Substance profile
2-Chloroethanol
2-Chloroethanol is a colorless glycerine-like liq with a faint ethereal odor.
01 · Identification
What 2-Chloroethanol is
2-Chloroethanol is a colorless glycerine-like liq with a faint ethereal odor. Its molecular formula is C2H5ClO and its molecular weight is 80.51 g/mol. It boils at 128 °C, melts at -67.5 °C.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Danger. It is classed as flammable agents - 2nd degree.
02 · Identifiers
2-Chloroethanol identifiers and molecular data
2-Chloroethanol CAS number and EC number
2-Chloroethanol molecular formula and molecular weight
Other names for 2-Chloroethanol
- ethylene chlorohydrin
03 · GHS classification
2-Chloroethanol hazard classification
Harmonised classification under CLP Annex VI. This is the legally binding classification in the EU; other jurisdictions may differ.
2-Chloroethanol pictograms and signal word
2-Chloroethanol hazard class and category
| Hazard class | Category | From code | Pictogram |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acute toxicity - oral GHS chapter 3.1 | Category 1 or 2 | H300 | GHS06 |
| Acute toxicity - dermal GHS chapter 3.1 | Category 1 or 2 | H310 | GHS06 |
| Acute toxicity - inhalation GHS chapter 3.1 | Category 1 or 2 | H330 | GHS06 |
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.
2-Chloroethanol hazard statements (H-codes)
| Code | Hazard statement |
|---|---|
| H310 | Fatal in contact with skin. |
| H330 | Fatal if inhaled. |
| H300 | Fatal if swallowed. |
This page lists only the codes assigned to 2-Chloroethanol. 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 2-Chloroethanol
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 2-Chloroethanol 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
2-Chloroethanol precautionary statements
CLP Annex VI assigns 10 precautionary statements to 2-Chloroethanol. 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
2-Chloroethanol 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 | 2-хлороетанол етиленхлорохидрин |
| Spanish español | 2-Cloroetanol clorhidrina de etileno |
| Czech čeština | 2-chlorethan-1-ol ethylenchlorhydrin |
| Danish dansk | 2-chlorethanol ethylenchlorhydrin |
| German Deutsch | 2-Chlorethanol Ethylenchlorhydrin |
| Estonian eesti | 2-kloroetanool etüleenklorohüdriin |
| Greek ελληνικά | 2-χλωροαιθανόλη αιθυλενοχλωρυδρίνη |
| English English | 2-chloroethanol ethylene chlorohydrin |
| French français | 2-chloroéthanol éthylène chlorohydrine |
| Croatian hrvatski | 2-kloretanol etilen-klorhidrin |
| Italian italiano | 2-cloroetanolo cloridrina etilenica |
| Latvian latviešu | 2-hloretanols etilēnhlorhidrīns |
| Lithuanian lietuvių | 2-chloretanolis etileno chlorhidrinas |
| Hungarian magyar | 2-klóretanol etilén-klórhidrin |
| Maltese Malti | 2-kloroetanol kloroidrina tal-etilen |
| Dutch Nederlands | 2-chloorethanol ethyleenchloorhydrine |
| Polish polski | 2-chloroetanol chlorohydryna etylenuetylenochlorohydrynaalkohol 2-chloroetylowy |
| Portuguese português | 2-cloroetanol etilenocloridrina |
| Romanian română | 2-cloroetanol etilenclorhidrină |
| Slovak slovenčina | 2-chlóretanol etylén-chlórhydrín |
| Slovenian slovenščina | 2-kloroetanol etilen klorohidrin |
| Finnish suomi | etyleenikloorihydriini 2-kloorietanoli |
| Swedish svenska | 2-kloretanol etylenklorhydrin |
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
2-Chloroethanol GHS label elements
Everything CLP Annex VI fixes for 2-Chloroethanol, laid out the way it appears on a label. The greyed lines are the parts only the supplier can fill in.
Danger
2-Chloroethanol
- Fatal in contact with skin.
- Fatal if inhaled.
- Fatal if swallowed.
- Do not breathe dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray.
- Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product.
- Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.
- Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection/hearing protection/…
- IF SWALLOWED:
- IF ON SKIN:
- IF INHALED:
- Immediately call a POISON CENTER/doctor/…
- Rinse mouth.
- Wash with plenty of water/…
Supplier name, address and telephone number· Product identifier·Nominal quantity
Need this as an actual label? Open 2-Chloroethanol in the GHS label constructor →
07 · Health hazards
2-Chloroethanol health hazards and exposure limits
2-Chloroethanol hazard summary
In acute animal experiments, ethylene chlorohydrin is a potent central nervous system depressant. Autopsy of a worker who died from ethylene chlorohydrin poisoning showed severe damage to the brain, liver, and other organs. [ACGIH] Absorbed through the skin and severely irritating to the eyes and respiratory tract; Causes heart, liver, and kidney damage and respiratory failure; [ICSC] Ethylene chlorohydrin is more toxic to the kidneys than other halogenated hydrocarbons. It readily penetrates through rubber gloves and the skin. [LaDou, p. 417]
Source: Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
2-Chloroethanol carcinogenicity classification
Under the conditions of these 2-year dermal studies, there was no evidence of carcinogenicity of 2-chloroethanol for male and female F344/N rats given 50 or 100 mg/kg per day or for male and female Swiss CD-1 mice given 7.5 or 15 mg per animal per day.
Source: US National Toxicology Program · TR-275: Toxicology and Carcinogenesis Studies of 2-Chloroethanol (Ethylene Chlorohydrin) (CASRN 107-07-3) in F344/N Rats and Swiss CD-1 Mice (Dermal Studies) (1985 )
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.
2-Chloroethanol occupational exposure limits
| Limit | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| PEL | 5.0 [ppm] | Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases |
| PEL | 5 ppm (16 mg/m³) | Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) |
| PEL | TWA 5 ppm (16 mg/m3) [skin] See Appendix G | The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) |
| REL | 1 ppm (3 mg/m³) | Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) |
| REL | C 1 ppm (3 mg/m3) [skin] | The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) |
| IDLH | 7 ppm (NIOSH, 2024) | CAMEO Chemicals |
| IDLH | 7.0 [ppm] | Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases |
| IDLH | 7 ppm | Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB) |
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
2-Chloroethanol 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.
2-Chloroethanol boiling point
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boiling point | 127.78 °C (262 °F) | NIOSH | |
| 127.78 °C (262 °F) | at 760 mmHg | CAMEO |
2-Chloroethanol melting point
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Melting point | -67.5 °C (-89.5 °F) | HSDB | |
| -67.78 °C (-90 °F) | NIOSH |
2-Chloroethanol density
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Density | 1.2 g/cm³ | NIOSH | |
| 1.197 g/cm³ | CAMEO | ||
| 1.197 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | HSDB |
2-Chloroethanol solubility
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solubility | SOL IN ALL PROPORTIONS IN WATER, ALC, ORG SOLVENTS; SLIGHTLY SOL IN ETHER | HSDB | |
| SOL IN VARIOUS RESINS | HSDB | ||
| Infinitely soluble in aqueous solution (1X10+6 mg/l @ 25 °C) | at 25 °C | HSDB |
2-Chloroethanol vapor pressure
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vapor pressure | 5 mmHg | NIOSH | |
| 4.9 mmHg | at 20 °C | HSDB | |
| 7.18 mmHg | at 25 °C | HSDB |
2-Chloroethanol flash point
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flash point | 40.56 °C (105 °F) | HSDB | |
| 60 °C (140 °F) | NIOSH |
2-Chloroethanol autoignition temperature
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Autoignition temperature | 425 °C (797 °F) | HSDB |
2-Chloroethanol lower explosive limit (LEL)
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lower explosive limit (LEL) | 4.9 % by volume | HSDB |
2-Chloroethanol upper explosive limit (UEL)
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upper explosive limit (UEL) | 15.9 % by volume | HSDB |
2-Chloroethanol vapor density
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vapor density | 2.78 (air = 1) | HSDB |
2-Chloroethanol odor threshold
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Odor threshold | Odor Threshold Low: 0.4 [ppm] | Haz-Map | |
| Odor threshold from CHEMINFO | Haz-Map |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
09 · Fire and explosion
2-Chloroethanol 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.
2-Chloroethanol fire potential
MODERATE, WHEN EXPOSED TO HEAT, FLAME OR OXIDIZERS.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
10 · Handling and storage
2-Chloroethanol storage and handling
2-Chloroethanol safe storage
Fireproof. Separated from strong bases, oxidants and food and feedstuffs. Dry. Well closed.
Source: ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
2-Chloroethanol incompatible materials
... WILL REACT WITH WATER OR STEAM TO PRODUCE TOXIC & CORROSIVE FUMES ... .
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
2-Chloroethanol reactivity
Mixing ethylene chlorohydrin in equal molar portions with any of the following substances in a closed container caused the temperature and pressure to increase: chlorosulfonic acid, ethylene diamine, and sodium hydroxide, [NFPA 1991]. Ethylenediamine reacts violently with ethylene chlorohydrin. (Lewis, R.J., Sr. 1992. Sax's Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials, 8th Edition. New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold. pp. 1554.).
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check 2-Chloroethanol in the storage compatibility matrix →
11 · Transport
2-Chloroethanol 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.
2-Chloroethanol under UN 1135 — 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 CHLOROHYDRIN | 6.1 | TF1 | I | |
Source: ADR 2025, Table A of Chapter 3.2 · ECE/TRANS/352 Vol. I (UNECE). Class 6.1 is “Toxic substances” (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 chlorohydrin | 6.1 | I | |
Source: 49 CFR 172.101 Hazardous Materials Table · eCFR, revision 2026-08-03. Class 6.1 is “Poisonous materials” (49 CFR 173.2).
12 · Questions
2-Chloroethanol — frequently asked questions
What is the CAS number of 2-Chloroethanol?
The CAS number of 2-Chloroethanol is 107-07-3. Its EC number is 203-459-7.
What is the chemical formula of 2-Chloroethanol?
The molecular formula of 2-Chloroethanol is C2H5ClO and its molecular weight is 80.51 g/mol.
What does a 2-Chloroethanol label have to show?
Under CLP Annex VI the label for 2-Chloroethanol carries the pictogram Skull and crossbones and the signal word is Danger.
Is 2-Chloroethanol flammable?
CLP Annex VI assigns 2-Chloroethanol no flammability hazard class. That is not a statement that it cannot burn: the harmonised list only records the hazards that were assessed for it. The flash point reported for it is 40.56 °C (105 °F) (HSDB).
Is 2-Chloroethanol a carcinogen?
CLP Annex VI records no harmonised carcinogenicity classification for 2-Chloroethanol. Annex VI is a list of agreed classifications, not a list of substances found safe, so this is an absence of a classification rather than a clean bill of health.
What is the exposure limit for 2-Chloroethanol?
The US occupational exposure limit reported for 2-Chloroethanol is 5.0 [ppm] (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 2-Chloroethanol?
The boiling point reported for 2-Chloroethanol is 127.78 °C (262 °F) (NIOSH).
What is the melting point of 2-Chloroethanol?
The melting point reported for 2-Chloroethanol is -67.5 °C (-89.5 °F) (HSDB).
Nearby
Substances next to 2-Chloroethanol
Keep going: substances starting with 0–9, or search the whole database by name, CAS number, pictogram or signal word.