Ethyl chloride
Synonyms & Trade Names
Chloroethane, Hydrochloric ether, Monochloroethane, Muriatic etherExposure Limits
NIOSH REL
Handle with caution in the workplace. See Appendix C (Chloroethanes)OSHA PEL
TWA 1000 ppm (2600 mg/m3)Physical Description
Colorless gas or liquid (below 54°F) with a pungent, ether-like odor. [Note: Shipped as a liquefied compressed gas.]Molecular Weight
64.5Boiling Point
54°FFreezing Point
-218°FSolubility
0.6%Vapor Pressure
1000 mmHgIonization Potential
10.97 eVSpecific Gravity
0.92 (Liquid at 32°F)Flash Point
NA (Gas) -58°F (Liquid)Upper Exposive Limit
15.4%Lower Explosive Limit
3.8%Relative Gas Density
2.23Incompatibilities & Reactivities
Chemically-active metals such as sodium, potassium, calcium, powdered aluminum, zinc & magnesium; oxidizers; water or steam [Note: Reacts with water to form hydrochloric acid.]Exposure Routes
inhalation, skin absorption (liquid), ingestion (liquid), skin and/or eye contactSymptoms
incoordination, inebriation; abdominal cramps; cardiac arrhythmias, cardiac arrest; liver, kidney damageTarget Organs
Liver, kidneys, respiratory system, cardiovascular system, central nervous systemPersonal Protection/Sanitation
(See protection codes)Skin:Prevent skin contact (liquid)
Eyes:Prevent eye contact (liquid)
Wash skin:No recommendation
Remove:When wet (flammable)
Change:No recommendation
First Aid
(See procedures)Eye:Irrigate immediately (liquid)
Skin:Water flush promptly (liquid)
Breathing:Respiratory support
Swallow:Medical attention immediately (liquid)
Respirator Recommendations
OSHA
Up to 3800 ppm:
(APF = 10) Any supplied-air respirator*
(APF = 50) Any self-contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece
Emergency or planned entry into unknown concentrations or IDLH conditions:
(APF = 10,000) Any self-contained breathing apparatus that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode
(APF = 10,000) Any supplied-air respirator that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode in combination with an auxiliary self-contained positive-pressure breathing apparatus
Escape:
(APF = 50) Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator (gas mask) with a chin-style, front- or back-mounted organic vapor canister
Any appropriate escape-type, self-contained breathing apparatus
- Page last reviewed:April 11, 2016
- Page last updated:April 11, 2016
- Content source:
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Education and Information Division