Ketene
Synonyms & Trade Names
Carbomethene, Ethenone, Keto-ethyleneExposure Limits
NIOSH REL
TWA 0.5 ppm (0.9 mg/m3) ST 1.5 ppm (3 mg/m3)OSHA PEL
TWA 0.5 ppm (0.9 mg/m3) See Appendix GPhysical Description
Colorless gas with a penetrating odor.Molecular Weight
42.0Boiling Point
-69°FFreezing Point
-238°FSolubility
ReactsVapor Pressure
>1 atmIonization Potential
9.61 eVFlash Point
NA (Gas)Upper Exposive Limit
?Lower Explosive Limit
?Relative Gas Density
1.45Incompatibilities & Reactivities
Water, alcohols, ammonia [Note: Readily polymerizes. Reacts with water to form acetic acid.]Exposure Routes
inhalation, skin and/or eye contactSymptoms
irritation eyes, skin, nose, throat, respiratory system; pulmonary edemaTarget Organs
Eyes, skin, respiratory systemPersonal Protection/Sanitation
(See protection codes)Skin:No recommendation
Eyes:No recommendation
Wash skin:No recommendation
Remove:No recommendation
Change:No recommendation
Respirator Recommendations
NIOSH/OSHA
Up to 5 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