Methylal

Synonyms

2,4-Dioxapentane; Anesthenyl; Bis(methoxy)methane; Dimethoxymethane; Dimethyl formal; Formal; Formaldehyde dimethyl acetal; Formaldehyde dimethylacetal; Formaldehyde methyl ketal; Methane, dimethoxy-; Methoxymethyl methyl ether; Methylene dimethyl ether; Metylal [Polish]; [ChemIDplus] UN1234

Category

Acetals

Description

Colorless liquid with a chloroform-like odor; [NIOSH]

Sources/Uses

Used as a solvent for adhesives and coatings, a fuel, and an intermediate for other organic compounds; [ACGIH] Has been used as an anesthetic; [HSDB]

Comments

Animal inhalation studies: anesthesia and damage to the liver and other organs; [ACGIH] A skin, eye, and respiratory tract irritant; Inhalation of high concentrations can cause CNS depression; [ICSC]

Biomedical References

Insufficient data

1000 ppm

1000 ppm

500 ppm

2200 ppm

Excerpts from Documentation for IDLHs

Other animal data: In one study, the "no effect" levels were determined to be 2,810 and 8,450 ppm in rats and guinea pigs, respectively [Price et al. 1978]. Fifteen 7­hour exposures to 11,000 ppm caused only minor irritation in 50 mice [Weaver et al. 1951]. . . .Human data: Methylal has been used as an anesthetic in surgery [ACGIH 1991].

400 mm Hg

LC50 (mice) = 57,000 mg/m3/7H

Explanatory Notes

IDLH = 10% LEL; Flash point = -32 deg C; VP from HSDB;

may ignite at ambient temp

Acute solvent syndrome

Hepatoxic (a) from occupational exposure (secondary effect) or (b) in animal studies or in humans after ingestion

Diseases

Occupational diseases associated with exposure to this agent:

• Encephalopathy, chronic solvent
• Solvents, acute toxic effect

Processes

Industrial Processes with risk of exposure:

• Painting (Solvents)
• Working with Glues and Adhesives