3069. sym-Dichloromethyl Ether

Nomenclature

CAS number: 542-88-1
1,1′-Oxybis[1-chloromethane]; oxybis[chloromethane]; bis(chloromethyl) ether; BCME.
C2H4Cl2O; mol wt 114.96.
C 20.90%, H 3.51%, Cl 61.68%, O 13.92%.

Description and references

Review of carcinogenic risk: IARC Monographs 4, 231-238 (1974); of toxicology and human exposure: Toxicological Profile for Bis (Chloromethyl) Ether (PB90-168691, 1989) 77 pp.

Chemical structure

Properties

Colorless liquid; suffocating odor. d420 1.315. bp 106°. nD20 1.4346. Unstable in moist air; dec by water into HCl and formaldehyde.

Caution

Potential symptoms of overexposure are irritation of eyes, skin, mucous membranes and respiratory system; pulmonary congestion, edema; corneal damage, necrosis; decreased pulmonary function, coughing, dyspnea and wheezing; blood stained sputum, bronchial secretions. See NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards (DHHS/NIOSH 97-140, 1997) p 64. This substance is listed as a known human carcinogen: Report on Carcinogens, Eleventh Edition (PB2005-104914, 2004) p III-56.

Use

Manuf of plastics and ion exchange resins.