3066. sym-Dichloroethyl Ether

Nomenclature

CAS number: 111-44-4
1,1′-Oxybis[2-chloroethane]; bis(2-chloroethyl) ether; β,β′-dichloroethyl ether; DCEE; Chlorex.
C4H8Cl2O; mol wt 143.01.
C 33.59%, H 5.64%, Cl 49.58%, O 11.19%.

Description and references

Prepn: O. Kamm, J. H. Waldo, J. Am. Chem. Soc. 43, 2223 (1921). Toxicity: H. F. Smyth, Jr., C. P. Carpenter, J. Ind. Hyg. Toxicol. 30, 66 (1948). Evaluation of carcinogenic risk: IARC Monographs 9, 117 (1975). Review of toxicology and human exposure: Toxicological Profile for Bis(2-chloroethyl)ether (PB90-168683, 1989) 83 pp.

Chemical structure

Properties

Colorless, clear liq; pungent odor. Vapor harmful. d2020 1.22. bp 178°. mp -50°. nD20 1.457. Flash pt, closed cup: 145°F (63°C), Buckman Laboratories, IC literature; also reported as 131°F (55°C), Ind. Eng. Chem. 32, 880 (1940). Insol in water. Sol in most organic solvents. It dissolves oils, fats, greases, etc. LD50 orally in rats: 75 mg/kg (Smyth, Carpenter).

Caution

Potential symptoms of overexposure are lacrimation; irritation of nose, throat and respiratory system; coughing; nausea, vomiting. Potential occupational carcinogen. See NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards (DHHS/NIOSH 97-140, 1997) p 98.

Use

Reagent for organic synthesis; solvent. Has been used as a scouring agent for textiles; as soil fumigant.