Substance profile
2-Methoxyethanol
2-Methoxyethanol is a colorless liquid with a mild agreeable odor.
01 · Identification
What 2-Methoxyethanol is
2-Methoxyethanol is a colorless liquid with a mild agreeable odor. Its molecular formula is C3H8O2 and its molecular weight is 76.09 g/mol. It boils at 124 °C, melts at -85.1 °C, is miscible with water.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Danger. It is classed as teratogens.
02 · Identifiers
2-Methoxyethanol identifiers and molecular data
2-Methoxyethanol CAS number and EC number
2-Methoxyethanol molecular formula and molecular weight
Other names for 2-Methoxyethanol
- ethylene glycol monomethyl ether
03 · GHS classification
2-Methoxyethanol hazard classification
Harmonised classification under CLP Annex VI. This is the legally binding classification in the EU; other jurisdictions may differ.
2-Methoxyethanol pictograms and signal word
2-Methoxyethanol hazard class and category
| Hazard class | Category | From code | Pictogram |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flammable liquids GHS chapter 2.6 | Category 3 | H226 | GHS02 |
| Acute toxicity - oral GHS chapter 3.1 | Category 4 | H302 | GHS07 |
| Acute toxicity - dermal GHS chapter 3.1 | Category 4 | H312 | GHS07 |
| Acute toxicity - inhalation GHS chapter 3.1 | Category 4 | H332 | GHS07 |
2-Methoxyethanol hazard statements (H-codes)
| Code | Hazard statement |
|---|---|
| H226 | Flammable liquid and vapour. |
| H360FD | May damage fertility. May damage the unborn child. |
| H332 | Harmful if inhaled. |
| H312 | Harmful in contact with skin. |
| H302 | Harmful if swallowed. |
This page lists only the codes assigned to 2-Methoxyethanol. 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-Methoxyethanol
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-Methoxyethanol 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-Methoxyethanol precautionary statements
CLP Annex VI assigns 15 precautionary statements to 2-Methoxyethanol. 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-Methoxyethanol 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-метоксиетанол монометилов етер на етиленгликола |
| Spanish español | 2-Metoxietanol éter monometílico de etilenglicol |
| Czech čeština | 2-methoxyethan-1-ol methylglykol |
| Danish dansk | 2-methoxyethanol methylglycol |
| German Deutsch | 2-Methoxyethanol MethylglycolEthylenglykol-monomethylether |
| Estonian eesti | 2-metoksüetanool etüleenglükooli monometüüleeter |
| Greek ελληνικά | 2-μεθοξυαιθανόλη μονομεθυλαιθέρας της αιθυλενογλυκόλης |
| English English | 2-methoxyethanol ethylene glycol monomethyl ether |
| French français | 2-méthoxyéthanol éther monométhylique d'éthylène glycol |
| Croatian hrvatski | 2-metoksietanol etilen-glikol-monometil-eter |
| Italian italiano | 2 2-metossietanolo etilenglicol-monometiletere metilglicol |
| Latvian latviešu | 2-metoksietanols etiletilēnglikola monometilēteris |
| Lithuanian lietuvių | 2-metoksietanolis etilenglikolio monometileteris |
| Hungarian magyar | 2-metoxietanol etilén-glikol-monometil-éter |
| Maltese Malti | 2-metossietanol eter tal-monometil tal-glikol tal-etilen |
| Dutch Nederlands | 2-methoxyethanol ethyleenglycolmonomethylether |
| Polish polski | 2-metoksyetanol eter monometylowy glikolu etylenowegocellosolw metylowy |
| Portuguese português | 2-metoxietanol éter monometílico de etilenoglicol |
| Romanian română | 2-metoxietanol eter monometilic al etilenglicolului |
| Slovak slovenčina | 2-metoxyetanol etylénglykol-monometyléter |
| Slovenian slovenščina | 2-metoksietanol etilen glikol monometil eter |
| Finnish suomi | 2-metoksietanoli etyleeniglykolimonometyylieetterimetyyliglykoli |
| Swedish svenska | 2-metoxietanol etylenglykolmonometyleter |
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-Methoxyethanol GHS label elements
Everything CLP Annex VI fixes for 2-Methoxyethanol, laid out the way it appears on a label. The greyed lines are the parts only the supplier can fill in.
Danger
2-Methoxyethanol
- Flammable liquid and vapour.
- May damage fertility. May damage the unborn child.
- Harmful if inhaled.
- Harmful in contact with skin.
- Harmful if swallowed.
- 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.
- 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:
- Call a POISON CENTER/doctor/… if you feel unwell.
- Rinse mouth.
- 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 2-Methoxyethanol in the GHS label constructor →
07 · Health hazards
2-Methoxyethanol health hazards and exposure limits
2-Methoxyethanol hazard summary
EGME is toxic to the bone marrow and testicles. Workers exposed to high levels are at risk for granulocytopenia, macrocytic anemia, oligospermia, and azoospermia. A study of shipyard painters with evidence of testicular toxicity showed EGME TWA concentrations of up to 5.7 ppm (mean = 0.83 ppm) along with 2-ethoxyethanol TWA exposures at up to 22 ppm. Because EGME is readily absorbed through the skin, air levels are an inadequate assessment of exposure. In lethal concentration studies in rats, death is due to lung and kidney damage. Liver injury is observed in animals after subchronic inhalation studies. [ACGIH] CNS depression has not been seen after acute occupational exposure, but there have been reports of encephalopathy in workers exposed to 2-methoxyethanol over a period of weeks to months. [LaDou, p. 549] For ethylene glycol ethers, there is limited positive evidence of spontaneous abortions and decreased sperm counts in humans and strong positive evidence of birth defects and testicular damage in animals. [ATSDR Case Studies # 29] 53 workers exposed to EGME manufacturing copper-laminate circuit boards in Taiwan did not have evidence of liver toxicity compared to the control group. [Loh CH, et al. Hepatic Effects in Workers Exposed to 2-Methoxy Ethanol. J Occup Environ Med 2004;46:707-713] Potential adverse effects include injury to the bone marrow, liver, kidneys, and CNS (unconsciousness). May be a reproductive toxin, cause anemia, and defat the skin; [ICSC] In animal experiments, causes congenital malformations and injury to the testes; Evidence of reproductive effects in humans has not been convincing; [REPROTOX] Labeled as May impair fertility and May cause harm to the unborn child by EU regulations; [Glycol Ethers Online]
Source: Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
2-Methoxyethanol occupational exposure limits
| Limit | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| PEL | 25.0 [ppm] | Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases |
| PEL | 25 ppm (80 mg/m³) | Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) |
| PEL | TWA 25 ppm (80 mg/m3) [skin] | The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) |
| REL | 0.1 ppm (0.3 mg/m³) | Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) |
| REL | TWA 0.1 ppm (0.3 mg/m3) [skin] | The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) |
| IDLH | 200 ppm (NIOSH, 2024) | CAMEO Chemicals |
| IDLH | 200.0 [ppm] | Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases |
| IDLH | 200 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-Methoxyethanol 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-Methoxyethanol boiling point
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boiling point | 124.1 °C (255.4 °F) | HSDB | |
| 124.44 °C (256 °F) | NIOSH | ||
| 125 °C (257 °F) | at 768 mmHg | CAMEO |
2-Methoxyethanol melting point
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Melting point | -85.1 °C (-121.2 °F) | HSDB | |
| -85 °C (-121 °F) | NIOSH | ||
| -85.11 °C (-121.2 °F) | CAMEO |
2-Methoxyethanol density
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Density | 0.9586 g/cm³ | HSDB | |
| 0.96 g/cm³ | NIOSH | ||
| 0.9647 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | HSDB |
2-Methoxyethanol solubility
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solubility | Miscible with water | HSDB | |
| Miscible with alcohol, ether, acetone, dimethylformamide | HSDB | ||
| Miscible with hydrocarbons, alcohols, ketones, glycols | HSDB |
2-Methoxyethanol vapor pressure
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vapor pressure | 6 mmHg | NIOSH | |
| 6.2 mmHg | at 20 °C | CAMEO | |
| 9.5 mmHg | at 25 °C | HSDB |
2-Methoxyethanol flash point
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flash point | 42 °C (107.6 °F) | HSDB | |
| 120 °C (248 °F) | HSDB | ||
| 40 °C (104 °F) | HSDB |
2-Methoxyethanol autoignition temperature
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Autoignition temperature | 285 °C (545 °F) | HSDB | |
| 288.33 °C (551 °F) | CAMEO |
2-Methoxyethanol lower explosive limit (LEL)
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lower explosive limit (LEL) | 1.8 % by volume | HSDB | |
| 2.5 % by volume | HSDB |
2-Methoxyethanol upper explosive limit (UEL)
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upper explosive limit (UEL) | 24.5 % by volume | HSDB | |
| 19.8 % by volume | HSDB | ||
| 14 % by volume | NIOSH |
2-Methoxyethanol vapor density
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vapor density | 2.62 (air = 1) | HSDB | |
| 2.6 (air = 1) | ICSC |
2-Methoxyethanol odor threshold
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Odor threshold | Detection: 9X10-2 ppm (air); Recognition: 2.2X10-1 ppm (air) | HSDB | |
| Odor Threshold Low: 0.09 [ppm] | Haz-Map |
2-Methoxyethanol critical temperature and pressure
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Critical temperature and pressure | 324.45 °C (616 °F) | HSDB |
2-Methoxyethanol corrosivity
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corrosivity | Methyl cellosolve will attack some forms of plastics, rubber, and coatings. | HSDB |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
09 · Fire and explosion
2-Methoxyethanol 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-Methoxyethanol fire potential
Flammable
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Odor
Under controlled conditions and using human volunteers ...the odor threshold for ethylene glycol monomethyl ether was approx 60 ppm and the level of strong odor 90 ppm. In another study, human volunteers were exposed to levels of 25 and 115 ppm for a full working day. The 25-ppm level was considered to be the max tolerated odor level by three of five people, whereas the intolerable level appeared to be more than 115 ppm.
Source: HSDB
10 · Handling and storage
2-Methoxyethanol storage and handling
2-Methoxyethanol peroxide formation
D: Other compounds that may form peroxides
Source: Lab and Research Safety, University of Minnesota
2-Methoxyethanol safe storage
Fireproof. Separated from strong oxidants and food and feedstuffs. Keep in the dark. Cool.
Source: ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
2-Methoxyethanol storage conditions
Fireproof. Separated from strong oxidants and food and feedstuffs. Keep in the dark. Cool.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
2-Methoxyethanol incompatible materials
Ethylene glycol monomethyl ether /in air/ forms peroxides that are highly explosive.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
2-Methoxyethanol reactivity
ETHYLENE GLYCOL MONOMETHYL ETHER is incompatible with oxygen and strong oxidizing agents. Contact with bases may result in decomposition. Incompatible with acid chlorides and acid anhydrides. (NTP, 1992). It forms explosive peroxides.
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check 2-Methoxyethanol in the storage compatibility matrix →
11 · Transport
2-Methoxyethanol 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-Methoxyethanol under UN 1188 — 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 GLYCOL MONOMETHYL ETHER | 3 | F1 | III | |
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 glycol monomethyl ether | 3 | III | |
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
2-Methoxyethanol — frequently asked questions
What is the CAS number of 2-Methoxyethanol?
The CAS number of 2-Methoxyethanol is 109-86-4. Its EC number is 203-713-7.
What is the chemical formula of 2-Methoxyethanol?
The molecular formula of 2-Methoxyethanol is C3H8O2 and its molecular weight is 76.09 g/mol.
What does a 2-Methoxyethanol label have to show?
Under CLP Annex VI the label for 2-Methoxyethanol carries the pictograms Flame, Health hazard and Exclamation mark and the signal word is Danger.
Is 2-Methoxyethanol flammable?
Yes. CLP Annex VI assigns 2-Methoxyethanol H226 — flammable liquid and vapour. The flash point reported for it is 42 °C (107.6 °F) (HSDB).
Is 2-Methoxyethanol a carcinogen?
CLP Annex VI records no harmonised carcinogenicity classification for 2-Methoxyethanol. 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-Methoxyethanol?
The US occupational exposure limit reported for 2-Methoxyethanol is 25.0 [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-Methoxyethanol?
The boiling point reported for 2-Methoxyethanol is 124.1 °C (255.4 °F) (HSDB).
What is the melting point of 2-Methoxyethanol?
The melting point reported for 2-Methoxyethanol is -85.1 °C (-121.2 °F) (HSDB).
How should 2-Methoxyethanol be stored?
CLP Annex VI assigns 2-Methoxyethanol the storage statement P403. Fireproof. Separated from strong oxidants and food and feedstuffs. Keep in the dark. Cool. (Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB))
Nearby
Substances next to 2-Methoxyethanol
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