Product Name: Propylene Glycol Monomethyl Ether
Chemical Formula: C4H10O2
Synonyms: 1-Methoxy-2-propanol, PGME, Propylene glycol methyl ether
CAS Number: 107-98-2
Manufacturer: Listed on package or shipping documents
Uses: Solvent in paints, inks, cleaning agents, electronics, coatings
Emergency Phone: On supplier’s label
Contact Information: Refer to distributor or manufacturer
Classification: Flammable liquid, Eye irritant, Target Organ Effects
GHS Label Elements: Signal Word: Warning; Hazard Statements: H226 – Flammable liquid and vapor, H319 – Causes serious eye irritation, H336 – May cause drowsiness or dizziness
Pictograms: Flame, Exclamation Mark
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin contact, ingestion, eye contact
Acute Effects: Headache, drowsiness, eye irritation, nausea
Chronic Effects: Prolonged exposure may result in nervous system effects, skin dryness, possible liver or kidney impact
Other Dangers: Vapor can form explosive mixtures with air, especially in enclosed spaces
Chemical Name: Propylene Glycol Monomethyl Ether
Concentration: 99% or greater
CAS Number: 107-98-2
Impurities: Traces of other glycol ethers possible, depending on grade
Stabilizers/Inhibitors: None typically added in common use scenarios
Inhalation: Move person to fresh air promptly. Offer oxygen if breathing becomes difficult. Contact physician in severe cases.
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing. Wash skin thoroughly with soap and water. Do not use solvents for cleaning skin. Watch for signs of irritation.
Eye Contact: Rinse eyes for 15 minutes with water, holding eyelids open. Seek medical attention if discomfort persists.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth if patient is alert, do not induce vomiting. Seek prompt medical attention. Never offer fluids if unconscious.
Note to Physician: Treat symptomatically. Support respiratory and cardiovascular function.
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use foam, dry chemical, CO2, or water spray. Avoid full force water jet.
Specific Hazards: Vapor can travel to ignition source. Containers may explode from heat. Decomposition produces toxic fumes (CO, CO2).
Firefighting Advice: Wear self-contained breathing apparatus. Stay upwind. Cool exposed containers with water fog. Remove containers from area if possible.
Combustion Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, formaldehyde possible
Explosion Sensitivity: Vapors heavier than air, can travel along floors or drains
Personal Precautions: Evacuate area if vapor concentration is high. Ventilate using explosion-proof equipment. Avoid breathing fumes.
Spill Response: Contain leak with non-combustible absorbent (sand, earth, vermiculite). Shovel into labeled drums for disposal. Do not wash into drains.
Cleaning Up: Remove sources of ignition. Wear suitable personal protection (gloves, goggles, respirator).
Environmental Precautions: Prevent entry into waterways and sewers. Notify environmental authority if large spill occurs.
Decontamination: Wash spill site once cleanup complete.
Handling: Use in a well-ventilated area. Avoid sparks, flames, static. Electrically ground containers and equipment. Avoid contact with eyes, skin, clothing.
Storage Conditions: Store away from heat, open flames, strong oxidizers, acids. Use approved flammable liquid storage. Keep containers tightly closed. Store between 15°C and 30°C.
Incompatible Materials: Strong acids, oxidizers, halogens
Transfer Precautions: Use proper grounding and bonding procedures. Avoid plastic containers if possible unless rated for flammable solvents
Occupational Exposure Limits: OSHA PEL: 100 ppm (TWA); ACGIH TLV: 50 ppm (TWA), 100 ppm (STEL)
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust or general dilution ventilation. Avoid direct vapor exposure.
Respiratory Protection: Use organic vapor respirator for high concentrations or poor ventilation
Eye Protection: Safety goggles or face shield
Skin Protection: Gloves resistant to solvents (nitrile, butyl rubber). Apron or protective clothing if splash risk
Hygiene: Wash hands after use. Remove contaminated clothing and wash before reuse. Do not eat, drink, or smoke where product is used
Appearance: Clear, colorless liquid
Odor: Mild, ether-like
pH: Not applicable (neutral organic liquid)
Boiling Point: 120–125°C
Melting Point: -97°C
Flash Point: 31°C (closed cup)
Evaporation Rate: 0.57 (BuAc = 1)
Flammability Limits: Lower: 1.5%, Upper: 13.1% (v/v in air)
Vapor Pressure: 10 mmHg at 20°C
Vapor Density: 3.1 (air = 1)
Relative Density: 0.92 g/cm³
Solubility: Miscible with water, alcohols, most organics
Partition Coefficient (log Kow): -0.43
Auto-ignition Temperature: 315°C
Decomposition Temperature: >120°C
Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended conditions. Sensitive to strong oxidizers.
Conditions to Avoid: Heat, sparks, open flame, static build-up
Materials to Avoid: Strong acids, bases, oxidizers
Hazardous Decomposition: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, formaldehyde under fire conditions
Polymerization: Will not occur under normal use
Acute Toxicity: Oral LD50 (rat): 4000–5000 mg/kg. Dermal LD50 (rabbit): >13000 mg/kg. Inhalation LC50 (rat, 4 hr): >6,000 ppm.
Effects from Short-term Exposure: May cause dizziness, nausea, irritation to eyes or mucous membranes, potential CNS effects. Large ingestions may depress CNS.
Effects from Long-term Exposure: No clear evidence of cancer, mutagenicity, or reproductive toxicity. Extended skin contact can cause dryness or cracking.
Sensitization: Not a known skin or respiratory sensitizer.
Other Health Data: Workers sometimes report headaches following high-level exposure.
Environmental Fate: Breaks down readily in air and water. Does not bioaccumulate.
Aquatic Toxicity: LC50 (fish, 96 hr): >10,000 mg/L. EC50 (daphnia, 48 hr): >1,500 mg/L.
Soil Mobility: High mobility due to water solubility
Persistence and Degradability: Rapidly biodegradable; complete breakdown in 1–4 weeks under normal conditions.
Potential Risks: Low risk to aquatic or terrestrial environments in spill quantities. Keep large amounts out of waterways.
Waste Disposal: Treat as hazardous waste. Burn in permitted chemical incinerator with afterburner and scrubber. Follow local and regional disposal laws.
Container Disposal: Triple rinse, remove labels, puncture, recycle when possible. Do not reuse packaging for food or drink.
Precautions: Avoid discharge into sewers and surface waters. Notify local authorities of large spills.
UN Number: UN 3092
Proper Shipping Name: 1-Methoxy-2-propanol
Hazard Class: 3 (Flammable liquid)
Packing Group: III
Label Requirements: Flammable liquid label
Transport Notes: Protect from heat. Use tightly sealed, approved containers. Emergency response guide number: 129. No transport by air in non-pressurized cargo holds without special provisions.
US Regulations: Listed on TSCA. OSHA flammable liquid. EPCRA SARA Title III Sections 311/312: Fire hazard. Not listed by CERCLA or RCRA as hazardous waste.
European Union: Complies with REACH, listed under EINECS (203-539-1). Labeling per CLP Regulation required.
International: Registered in Canada DSL/NDSL, Australia AICS, Japan ENCS. Reference to applicable workplace standards in each country.
Other Standards: Workplace air monitoring and storage rules may apply; consult local safety rules.
