Experiment 3, page 2

HAZARD DATA - READ THIS BEFORE GOING ANY FURTHER!!!!

DICHLOROMETHANE:
HARMFUL BY INHALATION, INGESTION, AND SKIN CONTACT
POSSIBLE RISK OF IRREVERSIBLE EFFECTS
IRRITATING TO EYES
Colourless volatile liquid with chloroform-like odour; b.p. 40ºC; immiscible with water. Avoid breathing vapour.
Avoid contact with skin and eyes. MEL 350 mgm-3.

Toxic effects:

The vapour irritates the eyes and respiratory system and may cause headaches and nausea;
high concentrations may result in cyanosis and unconsciousness. The liquid irritates the
eyes. Poisonous if taken by mouth.
Mixtures with Li, Na, N2O4, HNO3liable to explode.

Wear goggles, gloves, and laboratory coat. Absorb bulk quantities on sand, shovel into
buckets. Wash site of spillage with water and detergent. Dichloromethane should be
placed in chlorinated waste containers for central disposal

Hazardous reactions:

Spillage & disposal:

DIETHYL ETHER:
HARMFUL BY INHALATION, AND INGESTION
MAY FORM EXPLOSIVE PEROXIDES
EXTREMELY FLAMMABLE
Colourless highly volatile liquid with characteristic odour; b.p. 34ºC; immiscible with water. Liable to form
explosive peroxides on exposure to light/air. Peroxides removed by treatment with aqueous sodium metabisulfite.
Avoid breathing vapour. OEL 1200 mgm-3.

Toxic effects:

Inhalation of the vapour may cause drowsiness, dizziness, mental confusion, faintness
and, in high concentrations, unconsciousness. Ingestion may also produce these effects.
Continued inhalation of low concentrations may cause loss of appetite, dizziness,
fatigue and nausea.
Flash point –45ºC, ignition temp. 180ºC; extinguish fire with CO2.

Peroxide formation can result in subsequent explosion. Powerful oxidants can cause
explosion. Reacts vigorously with sulfuryl chloride.
Clear area, shut off all sources of ignition. Organise effective ventilation and allow to
evaporate. Diethyl ether should be placed in the non-chlorinated waste container for
central disposal

Fire Hazard

Hazardous reactions

Spillage & disposal

1,4-DIOXAN:
HARMFUL BY INHALATION, INGESTION, AND SKIN CONTACT
MAY FORM EXPLOSIVE PEROXIDES
HIGHLY FLAMMABLE
Colourless almost odourless liquid; b.p. 101ºC; miscible with water. Liable to form explosive peroxides on
exposure to light/air. Peroxides removed by treatment with aqueous sodium metabisulfite. Irritating to eyes. Avoid
breathing vapour. OEL 90 mgm-3.

Toxic effects:

The vapour irritates nose and eyes and this may be followed by headache and drowsiness.
High concentrations may also cause nausea and vomiting, while injury to the liver and
kidney is possible. Similar effects when taken by mouth.