Substance profile
Chloroethane
Chloroethane is a colorless liquid with an ethereal odor.
01 · Identification
What Chloroethane is
Chloroethane is a colorless liquid with an ethereal odor. Its molecular formula is C2H5Cl and its molecular weight is 64.51 g/mol. It boils at 12.3 °C, melts at -139 °C.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Danger. It is classed as hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPs).
02 · Identifiers
Chloroethane identifiers and molecular data
Chloroethane CAS number and EC number
Chloroethane molecular formula and molecular weight
03 · GHS classification
Chloroethane hazard classification
Harmonised classification under CLP Annex VI. This is the legally binding classification in the EU; other jurisdictions may differ.
Chloroethane pictograms and signal word
Chloroethane hazard class and category
| Hazard class | Category | From code | Pictogram |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flammable gases GHS chapter 2.2 | Category 1A | H220 | GHS02 |
| Carcinogenicity GHS chapter 3.6 | Category 2 | H351 | GHS08 |
| Hazardous to the aquatic environment - chronic GHS chapter 4.1 | Category 3 | H412 | — |
Chloroethane hazard statements (H-codes)
| Code | Hazard statement |
|---|---|
| H220 | Extremely flammable gas. |
| H351 | Suspected of causing cancer <state route of exposure if it is conclusively proven that no other routes of exposure cause the hazard>. |
| H412 | Harmful to aquatic life with long lasting effects. |
This page lists only the codes assigned to Chloroethane. 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 Chloroethane
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 Chloroethane 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
Chloroethane precautionary statements
CLP Annex VI assigns 9 precautionary statements to Chloroethane. 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.
Disposal
What has to happen to the contents and the empty container.
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
Chloroethane 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 | хлороетан |
| Spanish español | Cloroetano |
| Czech čeština | chlorethan |
| Danish dansk | chlorethan |
| German Deutsch | Chlorethan Ethylchlorid |
| Estonian eesti | kloroetaan |
| Greek ελληνικά | χλωροαιθάνιο |
| English English | chloroethane |
| French français | chloroéthane |
| Croatian hrvatski | kloretan |
| Italian italiano | cloroetano |
| Latvian latviešu | hloretāns |
| Lithuanian lietuvių | chloretanas |
| Hungarian magyar | klóretán |
| Maltese Malti | kloroetan |
| Dutch Nederlands | chloorethaan |
| Polish polski | chloroetan chlorek etylu |
| Portuguese português | cloroetano |
| Romanian română | cloroetan |
| Slovak slovenčina | chlóretán |
| Slovenian slovenščina | kloroetan |
| Finnish suomi | kloorietaani etyylikloridi |
| Swedish svenska | kloretan |
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
Chloroethane GHS label elements
Everything CLP Annex VI fixes for Chloroethane, laid out the way it appears on a label. The greyed lines are the parts only the supplier can fill in.
Danger
Chloroethane
- Extremely flammable gas.
- Suspected of causing cancer <state route of exposure if it is conclusively proven that no other routes of exposure cause the hazard>.
- Harmful to aquatic life with long lasting effects.
- Obtain special instructions before use.
- Keep away from heat, hot surfaces, sparks, open flames and other ignition sources. No smoking.
- Keep container tightly closed.
- Avoid release to the environment.
- Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection/hearing protection/…
- IF exposed or concerned:
- Get medical advice/attention.
- Store in a well-ventilated place.
- Dispose of contents/container to …
Supplier name, address and telephone number· Product identifier·Nominal quantity
Need this as an actual label? Open Chloroethane in the GHS label constructor →
07 · Health hazards
Chloroethane health hazards and exposure limits
Chloroethane hazard summary
Chloroethane is a colorless gas at room temperature and pressure. It has a characteristically sharp smell. It is a liquid when stored in pressurized containers; however, the liquid evaporates quickly when exposed to room air. Chloroethane catches fire easily. It was used in leaded gasoline, but strict new government regulations have reduced that use dramatically. It is used in the production of cellulose, dyes, medicinal drugs, and other commercial products, and as a solvent and refrigerant. It is also used to numb the skin before medical procedures such as ear piercing and skin biopsies and as a treatment in sports injuries.
Source: Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR)
Chloroethane carcinogenicity classification
Under the conditions of these 2--year inhalation studies, there was equivocal evidence of carcinogenic activity of chloroethane for male F344/N rats, as indicated by benign and malignant epithelial neoplasms of the skin. For female F344/N rats, there was equivocal evidence of carcinogenic activity, as indicated by three uncommon malignant astrocytomas of the brain in the exposed group. The study of male B6C3F1 mice was considered to be an inadequate study of carcinogenicity because of reduced survival in the exposed group. However, there was an increased incidence of alveolar/bronchiolar neoplasms of the lung. There was clear evidence of carcinogenic activity for female B6C3F1 mice, as indicated by carcinomas of the uterus. A marginally increased incidence of hepatocellular neoplasms was observed in the exposed group.
Source: US National Toxicology Program · TR-346: Toxicology and Carcinogenesis Studies of Chloroethane (Ethyl Chloride) (CASRN 75-00-3) in F344/N Rats and B6C3F1 Mice (Inhalation Studies) (1989 )
Evaluation: No epidemiological data relevant to the carcinogenicity of chloroethane. There is limited evidence in experimental animals for the carcinogenicity of chloroethane. Overall evaluation: Chloroethane is not classifiable as to its carcinogenicity to humans (Group 3).
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.
Chloroethane occupational exposure limits
| Limit | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| PEL | 1000.0 [ppm] | Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases |
| PEL | 1000 ppm (2600 mg/m³) | Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) |
| PEL | TWA 1000 ppm (2600 mg/m3) | The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) |
| REL | Handle with caution in the workplace. See Appendix C (Chloroethanes) | The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) |
| IDLH | 3800 ppm ; Based on 10% of the lower explosive limit. (NIOSH, 2024) | CAMEO Chemicals |
| IDLH | 3800.0 [ppm] | Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases |
| IDLH | 3800 ppm | Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) |
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
Chloroethane 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.
Chloroethane boiling point
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boiling point | 12.3 °C (54.1 °F) | at 760 mmHg | HSDB |
| 12.22 °C (54 °F) | NIOSH | ||
| 12.28 °C (54.1 °F) | at 760 mmHg | CAMEO |
Chloroethane melting point
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Melting point | -138.7 °C (-217.7 °F) | HSDB | |
| -138.89 °C (-218 °F) | NIOSH |
Chloroethane density
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Density | 0.918 g/cm³ | ICSC | |
| 0.906 g/cm³ | at 12.2 °C | CAMEO | |
| 0.9214 g/cm³ | at 0 °C | HSDB |
Chloroethane solubility
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solubility | 48.3 g/100 ml in alc | HSDB | |
| 0.574 g/100 ml in water @ 20 °C | at 20 °C | HSDB |
Chloroethane vapor pressure
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vapor pressure | 1000 mmHg | NIOSH | |
| 1010 mmHg | at 20 °C | HSDB | |
| 1000 mmHg | at 20 °C | CAMEO |
Chloroethane flash point
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flash point | -50 °C (-58 °F) | Closed cup | HSDB |
| -50 °C (-58 °F) | NIOSH |
Chloroethane autoignition temperature
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Autoignition temperature | 519 °C (966.2 °F) | HSDB | |
| 518.89 °C (966 °F) | CAMEO |
Chloroethane lower explosive limit (LEL)
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lower explosive limit (LEL) | 3.8 % by volume | HSDB | |
| 3.6 % by volume | HSDB |
Chloroethane upper explosive limit (UEL)
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upper explosive limit (UEL) | 15.4 % by volume | HSDB | |
| 14.8 % by volume | HSDB |
Chloroethane vapor density
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vapor density | 2.22 (air = 1) | Air= 1.00 | HSDB |
| 2.22 (air = 1) | CAMEO |
Chloroethane odor threshold
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Odor threshold | 10-12 mg/cu m (recognition in air) | HSDB | |
| Odor Threshold Low: 4.2 [ppm] | Haz-Map | ||
| Odor threshold from NJ "Hazardous Substance Fact Sheet" | Haz-Map |
Chloroethane critical temperature and pressure
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Critical temperature and pressure | 187 °C (368.6 °F) | HSDB |
Chloroethane corrosivity
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corrosivity | Reacts with water or steam to produce corrosive fumes. | HSDB | |
| Liquid ethyl chloride 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
Chloroethane 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.
Chloroethane fire potential
FLAMMABLE GAS AT ORDINARY TEMP AND PRESSURE.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
10 · Handling and storage
Chloroethane storage and handling
Chloroethane safe storage
Fireproof.
Source: ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
Chloroethane storage conditions
MATERIALS WHICH ARE TOXIC AS STORED OR WHICH CAN DECOMPOSE INTO TOXIC COMPONENTS ... SHOULD BE STORED IN A COOL WELL VENTILATED PLACE, OUT OF THE DIRECT RAYS OF THE SUN, AWAY FROM AREAS OF HIGH FIRE HAZARD, AND SHOULD BE PERIODICALLY INSPECTED. INCOMPATIBLE MATERIALS SHOULD BE ISOLATED ...
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Chloroethane incompatible materials
... CAN REACT VIGOROUSLY WITH OXIDIZING MATERIALS.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Chloroethane reactivity
ETHYL CHLORIDE is heat sensitive. This compound will hydrolyze in the presence of alkalis and water. It reacts with water or steam to produce toxic and corrosive fumes. It can also react vigorously with oxidizing materials. The vapor forms highly flammable mixtures with air. A mixture of this compound with potassium is shock-sensitive. Contact with chemically active metals such as Na, K, Ca, powdered Al, Zn and Mg may result in violent reactions. (NTP, 1992)
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check Chloroethane in the storage compatibility matrix →
11 · Questions
Chloroethane — frequently asked questions
What is the CAS number of Chloroethane?
The CAS number of Chloroethane is 75-00-3. Its EC number is 200-830-5.
What is the chemical formula of Chloroethane?
The molecular formula of Chloroethane is C2H5Cl and its molecular weight is 64.51 g/mol.
What does a Chloroethane label have to show?
Under CLP Annex VI the label for Chloroethane carries the pictograms Flame, Gas cylinder and Health hazard and the signal word is Danger.
Is Chloroethane flammable?
Yes. CLP Annex VI assigns Chloroethane H220 — extremely flammable gas. The flash point reported for it is -50 °C (-58 °F), Closed cup (HSDB).
Is Chloroethane a carcinogen?
CLP Annex VI assigns Chloroethane 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 Chloroethane?
The US occupational exposure limit reported for Chloroethane is 1000.0 [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 Chloroethane?
The boiling point reported for Chloroethane is 12.3 °C (54.1 °F), at 760 mmHg (HSDB).
What is the melting point of Chloroethane?
The melting point reported for Chloroethane is -138.7 °C (-217.7 °F) (HSDB).
How should Chloroethane be stored?
CLP Annex VI assigns Chloroethane the storage statement P403. MATERIALS WHICH ARE TOXIC AS STORED OR WHICH CAN DECOMPOSE INTO TOXIC COMPONENTS ... SHOULD BE STORED IN A COOL WELL VENTILATED PLACE, OUT OF THE DIRECT RAYS OF THE SUN, AWAY FROM AREAS OF HIGH FIRE HAZARD, AND SHOULD BE PERIODICALLY INSPECTED. INCOMPATIBLE MATERIALS SHOULD BE ISOLATED ... (Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB))
Nearby
Substances next to Chloroethane
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