oxide
FIRE AND EXPLOSION INFORMATION
_________________________________________________________________
Tag Open Cup: <-35oF / <-37.2oC
FLASH POINT:
Tag Closed Cup: -35oF / -37.2oC
FLAMMABLE LIMITS IN AIR, %: LOWER: 1.7%
UPPER: 38.5%
NFPA HAZARD SYMBOL CODES: Flammability: 4
Health: 3
Reactivity: 2
869oF (465oC)
AUTO IGNITION TEMP.:
840oF (449oC)
IGNITION TEMP.:
EXTINGUISHING MEDIA: Dry chemical; Alcohol resistant foam; Carbon dioxide.
Water spray/fog can be used for cooling.
HAZARDOUS DECOMPOSITION BY PRODUCTS: Incomplete combustion will generate
highly poisonous carbon monoxide and perhaps other toxic vapors.
SPECIAL FIRE FIGHTING PROCEDURES: Wear NIOSH approved self contained
breathing apparatus (SCBA) with a full facepiece operated in the pressure-demand or
positive pressure mode. Fight fires from a safe distance/protected location. Heat may
build pressure in a rupture closed containers. If recommended foam is not available, cut
off the supply of fuel to the fire, maintain water spray to prevent spreading and allow
fire to burn out.
UNUSUAL FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS: Propylene Oxide releases flammable vapors
below normal ambient temperatures. When mixed with air and exposed to a source of
ignition. It can burn in the open or explode if confined. Flammable vapors may be
heavier than air, and may travel long distances along the ground before igniting and
flashing back to the vapor source. Vapor air mixtures are explosive above flash point.
______________________________________________________________________
REACTIVITY DATA
______________________________________________________________________
STABILITY: Stable
HAZARDOUS POLYMERIZATION: May polymerize on exposure to excessive heat,
peroxides, acids, alkalis, or amines.
INCOMPATIBILITIES: Strong acids, bases, peroxides, clay-based adsorbent materials
anhydrous metal chlorides, copper and its alloys, brass, bronze and other acetylide
forming metals.
Catalog #20400 3
Propylene Oxide
CONDITIONS TO AVOID: Contact with incompatible chemicals. Prevent exposure to any
and all sources of ignition such as heat, sparks, open flame, etc. Avoid oxidizing
conditions.
_________________________________________________________________
HEALTH HAZARD DATA
_________________________________________________________________
PRIMARY ROUTES OF EXPOSURE: Inhalation, skin or eye contact, skin absorption,
ingestion.
EFFECTS OF ACUTE EXPOSURE TO PRODUCT:
SKIN CONTACT: Propylene oxide in contact with the skin may cause severe skin
irritation and blistering. May cause burns, ulcers and superficial scarring with prolonged
contact.
SKIN ABSORPTION: Propylene oxide in liquid or solution form may be absorbed
through the skin and produce toxic effects. Repeated exposure can result in significant
skin absorption.
EYE CONTACT: Propylene oxide splashed in the eye can cause severe burning,
tearing, redness, swelling and corneal burns. Propylene oxide vapors can also cause
severe eye irritation.
INHALATION: Excessive inhalation of vapors can cause nasal and respiratory
irritation, central nervous system depression, including dizziness, weakness, fatigue,
nausea, headache, possible unconsciousness and even death.
INGESTION: Ingestion of propylene oxide can cause gastrointestinal irritation, nausea,
vomiting and diarrhea. Aspiration of propylene oxide into the lungs can cause
neumonitis which can be fatal.
EFFECTS OF CHRONIC EXPOSURE TO PRODUCT:
SKIN CONTACT: Repeated or prolonged exposure may cause delayed secondary burns.
May cause heritable genetic damage. May cause cancer.
EYE CONTACT: No data on chronic effects is available.
INHALATION: Studies on animals have shown chronic effects such as growth
depression, pulmonary edema, lung and liver injury and death.
INGESTION: Studies on animals have shown chronic effects such as loss of body
weight, gastric irritation and liver injury.
IRRITANCY OF MATERIAL: Severe irritant.
Catalog #20400 4
Propylene Oxide
SENSITIZATION: Yes.
CARCINOGENICITY:
OSHA: Not classified.
ACGIH: Not classified.
NTP: Classified as anticipated human carcinogen.
IARC: Classified as probable human carcinogen.
TETROGENICITY: No tetratogenic effects have been reported.
REPRODUCTIVE TOXICITY: Reproductive effects have been shown in experimental
animals exposed to propylene oxide.
MUTAGENICITY: DNA damage and chromosomal aberrations have been shown
in experimental animals exposed to propylene oxide.
_________________________________________________________________
EMERGENCY & FIRST AID PROCEDURES
_________________________________________________________________
EYE EXPOSURE: Immediately flush eyes with large amounts of water for at least 15-20
minutes, occasionally lifting upper and lower lids. Seek medical attention immediately.
SKIN EXPOSURE: Remove contaminated clothing and shoes. Immediately wash
exposed area with large quantities of mild soap and water. Flush with lukewarm water
for at least 15 minutes. Seek prompt medical attention.
INHALATION: Remove exposed person to fresh air. If breathing has stopped, give
artificial respiration, then oxygen if needed. Contact physician immediately.
INGESTION: Administer one pint of lukewarm water. Do not induce vomiting; risk of
damage to lungs exceeds poisoning risk. Obtain immediate emergency medical
treatment.
________________________________________________________________
SPILL, LEAK AND DISPOSAL PROCEDURES
_________________________________________________________________
SPILLS/LEAK PROCEDURES: Release of propylene oxide may create fire or explosion
hazard. Evacuate all nonessential personnel. Extinguish all ignition sources. Clean up
personnel must be equipped with proper protective equipment. Blanket spill with water
to reduce vapors. For small spills, absorb liquid with vermiculite and place into
containers for later disposal. Do not use clay based absorbents.
DISPOSAL METHODS: Contaminated solids should be landfilled only at properly
permitted disposal sites using registered contractors. Concentrated liquid waste may be
incinerated (if safety precautions are taken because of very low flash point) in
compliance with applicable air pollution control regulations. It is recommended that
Catalog #20400 5
Propylene Oxide
contaminated product, soil or water intended for disposal be handled as hazardous
waste due to potentially low flashpoint. Disposal should be in accordance with
applicable local, State and Federal regulations.
OSHA DESIGNATIONS: Specifically regulated substance - NO 40 CFR 302.4
EPA DESIGNATIONS: RCRA HAZARDOUS WASTE NO: - N/A
CERCLA RQ: - 100 lbs (45.4 Kg)
_________________________________________________________________
SPECIAL PROTECTION INFORMATION
_________________________________________________________________
EYE PROTECTION: Eye protection, including splash proof goggles and face shield,
must always be worn when the possibility exists for eye contact due to splashing or
sprayed liquid. Do not wear contact lenses.
RESPIRATOR: Where the potential exists for exposures over 20ppm, use a MHA/NIOSH
approved, supplied air respirator with full face piece or use a NSHA/NIOSH approved self
containing breathing apparatus (SCBA) operated in positive pressure mode. Air purifying
respirators are ineffective and must not be used.
OTHER: When handling propylene oxide, wear an impervious protective suite, in addition
to gloves, boots and full head and face protection. The equipment must be thoroughly
cleaned after each use.
VENTILATION: Install and operate general and local ventilation systems powerful
enough to maintain airborne levels of propylene oxide below the PEL (20ppm 8 hr TWA).
Ventilation equipment must be explosion proof.
SAFETY STATIONS: Emergency eyewash stations and safety showers should be
available in all areas of use and handling.
_________________________________________________________________
SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS
_________________________________________________________________
STORAGE SEGREGATION: Store propylene oxide in a cool, properly ventilated area away
from incompatible chemicals, heat, sparks, open flame and strong oxidizing agents.
Store only in highly closed containers. Outside or detached storage is preferred.
TRANSPORTATION DATA: 49 CFR 172.101
Catalog #20400 6
Propylene Oxide
DOT SHIPPING NAME: Propylene Oxide
DOT LABEL(s): Flammable Liquid
DOT CLASS: 3
IMO LABEL: Flammable Liquid
IMO CLASS 3
UN REGISTER: UN 1280
PACKING GROUP: I
SPECIAL HANDLING/STORAGE: Preplan handling and emergency response procedures
prior to use. Protect containers from physical damage and regularly inspect them for
cracks, leaks or faulty valves. Use only non sparking tools and equipment when opening
and closing containers. Container and system must be electrically grounded before
unloading. Dry inert gas blanketing should be used to reduce possibility of flammable
vapor mixtures in storage. Store in accordance with 29 CFR 1910.106.
ENGINEERING CONTROLS: All engineering systems should be of appropriate explosion
proof design (e.g. NEC Standards, NFPA, etc). Propylene oxide must be used in closed
engineering systems because of its flammability/ explosibility hazard. This prevents
dispersion of this highly flammable gas into work area.
STATE REGULATORY INFORMATION:
STATE RIGHT TO KNOW:
California: This product contains one or more chemicals known to
the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm.
Catalog #20400 7
Propylene Oxide
|