2-Methoxyethanol

2-Methoxyethanol
Names
IUPAC name
2-Methoxyethanol
Other names
Ethylene glycol monomethyl ether
EGME
Methyl Cellosolve
Identifiers
109-86-4 Yes
ChEBI CHEBI:46790 Yes
ChEMBL ChEMBL444144 Yes
ChemSpider 7728 Yes
DrugBank DB02806 Yes
Jmol-3D images Image
KEGG D05554 Yes
UNII EK1L6XWI56 Yes
Properties
C3H8O2
Molar mass 76.09 g/mol
Appearance Colorless liquid
Odor Ether-like[1]
Density 0.965 g/cm3
Melting point −85 °C (−121 °F; 188 K)
Boiling point 124 to 125 °C (255 to 257 °F; 397 to 398 K)
miscible[1]
Vapor pressure 6 mmHg (20°C)[1]
Hazards
MSDS External MSDS
NFPA 704
Flammability code 2: Must be moderately heated or exposed to relatively high ambient temperature before ignition can occur. Flash point between 38 and 93 °C (100 and 200 °F). E.g., diesel fuel Health code 3: Short exposure could cause serious temporary or residual injury. E.g., chlorine gas Reactivity code 2: Undergoes violent chemical change at elevated temperatures and pressures, reacts violently with water, or may form explosive mixtures with water. E.g., phosphorus Special hazards (white): no codeNFPA 704 four-colored diamond
2
3
2
Flash point 39 °C (102 °F; 312 K)
Explosive limits 1.8%-14%[1]
1480 ppm (mouse, 7 hr)[2]
US health exposure limits (NIOSH):
TWA 25 ppm (80 mg/m3) [skin][1]
TWA 0.1 ppm (0.3 mg/m3) [skin][1]
200 ppm[1]
Except where noted otherwise, data is given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C (77 °F), 100 kPa)
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Infobox references

2-Methoxyethanol, or methyl cellosolve, is an organic compound with formula C
3H
8O
2 that is used mainly as a solvent. It is a clear, colorless liquid with an ether-like odor. It is in a class of solvents known as glycol ethers which are notable for their ability to dissolve a variety of different types of chemical compounds and for their miscibility with water and other solvents. It can be formed by the nucleophilic attack of methanol on protonated oxirane followed by proton transfer:

C
2H
5O+
 + CH
3OH → C
3H
8O
2 + H+

2-Methoxyethanol is used as a solvent for many different purposes such as varnishes, dyes, and resins. It is also used as an additive in airplane deicing solutions. In organometallic chemistry it is commonly used for the synthesis of Vaska's complex and related compounds such as ruthenium hydridechlorocarbonyl tristriphenylphosphine. During these reactions the alcohol acts as a source of hydride and carbon monoxide.

2-Methoxyethanol is toxic to the bone marrow and testicles. Workers exposed to high levels are at risk for granulocytopenia, macrocytic anemia, oligospermia, and azoospermia.[3]

The methoxyethanol is converted by alcohol dehydrogenase into methoxyacetic acid which is the substance which causes the harmful effects. Both ethanol and acetate have a protecting effect. The methoxyacetate can enter the Krebs cycle where it forms methoxycitrate.[4]

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 "NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards #0401". National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).
  2. ↑ "Methyl cellosolve". Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).
  3. ↑ Occupational exposure guidelines
  4. ↑ F. Welsch, Toxicology Letters, 2005, volume 156, pages 13-28