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Chemical Name: Phthalic Acid Mono-2-ethylhexyl Ester
Common Synonyms: Mono-2-ethylhexyl phthalate, MEHP
CAS Number: 4376-20-9
Description: Clear, oily liquid, faint odor, mostly colorless
Primary Uses: Often found as a plasticizer in manufacturing, intermediate in plastic and polymer processing, can occur as an impurity in certain phthalate-related products
Hazard Classification: Irritating to skin and eyes, possible reproductive toxicity, potential environmental concern
Pictogram (GHS): Exclamation mark for irritation, health hazard symbol for long-term risk
Most Noticeable Risks: Contact irritation, possible organ toxicity with repeated exposure, flammability not a big factor, environmental persistence can lead to bioaccumulation concerns
Main Ingredient: Phthalic Acid Mono-2-ethylhexyl Ester
Purity: Usually sold as technical grade or purified product, often above 95% purity if not contaminated during processing
Possible Impurities: Traces of phthalic anhydride, di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate, other phthalic acid derivatives in tiny amounts
Inhalation: Move to fresh air, get medical attention for persistent irritation or respiratory symptoms
Skin Contact: Wash skin with soap and water, remove contaminated clothes, keep an eye out for rash or burning sensation
Eye Contact: Irrigate thoroughly with water for several minutes, consult healthcare if redness or discomfort stays
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, avoid forcing vomiting, take medical advice on what to do next, as ingestion can lead to digestive upset
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water fog, foam, dry chemical, or carbon dioxide
Specific Hazards: Fumes may contain irritating or toxic breakdown products, such as phthalic anhydride and volatile organics
Protective Equipment for Firefighters: Self-contained breathing apparatus and proper chemical-resistant clothing for exposure to smoke and fumes
Personal Precautions: Wear gloves and safety goggles, try to avoid breathing mist or vapors
Environmental Precautions: Prevent large spills from reaching surface water or sewer systems, contain contamination
Cleanup Methods: Absorb spilled liquid with sand or inert material, shovel up for disposal, ventilate area after clean-up
Handling: Use only with adequate ventilation, keep away from open flames and sources of ignition, minimize spills
Storage: Store in tightly closed containers, in cool, well-ventilated area, avoid contact with acids, strong oxidizers, and high heat
Special Notes: Regular inspection of containers helps to catch leaks before they spread, labeling prevents confusion with other chemicals
Respiratory Protection: Respirator with organic vapor cartridge for mist or high concentration work
Eye Protection: Chemical splash goggles or face shield for pouring or mixing
Skin Protection: Nitrile or neoprene gloves, lab coat or chemical apron
Ventilation: Local exhaust preferred near points of emission, general air movement for filling or transfer operations
Hygiene: Wash hands after use, remove contaminated clothing before breaks, avoid eating in work area
Physical State: Oily liquid
Color: Almost colorless to pale yellow
Odor: Slight, not unpleasant
Boiling Point: Above 300°C (estimated)
Melting Point: Often remains liquid at room temperature
Density: Around 1.02 g/cm³
Solubility: Insoluble in water, mixes with most organic solvents
Vapor Pressure: Low, risk for inhalation low at standard temperatures
Viscosity: Moderate to high, depending on purity and temperature
Chemical Stability: Stable under normal conditions, breaks down slowly over time when exposed to heat or strong sunlight
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizers, acids, and bases, can react with moisture in certain situations to liberate acidic byproducts
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Phthalic anhydride, carbon oxides, toxic organic fumes if burned
Acute Exposure Symptoms: Irritation of eyes, skin, nose, possible nausea if swallowed
Chronic Effects: Potentially affects fertility or unborn children after repeated exposure, tested mostly in animals
Carcinogenicity: Not classified by IARC; research ongoing about related phthalate compounds
Routes of Exposure: Mostly skin or inhalation for workers in manufacturing, accidental ingestion risk is low unless safety lapses
Signs of Overexposure: Red, itchy skin; watery eyes; headache or mild drowsiness in poorly ventilated spaces
Aquatic Toxicity: Toxic to aquatic life at higher concentrations; tends to stick to sediments, so runoff and stormwater are a concern
Persistence: Breaks down slowly in the environment, can build up in soil and water over time
Bioaccumulation: Some evidence suggests that it can move up the food chain
Special Risks: Careful handling prevents spills to drains, as standard water treatment doesn’t always remove phthalate esters
Waste Treatment: Collect in suitable containers for chemical waste, do not pour down drain or general trash bins
Incineration: Controlled incineration in facilities designed for organics, reduces risk of environmental contamination
Legal Requirements: Follow local hazardous waste guidelines; improper disposal leads to fines and cleanup orders in many places
UN Number: May not have a specific UN number if not regulated for transport, but check latest transport regulations
Domestic Shipping: Avoid breakage by using strong containers, keep away from incompatible chemicals
International Shipping: Packaging must meet international standards if crossing borders, documentation reflects hazard status for customs and safety agencies
Major Regulations: Subject to chemical inventory listings; included in various international and national chemical control laws
Worker Safety: OSHA and EU rules require clear labeling and training for those who handle it
Environmental Protections: Certain uses or releases may be restricted, ongoing research could tighten rules as more health effects are documented
Community Right-To-Know: In some regions, manufacturers and users disclose presence of phthalate derivatives for emergency services and public awareness
