Substance Name: Ethylene Glycol Phenyl Ether Methacrylate
Chemical Family: Methacrylate ester
Common Uses: Specialty coatings, adhesives, and advanced polymer synthesis
Chemical Formula: C12H14O3
Physical Appearance: Colorless to pale yellow liquid, notable for a faintly sweet odor
Synonyms: 2-Phenoxyethyl methacrylate
Health Risks: Eye and skin irritation may follow direct contact; inhaling vapors during handling brings risk of respiratory tract discomfort
Environmental Hazards: Potential for aquatic toxicity if spillage leaks into waterways
Fire and Explosion Risks: Combustible liquid that releases irritating fumes under combustion
Main Symbols: Exclamation mark for irritancy, possible aquatic hazard warning
Main Ingredient: Ethylene Glycol Phenyl Ether Methacrylate
Typical Purity: Often sold at high purity, minor impurities may be present from synthesis
Impurities Worth Watching: Unreacted monomers or stabilizers sometimes included for storage stability
Inhalation: Move affected person to fresh air, offer oxygen if breathing becomes difficult, seek medical care for ongoing irritation
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, rinse affected skin with plenty of water and soap
Eye Contact: Prompt rinsing with water for at least 15 minutes helps reduce damage risk, contact an eye specialist if pain or redness continues
Ingestion: Do not encourage vomiting, rinse mouth, monitor for symptoms and consult a physician
Suitable Fire Extinguishing Media: Dry chemical, carbon dioxide, or alcohol-resistant foam
Hazardous Combustion Products: Burning releases acrid smoke, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and sometimes methacrylic-related fumes
Protective Gear: Full protective garments and self-contained breathing apparatus recommended
Firefighting Challenges: Closed containers may explode under extreme heat; runoff water could pose environmental risks
Personal Precautions: Immediately ventilate area, wear chemical-resistant gloves and goggles
Environmental Precautions: Avoid release into sewers or water systems; use inert absorbents for spills
Cleanup Actions: Collect spill into designated waste drums for controlled disposal, wash residuals with copious water if safe
Handling Guidance: Wear splash-proof goggles, chemical-resistant gloves, and lab coat; work under local exhaust ventilation
Storage Recommendations: Keep containers tightly sealed in a cool, dry, well-ventilated spot, away from light and sources of ignition
Stability Concerns: Stabilizers such as hydroquinone ethers are often mixed to slow down unwanted polymerization during storage
Engineering Controls: Fume hoods, local exhaust, and regular air checks help keep levels low
Personal PPE: Eye shields, nitrile or neoprene gloves, chemical-resistant shoes, and splash-proof lab aprons
General Hygiene: Wash hands and face thoroughly after work; avoid eating or drinking near working areas
Workplace Limits: No globally established occupational exposure limits, but sensible limits based on similar acrylates apply
State: Liquid at ambient temperature
Color: Clear to pale yellow depending on batch
Odor: Mild, often described as sweet or lightly aromatic
Boiling Point: Ranges around 260°C
Melting Point: Data limited, generally liquid at room temperature
Solubility: Not very soluble in water, dissolves well in alcohols, ketones, ethers
Flash Point: Sits above 100°C, but flammability depends on local conditions
Vapor Pressure: Low at room temp, but vapors can accumulate in unventilated areas
Density: Close to 1.1 g/cm3
Chemical Stability: Generally steady under recommended storage
Reactivity: Exposure to heat, light, or incompatible substances like strong acids or peroxides may prompt polymerization
Hazardous Reactions: Potential for runaway polymerization in presence of free radicals, heat, oxidizers, bases, or peroxides
Inhibitors: Small amounts of polymerization inhibitors commonly used to boost shelf life
Routes of Exposure: Can cause harm through inhalation, skin, and eye contact
Short-Term Hazards: Burning or itching sensations reported by workers with repeated direct skin or eye contact
Chronic Risks: Data thin, but structurally similar acrylates sometimes linked to dermatitis with repeated long-term use
Absorption: Skin can allow slow uptake, so persistent exposure increases risk
Known Symptoms: Headache, nausea, skin redness, respiratory discomfort in poorly ventilated or spill situations
Aquatic Toxicity: Potential for moderate toxicity to fish and invertebrates if accidental release reaches waterways
Degradability: Likely to break down slowly in the environment; risk of bioaccumulation considered low for this class of methacrylates
Mobility in Soil: Low to moderate mobility, but rain and poor containment can help carry product further
Wastewater: Uncontrolled discharge into sewer systems could harm water treatment bacteria and local aquatic communities
Waste Handling: Excess material, used absorbents, and contaminated gear should travel to licensed chemical waste handlers
Incineration Suitability: High-temperature incineration effective for final disposal
Special Precautions: Avoid flushing large amounts to drains, landfill disposal discouraged due to slow breakdown
Shipping Considerations: Classified as a combustible liquid for shipping, must use proper containment and hazard marking
Packaging: Drum, intermediate bulk container, or sealed canisters designed for chemicals
Handling In Transit: Keep containers upright and secure, guard against physical damage during movement
Labeling Requirements: Chemical hazard warnings about skin and eye irritation, along with clear instructions for accidental release
Environmental Rules: Regulations in many regions restrict discharge into water systems or landfill sites
Workplace Laws: Health and safety authorities require up-to-date chemical safety training for handlers, record-keeping of usage and releases, and proper signage in storage areas