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Name: Poly(ethylene Glycol) Methyl Ether
Chemical Family: Polyethers
Common Synonyms: PEG Methyl Ether
General Use: Common ingredient in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and chemical labs for solubility or as a solvent
Physical Form: Clear, viscous liquid or sometimes waxy solid depending on molecular weight
Odor: Faint or odorless
Potential Hazards: Eye irritation, mild skin irritation, may provoke gastric distress if swallowed in significant amounts
Globally Harmonized System (GHS) Classification: Not classified as hazardous under normal handling conditions according to GHS, though contact can still bother sensitive skin or mucous membranes
Target Organs: Generally low hazard, but repeated contact can dry the skin
Symptoms of Overexposure: Redness, tearing, nausea if ingested
Main Ingredients: Poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether (CAS: varies by molecular weight)
Typical Purity: Usually above 99% for lab and industrial supply
Common Impurities: Traces of ethylene glycol, methanol, or unreacted starting materials rarely detected
Inhalation: Move into fresh air; rarely causes lasting effects, but sensitive people may cough or feel discomfort in overexposed settings
Eye Contact: Rinse with clean, running water for several minutes; contact lenses should be removed if present
Skin Contact: Wash off with soap and water—greasy feel sometimes lingers, but long-term effects are rare
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, do not force vomiting; medical help is sensible if a large amount swallows
Further Advice: Observe for any continuing discomfort and seek medical attention if symptoms persist
Suitable Extinguishing Methods: Water spray, dry chemical, foam, or carbon dioxide
Combustion Products: May release carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and low levels of formaldehyde in a fire
Special Protective Gear: Firefighters should use self-contained breathing equipment, personal protective clothing, due to smoke or chemical fumes
Additional Risks: Heated drums can rupture; runoff may pollute waterways
Spill Cleanup: Absorb with sand or commercial absorbent and shovel into suitable containers for disposal
Small Spills: Wipe up and wash surface with water for safety
Protective Equipment: Gloves, eye protection, and adequate ventilation keep exposures minimal
Environmental Precautions: Stop the flow before it reaches drains or waterways; even biodegradable chemicals can clog systems if enough is spilled
Handling Practices: Avoid contact with eyes and prolonged skin exposure; always use in well-ventilated areas
Storage Conditions: Keep container tightly sealed in a cool, dry place away from strong oxidizers; secure from children or unauthorized users
Incompatible Materials: Strong acids, bases, and oxidizing agents can react with polyethers
Best Practices: Label containers clearly and make sure old material isn’t mixed with new without checking compatibility
Engineering Controls: Ventilation keeps airborne mist low in industrial processing
Personal Protective Equipment: Gloves (nitrile or neoprene); safety glasses or face shield if splashing is likely; lab coats in laboratory settings
Respiratory Protection: Not generally required unless dealing with high-temperature processing
Hygiene Measures: Practice hand-washing after use
Appearance: Colorless to pale yellow viscous liquid or soft solid
Odor: Nearly odorless
Boiling Point: Varies based on molecular weight, typically in the 180–300°C range
Melting Point: From below room temperature to 60°C depending on chain length
Solubility: Freely soluble in water and alcohols
Vapor Pressure: Extremely low at room temperature
Viscosity: High, especially in longer chains
Chemical Stability: Stable at room temperatures under normal conditions
Reactivity: Reacts with strong acids, bases, and oxidizers
Hazardous Decomposition: Burning can release toxic gases like carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and aldehydes
Polymerization: Does not self-polymerize
Acute Toxicity: Low toxicity based on animal studies and human case experience; does not typically absorb in hazardous amounts through skin
Chronic Exposure: No strong evidence links this polymer to chronic or reproductive toxicity
Irritation: High doses may cause mild eye or skin irritation; accidental ingestion in small quantities rarely causes more than an upset stomach
Carcinogenicity: No evidence links PEG methyl ethers with cancer according to major regulatory bodies
Biodegradability: Breaks down fairly well in the environment, but volume spills can still affect aquatic life in the short term
Bioaccumulation: Unlikely due to high water solubility and rapid breakdown
Toxicity to Aquatic Life: Not highly toxic, but treating large releases with care makes sense
Mobility in Soil: Moves through water and soil easily, which means spills in concentrated form can move quickly if not contained
Preferred Methods: Incineration in a chemical waste facility or disposal according to local, state, and national regulations
Small Quantities: Dilution and sewer disposal may be possible where permitted due to biodegradability, but always check local rules
Packaging: Rinsed containers can sometimes be recycled or disposed of as solid waste if properly labeled
UN Number: Not usually classified as dangerous for transport
Transport Hazard Class: Not a regulated substance under most jurisdictions
Special Requirements: Keep sealed, avoid rough handling and protect from puncture or rupture that could lead to leaks
OSHA Status: Not listed as a hazardous chemical
TSCA Status: Listed for use in United States commerce
International Regulations: Included on major chemical inventories in the EU, Canada, Australia, and Japan
Labeling Requirements: Not required to carry hazard labels, though general chemical safety labeling remains a good practice
