Substance profile
Bis(2-chloroethyl) ether
Bis(2-chloroethyl) ether is colorless, clear liq with a PUNGENT odor.
01 · Identification
What Bis(2-chloroethyl) ether is
Bis(2-chloroethyl) ether is colorless, clear liq with a PUNGENT odor. It boils at 179 °C, melts at -51.9 °C, is miscible with water.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Danger. It is classed as hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPs).
02 · Identifiers
Bis(2-chloroethyl) ether identifiers and molecular data
Bis(2-chloroethyl) ether CAS number and EC number
Bis(2-chloroethyl) ether molecular formula and molecular weight
03 · GHS classification
Bis(2-chloroethyl) ether hazard classification
Harmonised classification under CLP Annex VI. This is the legally binding classification in the EU; other jurisdictions may differ.
Bis(2-chloroethyl) ether pictograms and signal word
Bis(2-chloroethyl) ether 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 |
| Carcinogenicity GHS chapter 3.6 | Category 2 | H351 | GHS08 |
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.
Bis(2-chloroethyl) ether hazard statements (H-codes)
| Code | Hazard statement |
|---|---|
| H351 | Suspected of causing cancer <state route of exposure if it is conclusively proven that no other routes of exposure cause the hazard>. |
| H310 | Fatal in contact with skin. |
| H330 | Fatal if inhaled. |
| H300 | Fatal if swallowed. |
This page lists only the codes assigned to Bis(2-chloroethyl) ether. 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 Bis(2-chloroethyl) ether
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 Bis(2-chloroethyl)… 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
Bis(2-chloroethyl) ether precautionary statements
CLP Annex VI assigns 13 precautionary statements to Bis(2-chloroethyl) ether. 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
Bis(2-chloroethyl) ether 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 | бис(2-хлороетилов) етер |
| Spanish español | Éter bis(2-cloroetílico) |
| Czech čeština | bis (2-chlorethyl)ether |
| Danish dansk | bis(2-chlorethyl)ether |
| German Deutsch | Bis(2-chlorethyl)ether 2,2'-Dichlor-diethylether |
| Estonian eesti | bis(2-kloroetüül)eeter |
| Greek ελληνικά | δις(2-χλωροαιθυλ)αιθέρας |
| English English | bis(2-chloroethyl) ether |
| French français | bis(2-chloroéthyl)éther |
| Croatian hrvatski | bis(2-kloretil)-eter |
| Italian italiano | bis(2-cloroetile) etere |
| Latvian latviešu | bis(2-hloretil)ēteris |
| Lithuanian lietuvių | bis(2-chloretil)eteris |
| Hungarian magyar | bisz(2-klóretil)-éter |
| Maltese Malti | eter tal-bis(2-kloroetil) |
| Dutch Nederlands | bis(2-chloorethyl)ether |
| Polish polski | eter bis(2-chloroetylowy) eter 2,2'-dichlorodietylowy |
| Portuguese português | éter bis(2-cloroetílico) |
| Romanian română | bis(2-cloroetil)-eter |
| Slovak slovenčina | bis(2-chlóretyl)éter |
| Slovenian slovenščina | bis(2-kloroetil) eter |
| Finnish suomi | bis(2-kloorietyyli)eetteri |
| Swedish svenska | bis(2-kloretyl)eter |
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
Bis(2-chloroethyl) ether GHS label elements
Everything CLP Annex VI fixes for Bis(2-chloroethyl) ether, laid out the way it appears on a label. The greyed lines are the parts only the supplier can fill in.
Danger
Bis(2-chloroethyl) ether
- Suspected of causing cancer <state route of exposure if it is conclusively proven that no other routes of exposure cause the hazard>.
- Fatal in contact with skin.
- Fatal if inhaled.
- Fatal if swallowed.
- Obtain special instructions before use.
- 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:
- IF exposed or concerned:
- Immediately call a POISON CENTER/doctor/…
- Get medical advice/attention.
- Rinse mouth.
- Wash with plenty of water/…
Supplier name, address and telephone number· Product identifier·Nominal quantity
Need this as an actual label? Open Bis(2-chloroethyl) ether in the GHS label constructor →
07 · Health hazards
Bis(2-chloroethyl) ether health hazards and exposure limits
Bis(2-chloroethyl) ether hazard summary
Bis(2-chloroethyl) ether is a colorless, nonflammable liquid with a strong unpleasant odor. It dissolves easily in water, and some of it will slowly evaporate to the air. It does not occur naturally. Bis(2-chloroethyl) ether is made in factories, and most of it is used to make pesticides. Some of it is used as a solvent, cleaner, component of paint and varnish, rust inhibitor, or as a chemical intermediate to make other chemicals.
Source: Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR)
Bis(2-chloroethyl) ether carcinogenicity classification
Cancer Classification: Group B2 Probable Human Carcinogen
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
CLASSIFICATION: B2; probable human carcinogen. BASIS FOR CLASSIFICATION: Positive carcinogenicity results in two strains of mice and evidence of mutagenicity. 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.
Bis(2-chloroethyl) ether occupational exposure limits
| Limit | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| PEL | 15 ppm (90 mg/m³) | Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) |
| PEL | TWA 15 ppm (90 mg/m3) [skin] See Appendix G | The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) |
| REL | 5 ppm (30 mg/m³) | Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) |
| REL | 10 ppm (60 mg/m³) | Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) |
| REL | Ca TWA 5 ppm (30 mg/m3) ST 10 ppm (60 mg/m3) [skin] See Appendix A | The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) |
| IDLH | 100 ppm ; A potential occupational carcinogen. (NIOSH, 2024) | CAMEO Chemicals |
| IDLH | 100.0 [ppm] | Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases |
| IDLH | NIOSH considers dichloroethyl ether to be a potential occupational carcinogen. | 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
Bis(2-chloroethyl) ether 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.
Bis(2-chloroethyl) ether boiling point
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boiling point | 178.5 °C (353.3 °F) | HSDB | |
| 177.78 °C (352 °F) | NIOSH | ||
| 177.78 °C (352 °F) | at 760 mmHg | CAMEO |
Bis(2-chloroethyl) ether melting point
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Melting point | -51.9 °C (-61.4 °F) | HSDB | |
| -50 °C (-58 °F) | NIOSH |
Bis(2-chloroethyl) ether density
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Density | 1.22 g/cm³ | NIOSH | |
| 1.22 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | HSDB |
Bis(2-chloroethyl) ether solubility
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solubility | MISCIBLE WITH AROMATIC BUT NOT PARAFFIN HYDROCARBONS | HSDB | |
| SOL IN ALC, ETHER, ACETONE, BENZENE | HSDB | ||
| 1.1 wt% water @ 20 °C | at 20 °C | HSDB |
Bis(2-chloroethyl) ether vapor pressure
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vapor pressure | 0.7 mmHg | NIOSH | |
| 0.7 mmHg | at 20 °C | CAMEO | |
| 1.55 mmHg | at 25 °C | HSDB |
Bis(2-chloroethyl) ether flash point
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flash point | 63 °C (145.4 °F) | CLOSED CUP | HSDB |
| 55 °C (131 °F) | NIOSH |
Bis(2-chloroethyl) ether autoignition temperature
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Autoignition temperature | 369 °C (696.2 °F) | HSDB | |
| 368.89 °C (696 °F) | CAMEO |
Bis(2-chloroethyl) ether lower explosive limit (LEL)
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lower explosive limit (LEL) | 2.7 % by volume | NIOSH |
Bis(2-chloroethyl) ether vapor density
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vapor density | 4.93 (air = 1) | HSDB | |
| 4.9 (air = 1) | ICSC |
Bis(2-chloroethyl) ether odor threshold
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Odor threshold | Odor detection in water= 3.60x10+2 ppm, purity not specified. | HSDB | |
| Low= 90 mg/cu m; High= 2,160 mg/cu m. | From table | HSDB | |
| Odor Threshold Low: 0.04 [ppm] | Haz-Map |
Bis(2-chloroethyl) ether corrosivity
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corrosivity | NOT VERY CORROSIVE TO IRON, MILD STEEL, OR ALUMINUM. | HSDB |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
09 · Fire and explosion
Bis(2-chloroethyl) ether 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.
Bis(2-chloroethyl) ether fire potential
FLAMMABLE LIQUID WHEN EXPOSED TO HEAT, FLAME, OR OXIDANTS.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
10 · Handling and storage
Bis(2-chloroethyl) ether storage and handling
Bis(2-chloroethyl) ether peroxide formation
D: Other compounds that may form peroxides
Source: Lab and Research Safety, University of Minnesota
Bis(2-chloroethyl) ether safe storage
Fireproof. Separated from food and feedstuffs. See Chemical Dangers. Keep in the dark. Well closed.
Source: ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
Bis(2-chloroethyl) ether storage conditions
Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated location. Store away form heat, oxidizing materials, strong acids, & sunlight.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Bis(2-chloroethyl) ether incompatible materials
... IT DECOMPOSES IN PRESENCE OF MOISTURE TO FORM HYDROCHLORIC ACID.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Bis(2-chloroethyl) ether reactivity
2,2'-DICHLORODIETHYL ETHER may form phosgene or hydrogen when heated to high temperature. Oxidizes readily in air to form unstable peroxides that may explode spontaneously [Bretherick, 1979 p.151-154]. Mixing in equal molar portions with the following substances in a closed container caused the temperature and pressure to increase: chlorosulfonic acid and oleum [NFPA 1991].
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check Bis(2-chloroethyl) ether in the storage compatibility matrix →
11 · Questions
Bis(2-chloroethyl) ether — frequently asked questions
What is the CAS number of Bis(2-chloroethyl) ether?
The CAS number of Bis(2-chloroethyl) ether is 111-44-4. Its EC number is 203-870-1.
What does a Bis(2-chloroethyl) ether label have to show?
Under CLP Annex VI the label for Bis(2-chloroethyl) ether carries the pictograms Skull and crossbones and Health hazard and the signal word is Danger.
Is Bis(2-chloroethyl) ether flammable?
CLP Annex VI assigns Bis(2-chloroethyl) ether 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 63 °C (145.4 °F), CLOSED CUP (HSDB).
Is Bis(2-chloroethyl) ether a carcinogen?
CLP Annex VI assigns Bis(2-chloroethyl) ether H351 — suspected of causing cancer. That is category 2: the evidence points that way but is not conclusive. IARC places it in Group 3: not classifiable as to its carcinogenicity to humans.
What is the exposure limit for Bis(2-chloroethyl) ether?
The US occupational exposure limit reported for Bis(2-chloroethyl) ether is 15 ppm (90 mg/m³) (Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)). 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 Bis(2-chloroethyl) ether?
The boiling point reported for Bis(2-chloroethyl) ether is 178.5 °C (353.3 °F) (HSDB).
What is the melting point of Bis(2-chloroethyl) ether?
The melting point reported for Bis(2-chloroethyl) ether is -51.9 °C (-61.4 °F) (HSDB).
How should Bis(2-chloroethyl) ether be stored?
Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated location. Store away form heat, oxidizing materials, strong acids, & sunlight. (Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB))
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