Substance profile
1,2-Dichloroethane
1,2-Dichloroethane is a heavy liquid with a pleasant, chloroform-like odor.
01 · Identification
What 1,2-Dichloroethane is
1,2-Dichloroethane is a heavy liquid with a pleasant, chloroform-like odor. It boils at 83.4 °C, melts at -35.6 °C.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Danger. It is classed as hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPs).
02 · Identifiers
1,2-Dichloroethane identifiers and molecular data
1,2-Dichloroethane CAS number and EC number
1,2-Dichloroethane molecular formula and molecular weight
Other names for 1,2-Dichloroethane
- ethylene dichloride
03 · GHS classification
1,2-Dichloroethane hazard classification
Harmonised classification under CLP Annex VI. This is the legally binding classification in the EU; other jurisdictions may differ.
1,2-Dichloroethane pictograms and signal word
1,2-Dichloroethane hazard class and category
| Hazard class | Category | From code | Pictogram |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flammable liquids GHS chapter 2.6 | Category 2 | H225 | GHS02 |
| Acute toxicity - oral GHS chapter 3.1 | Category 4 | H302 | GHS07 |
| Skin corrosion/irritation GHS chapter 3.2 | Category 2 | H315 | GHS07 |
| Serious eye damage/eye irritation GHS chapter 3.3 | Category 2A | H319 | GHS07 |
| Carcinogenicity GHS chapter 3.6 | Category 1A or 1B | H350 | GHS08 |
| Specific target organ toxicity - single exposure GHS chapter 3.8 | Category 3 | H335 | GHS07 |
Where two values are shown with “or”, the hazard statement is shared by more than one category or by more than one class, and the code alone does not say which. H272, for example, belongs to oxidising liquids and to oxidising solids — the physical state decides. The binding answer for a specific entry is in the CLP Annex VI table itself.
1,2-Dichloroethane hazard statements (H-codes)
| Code | Hazard statement |
|---|---|
| H225 | Highly flammable liquid and vapour. |
| H350 | May cause cancer <state route of exposure if it is conclusively proven that no other routes of exposure cause the hazard>. |
| H302 | Harmful if swallowed. |
| H335 | May cause respiratory irritation. |
| H315 | Causes skin irritation. |
| H319 | Causes serious eye irritation. |
This page lists only the codes assigned to 1,2-Dichloroethane. The full reference lives on the hazard statements hub, the precautionary statements hub and the GHS pictograms hub.
Safety Data Sheet
Getting an SDS for 1,2-Dichloroethane
A Safety Data Sheet is written for a product, not for a substance: the supplier of the grade you actually buy issues it, so two suppliers of 1,2-Dichloroethane issue two different sheets. That is why there is no single authoritative SDS for a substance to download — what there is, is the job of collecting the sheets for the products you hold and keeping them current as suppliers revise them.
04 · Precautionary statements
1,2-Dichloroethane precautionary statements
CLP Annex VI assigns 20 precautionary statements to 1,2-Dichloroethane. They are grouped the way a label groups them: what to do before handling, what to do when something has already happened, how to store it and how to dispose of it.
Prevention
What to do before and during handling so the hazard never happens.
Response
What to do once exposure, spillage or fire has already happened.
Reading the notation. … is a blank the supplier fills in — not a truncated sentence.· [square brackets] mark a part printed only when it applies.
05 · Names in the regulation
1,2-Dichloroethane name in 23 EU languages
CLP Annex VI Part 3 is published in every language edition of the regulation, and the identification column is written out in each of them. Nothing below is translated by us: each line is the name as that edition prints it. Under Art. 18(2) the substance name from Annex VI is a lawful product identifier, so this is the wording to put on a label going to that market — and where the cell lists several designations, any one of them qualifies.
| Language | Name in CLP Annex VI Part 3 |
|---|---|
| Bulgarian български | 1,2-дихлороетан етилендихлорид |
| Spanish español | 1,2-Dicloroetano dicloruro de etileno |
| Czech čeština | 1,2-dichlorethan ethylendichlorid |
| Danish dansk | 1,2-dichlorethan ethylendichlorid |
| German Deutsch | 1,2-Dichlorethan Ethylendichlorid |
| Estonian eesti | 1,2-dikloroetaan etüleendikloriid |
| Greek ελληνικά | 1,2-διχλωροαιθάνιο αιθυλενοδιχλωρίδιο |
| English English | 1,2-dichloroethane ethylene dichloride |
| French français | 1,2-dichloroéthane dichlorure d'éthylène |
| Croatian hrvatski | 1,2-dikloretan etilen diklorid |
| Italian italiano | 1,2-dicloroetano etilene dicloruro |
| Latvian latviešu | 1,2-dihloretāns etilēndihlorīds |
| Lithuanian lietuvių | 1,2-dichloretanas etileno dichloridas |
| Hungarian magyar | 1,2-diklór-etán etilén-diklorid |
| Maltese Malti | 1,2-dikloroetan diklorur tal-etilen |
| Dutch Nederlands | 1,2-dichloorethaan ethyleendichloride |
| Polish polski | 1,2-dichloroetan dichlorek etylenuchlorek etylenu |
| Portuguese português | 1,2-dicloroetano dicloreto de etileno |
| Romanian română | 1,2-dicloroetan diclorură de etilen |
| Slovak slovenčina | 1,2-dichlóretán etyléndichlorid |
| Slovenian slovenščina | 1,2-dikloroetan etilen diklorid |
| Finnish suomi | etyleenidikloridi 1,2-dikloorietaani |
| Swedish svenska | 1,2-dikloretan etylendiklorid |
All 23 language editions of Annex VI carry this entry. Irish is the twenty-fourth official EU language and has no line here for a different reason: no consolidated CLP text has ever been published in Irish, so there is no Irish edition of Annex VI to quote a name from. Source: consolidated CLP, CELEX 02008R1272, language editions. © European Union, https://eur-lex.europa.eu — only the electronic Official Journal of the European Union is authentic.
06 · Label elements
1,2-Dichloroethane GHS label elements
Everything CLP Annex VI fixes for 1,2-Dichloroethane, laid out the way it appears on a label. The greyed lines are the parts only the supplier can fill in.
Danger
1,2-Dichloroethane
- Highly flammable liquid and vapour.
- May cause cancer <state route of exposure if it is conclusively proven that no other routes of exposure cause the hazard>.
- Harmful if swallowed.
- May cause respiratory irritation.
- Causes skin irritation.
- Causes serious eye irritation.
- Obtain special instructions before use.
- Keep away from heat, hot surfaces, sparks, open flames and other ignition sources. No smoking.
- Keep container tightly closed.
- Use explosion-proof [electrical/ventilating/lighting/…] equipment.
- Use only non-sparking tools.
- Wash … thoroughly after handling.
- Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product.
- Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection/hearing protection/…
- IF SWALLOWED:
- IF ON SKIN:
- IF IN EYES:
- IF exposed or concerned:
- Call a POISON CENTER/doctor/… if you feel unwell.
- Get medical advice/attention.
- Rinse mouth.
- If skin irritation occurs:
- If eye irritation persists:
- Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.
- Wash with plenty of water/…
- Store in a well-ventilated place.
Supplier name, address and telephone number· Product identifier·Nominal quantity
Need this as an actual label? Open 1,2-Dichloroethane in the GHS label constructor →
07 · Health hazards
1,2-Dichloroethane health hazards and exposure limits
1,2-Dichloroethane hazard summary
1,2-Dichloroethane, also called ethylene dichloride, is a manufactured chemical that is not found naturally in the environment. It is a clear liquid and has a pleasant smell and sweet taste. The most common use of 1,2-dichloroethane is in the production of vinyl chloride which is used to make a variety of plastic and vinyl products including polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipes, furniture and automobile upholstery, wall coverings, housewares, and automobile parts. It is also used to as a solvent and is added to leaded gasoline to remove lead.
Source: Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR)
1,2-Dichloroethane carcinogenicity classification
Under the conditions of this study, 1,2-dichloroethane was carcinogenic to Osborne-Mendel rats, causing squamous-cell carcinomas of the forestomach, hemangiosarcomas, and subcutaneous fibromas in male rats and causing mammary adenocarcinomas in female rats. This compound was also found to be carcinogenic to B6C3F1 mice, causing mammary adenocarcinomas and endometrial tumors in female mice, and causing alveolar/bronchiolar adenomas in mice of both sexes.
Source: US National Toxicology Program · TR-055: Bioassay of 1,2-Dichloroethane for Possible Carcinogenicity (CASRN 107-06-2) (1978 )
Evaluation: There is inadequate evidence in humans for the carcinogenicity of 1,2-dichloroethane. There is sufficient evidence in experimental animals for the carcinogenicity of 1,2-dichloroethane. Overall evaluation: 1,2-Dichloroethane is possibly carcinogenic to humans (Group 2B).
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
CLASSIFICATION: B2; probable human carcinogen. BASIS FOR CLASSIFICATION: Based on the induction of several tumor types in rats and mice treated by gavage and lung papillomas in mice after topical application. HUMAN CARCINOGENICITY DATA: None.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
An IARC group and a CLP classification answer different questions. IARC judges whether the evidence for cancer in humans is strong enough; CLP Annex VI is the legally binding EU classification. A substance can carry one and not the other.
1,2-Dichloroethane occupational exposure limits
| Limit | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| PEL | 50.0 [ppm], Ceiling(OSHA) = 100 ppm (200 ppm for 5-min peak in any 3 hrs) | Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases |
| PEL | 50 ppm (200 mg/m³) | Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) |
| PEL | 100 ppm [5 min any 3 hrs]; 200 ppm (Peak) | Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) |
| REL | 1 ppm (4 mg/m³) | Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) |
| REL | 2 ppm (8 mg/m³) | Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) |
| REL | Ca TWA 1 ppm (4 mg/m3) ST 2 ppm (8 mg/m3) See Appendix ASee Appendix C (Chloroethanes) | The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) |
| IDLH | 50 ppm ; A potential occupational carcinogen. (NIOSH, 2024) | CAMEO Chemicals |
| IDLH | 50.0 [ppm] | Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases |
| IDLH | Excerpts from Documentation for IDLHs: The chosen IDLH is based on the maximum timeconcentration in air of 1,000 ppm which was survived by female rats for 1.5 hours. | Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases |
These are United States values. The European Union sets its own indicative and binding limits, and the figure that applies at a given workplace is the one in the local regulation — not the one shown here.
08 · Physical and chemical properties
1,2-Dichloroethane properties
Every value is shown with the conditions it was measured under and the source it came from. Where sources disagree, all values are listed rather than one being picked — the difference is usually a different form of the substance, not an error.
1,2-Dichloroethane boiling point
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boiling point | 83.4 °C (182.1 °F) | HSDB | |
| 83.33 °C (182 °F) | NIOSH | ||
| 83.5 °C (182.3 °F) | at 760 mmHg | CAMEO |
1,2-Dichloroethane melting point
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Melting point | -35.6 °C (-32.1 °F) | HSDB | |
| -35.56 °C (-32 °F) | NIOSH | ||
| -35.28 °C (-31.5 °F) | CAMEO |
1,2-Dichloroethane density
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Density | 1.24 g/cm³ | NIOSH | |
| 1.253 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | CAMEO | |
| 1.2454 g/cm³ | at 25 °C | HSDB |
1,2-Dichloroethane solubility
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solubility | Solubility in water at 20 °C: 0.86% wt | at 20 °C | HSDB |
| 0.869 g/100 mL water at 20 °C | at 20 °C | HSDB | |
| In water, 8,600 mg/L at 25 °C | at 25 °C | HSDB |
1,2-Dichloroethane vapor pressure
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vapor pressure | 64 mmHg | NIOSH | |
| 60 mmHg | at 20 °C | CAMEO | |
| 78.9 mmHg | at 25 °C | HSDB |
1,2-Dichloroethane flash point
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flash point | 13 °C (55.4 °F) | HSDB | |
| 13.33 °C (56 °F) | HSDB | ||
| 18.33 °C (65 °F) | HSDB |
1,2-Dichloroethane autoignition temperature
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Autoignition temperature | 412.78 °C (775 °F) | HSDB | |
| 440 °C (824 °F) | ICSC |
1,2-Dichloroethane lower explosive limit (LEL)
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lower explosive limit (LEL) | 6.2 % by volume | HSDB |
1,2-Dichloroethane upper explosive limit (UEL)
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upper explosive limit (UEL) | 16 % by volume | HSDB | |
| 15.9 % by volume | CAMEO |
1,2-Dichloroethane vapor density
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vapor density | 3.4 (air = 1) | CAMEO | |
| 3.42 (air = 1) | ICSC |
1,2-Dichloroethane odor threshold
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Odor threshold | Detection in air= 2.5x10-2 mg/L (gas), chemically pure | HSDB |
1,2-Dichloroethane critical temperature and pressure
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Critical temperature and pressure | 289.85 °C (553.7 °F) | HSDB |
1,2-Dichloroethane corrosivity
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corrosivity | Corrodes iron and other metals at elevated temperatures when in contact with water. | HSDB | |
| Will not corrode metals | HSDB |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
09 · Fire and explosion
1,2-Dichloroethane fire and explosion behaviour
These are descriptions rather than measured values, so they are kept out of the table above and quoted here with the source that reported them.
1,2-Dichloroethane fire potential
Flammable liquid. A dangerous fire hazard if exposed to heat, flame, or oxidizers.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Corrosivity
Iron and zinc do not corrode when dry 1,2-dichloroethane is used, whereas aluminum shows strong dissolution. Increased water content leads to increased corrosion of iron and zinc; aluminum, however, corrodes less.
Source: HSDB
Odor
Of 20 subjects, 13 could detect ethylene dichloride at 6 ppm (23.2-24.9 mg/cu m), 6 persons could detect it at 4.5 ppm (17.5 mg/cu m), and 1 person at 3 ppm (12.2 mg/cu m).
Source: HSDB
Odor is not a dependable guide for avoiding dangerous chronic exposures to EDC. The odor may be considered pleasant until well above 180 ppm, and may be missed below 100 ppm.
Source: HSDB
10 · Handling and storage
1,2-Dichloroethane storage and handling
1,2-Dichloroethane safe storage
Fireproof. Separated from food and feedstuffs and incompatible materials. See Chemical Dangers. Cool. Dry. Well closed. Store in an area without drain or sewer access.
Source: ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
1,2-Dichloroethane storage conditions
Fireproof. Separated from food and feedstuffs and incompatible materials. See Chemical Dangers. Cool. Dry. Well closed. Store in an area without drain or sewer access.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
1,2-Dichloroethane incompatible materials
Incompatible materials: Strong oxidizing agents.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
1,2-Dichloroethane reactivity
Liquid ammonia and ETHYLENE DICHLORIDE can cause an explosion when mixed, NFPA 491M, 1991. A tank of dimethyl amino propyl amine exploded violently when it reacted with wet ethylene dichloride which had been the tank's previous contents [Doyle 1973]. Halogenated aliphatic compounds, such as ethylene dichloride, are moderately or very reactive. Halogenated organics generally become less reactive as more of their hydrogen atoms are replaced with halogen atoms. Materials in this group are incompatible with strong oxidizing and reducing agents. Also, they are incompatible with many amines, nitrides, azo/diazo compounds, alkali metals, epoxides, aluminum
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check 1,2-Dichloroethane in the storage compatibility matrix →
11 · Transport
1,2-Dichloroethane UN number and transport classification
Transport classification is a separate system from the GHS classification above. It decides how a package is marked and how a load may be carried; it does not follow from the workplace label, and the workplace label does not follow from it. The entries below are linked by CAS number, never by name.
1,2-Dichloroethane under UN 1184 — shipping name, class and packing group
Europe · ADR 2025, Table A
| Proper shipping name (3.1.2) | Class | Classification code | PG | Labels (column 5) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ETHYLENE DICHLORIDE | 3 | FT1 | II | |
Source: ADR 2025, Table A of Chapter 3.2 · ECE/TRANS/352 Vol. I (UNECE). Class 3 is “Flammable liquids” (ADR 2.1.1.1).
United States · 49 CFR 172.101 Hazardous Materials Table
| Proper shipping name (column 2) | Class or division | PG | Labels (column 6) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ethylene dichloride | 3 | II | |
Source: 49 CFR 172.101 Hazardous Materials Table · eCFR, revision 2026-08-03. Class 3 is “Flammable and combustible liquid” (49 CFR 173.2).
12 · Questions
1,2-Dichloroethane — frequently asked questions
What is the CAS number of 1,2-Dichloroethane?
The CAS number of 1,2-Dichloroethane is 107-06-2. Its EC number is 203-458-1.
What does a 1,2-Dichloroethane label have to show?
Under CLP Annex VI the label for 1,2-Dichloroethane carries the pictograms Flame, Health hazard and Exclamation mark and the signal word is Danger.
Is 1,2-Dichloroethane flammable?
Yes. CLP Annex VI assigns 1,2-Dichloroethane H225 — highly flammable liquid and vapour. The flash point reported for it is 13 °C (55.4 °F) (HSDB).
Is 1,2-Dichloroethane a carcinogen?
Yes. CLP Annex VI classifies 1,2-Dichloroethane as a category 1A or 1B carcinogen and assigns it H350: may cause cancer. IARC places it in Group 2B: possibly carcinogenic to humans.
What is the exposure limit for 1,2-Dichloroethane?
The US occupational exposure limit reported for 1,2-Dichloroethane is 50.0 [ppm], Ceiling(OSHA) = 100 ppm (200 ppm for 5-min peak in any 3 hrs) (Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases). Limits differ by country: the EU sets its own indicative and binding values, and the figure that applies at a given workplace is the one in the local regulation.
What is the boiling point of 1,2-Dichloroethane?
The boiling point reported for 1,2-Dichloroethane is 83.4 °C (182.1 °F) (HSDB).
What is the melting point of 1,2-Dichloroethane?
The melting point reported for 1,2-Dichloroethane is -35.6 °C (-32.1 °F) (HSDB).
How should 1,2-Dichloroethane be stored?
CLP Annex VI assigns 1,2-Dichloroethane the storage statement P403. Fireproof. Separated from food and feedstuffs and incompatible materials. See Chemical Dangers. Cool. Dry. Well closed. Store in an area without drain or sewer access. (Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB))
Nearby
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