Chemical Name: Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Propionate
Synonyms: PGMEP, 1-Methoxy-2-propyl acetate
CAS Number: 88917-22-0
Recommended Use: Solvent in paints, inks, coatings, cleaners
Supplier Contact: Emergency number, address, business hours of manufacturer or distributor
Product Code: Specific batch or formulation code for traceability
Emergency Contact: 24-hour emergency phone to address immediate concerns
GHS Classification: Flammable liquid (Category 3); causes eye irritation (Category 2A); may cause drowsiness or dizziness (Category 3)
Signal Word: Warning
Hazard Statements: Flammable liquid and vapor; causes serious eye irritation; may cause respiratory irritation
Pictograms: Flame, exclamation mark
Precautionary Statements: Keep away from sparks and open flame; ventilate area; wear eye and face protection; avoid breathing vapors or spray mist
Routes of Entry: Inhalation, skin contact, eye contact, ingestion
Target Organs: Eyes, skin, respiratory system, central nervous system
Potential Health Effects: Redness and pain in eyes; headaches or dizziness from vapors; dryness or cracking on skin
Environmental Impact Signal: May be harmful to aquatic life
Chemical Identity: Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Propionate
CAS Number: 88917-22-0
Concentration Range: Typically 97-100%
Impurities: Trace levels of other glycol ethers or isomers
Stabilizing Additives: No significant stabilizers in commercial-grade material
Inhalation: Move exposed individual to fresh air; give oxygen if breathing becomes difficult; consult a physician for lingering symptoms like dizziness
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing; rinse skin with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes; wash with soap; seek care for redness or irritation
Eye Contact: Flush eyes with water for over 15 minutes, raising eyelids occasionally; seek medical assistance
Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting; rinse mouth with water; never give anything by mouth if unconscious; seek emergency medical aid
Additional Advice: Immediate medical attention for prolonged symptoms; inform doctors about chemical identity
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Dry chemical, foam, carbon dioxide, water spray
Fire Hazards: Vapors form explosive mixtures with air; heavier-than-air vapors may travel and ignite at distant points
Combustion Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, possibly other harmful aldehydes
Firefighter Advice: Wear self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective gear
Special Procedures: Cool exposed tanks with water spray; avoid direct stream on burning liquid to avoid splatter; evacuate downwind areas; eliminate ignition sources
Personal Precautions: Wear gloves, protective eyewear, and respirator if exposure limits may be exceeded; ventilate area; remove ignition sources
Cleanup Methods: Absorb liquid with inert material, such as sand or earth, and place in chemical waste container; avoid release into environment
Environmental Procedures: Prevent runoff to sewers or waterways; inform local authorities if large spill threatens water sources
Decontamination: Wash contaminated surfaces and ventilate area after cleanup
Handling: Ground and bond containers when transferring liquid; prevent static buildup; avoid inhalation of vapors; wash hands after use; keep container closed
Storage: Store in flammable liquid storage areas; keep out of direct sunlight, away from heat, sparks, or open flames; containers should remain tightly sealed
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizers, acids, bases
Special Precautions: Use explosion-proof electrical equipment; label containers clearly; provide spill containment
Occupational Exposure Limits: ACGIH TLV: 50 ppm TWA (if established; refer to most current publications)
Engineering Controls: Local exhaust ventilation preferred for indoor use; maintain eye wash stations and safety showers nearby
Personal Protective Equipment: Chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile, butyl rubber); splash-proof goggles or face shield; long sleeves or lab coats
Respiratory Protection: Use organic vapor cartridge/filter respirators where vapor concentrations exceed limits
Hygiene Measures: Do not eat, drink, or smoke around chemical; always wash hands thoroughly after handling
Environmental Protection: Controls to limit vapor release and runoff should be in place
Appearance: Clear, colorless liquid
Odor: Mild ether-like scent
Boiling Point: 145-150°C
Melting Point: Below -50°C
Flash Point: 48°C (closed cup)
Evaporation Rate: Moderate (ether = 1)
Vapor Pressure: 3.7 mmHg at 20°C
Vapor Density: Heavier than air (relative density ~4.6)
Solubility: Miscible with water and most organic solvents
Viscosity: 1.0-1.3 mPa·s at 25°C
Density: 0.95 g/cm³ at 20°C
Explosive Limits: Lower 1.5%, Upper 13.1% by volume (in air)
Reactivity: No dangerous reactions under standard conditions
Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage conditions
Possibility of Hazardous Reactions: Polymerization does not occur without extreme conditions
Conditions to Avoid: Heat, flames, spark sources, static discharges
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizers can trigger fires; acids and bases increase reactivity
Hazardous Decomposition: Fumes include carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide when burned
Acute Toxicity: Oral LD50 (rat): ~5,150 mg/kg; Dermal LD50 (rabbit): >2,000 mg/kg
Inhalation Effects: Vapors cause headaches, dizziness, drowsiness at high concentrations
Skin Contact: Frequent exposure results in dryness or cracking
Eye Contact: Irritates, may cause redness or watering
Chronic Exposure: Repeated contact can lead to dermatitis; chronic inhalation may affect the central nervous system
Carcinogenicity: Not classified as human carcinogen; not listed by IARC, NTP, OSHA
Sensitization: Not a known sensitizer
Mutagenicity/Reproductive Effects: Data not conclusive for negative effects at low occupational exposures
Ecotoxicity: LC50 (96 hr, fish): typically >100 mg/L
Acute Toxicity to Aquatic Life: Some risk to aquatic organisms if large quantities enter waterways
Mobility: High water solubility means material migrates quickly in soil and water
Persistence and Degradability: Expected to biodegrade rapidly, but chemical oxygen demand stresses local wastewater plants
Bioaccumulation: Low potential due to short half-life in organisms
Water Hazard Class: Rated as slightly hazardous to water (WGK 1 in Germany)
Waste Treatment Methods: Incineration in chemical incinerators with afterburner and scrubber works best for small-quantity disposal
Contaminated Packaging: Rinsed drums, totes, and bottles go to licensed solvent recovery or recycling
Regulation Reference: Comply with local, regional, national guidelines; RCRA identifies as an ignitable hazardous waste (D001) in the US
Precautions: Never pour in sewer or open ground; segregate from incompatible wastes
UN Number: UN 3272
UN Proper Shipping Name: Esters, n.o.s. (includes Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Propionate)
Transport Hazard Class: 3 (Flammable liquids)
Packing Group: III
Labels: "Flammable Liquid" label on containers, drums, tanks
Special Provisions: Secure closures; emergency measures for transport spills; notify authorities in case of cross-border spills
Marine Transport: IMDG Code lists as flammable liquid; avoid ship holds near heat sources
TSCA Status: Appears on US Toxic Substances Control Act list
REACH Registration: Registered substance in the European Union, with safety dossier requirements
OSHA Classification: Regulated as a hazardous chemical
SARA Title III: Not listed as an extremely hazardous substance, but workplace inventory needed
California Proposition 65: Not listed
Other Regulations: Consult local, regional, and national safety codes for workplace limits and environmental discharge
