Stability and reactivity

10.1Reactivity

3300 ppm [Based on 10% of the lower explosive limit for safety considerations even though the relevant toxicological data indicated that irreversible health effects or impairment of escape existed only at higher concentrations.]

Reacts slowly with calcium hypochlorite, silver oxide and ammonia. This generates fire and explosion hazard. Reacts violently with strong oxidants such as nitric acid, silver nitrate, mercuric nitrate and magnesium perchlorate. This generates fire and explosion hazard.

10.2Chemical stability

no data available

10.3Possibility of hazardous reactions

Flammable liquid when exposed to heat or flame .The vapour mixes well with air, explosive mixtures are easily formed.Acetyl chloride reacts violently with ethanol or water, [Rose, (1961)]. Acetyl bromide reacts violently with alcohols or water, [Merck 11th ed., 1989]. Mixtures of alcohols with concentrated sulfuric acid and strong hydrogen peroxide can cause explosions. Example: An explosion will occur if dimethylbenzylcarbinol is added to 90% hydrogen peroxide then acidified with concentrated sulfuric acid. Mixtures of ethyl alcohol with concentrated hydrogen peroxide form powerful explosives. Mixtures of hydrogen peroxide and 1-phenyl-2-methyl propyl alcohol tend to explode if acidified with 70% sulfuric acid, [Chem. Eng. News 45(43):73(1967); J, Org. Chem. 28:1893(1963)]. Alkyl hypochlorites are violently explosive. They are readily obtained by reacting hypochlorous acid and alcohols either in aqueous solution or mixed aqueous-carbon tetrachloride solutions. Chlorine plus alcohols would similarly yield alkyl hypochlorites. They decompose in the cold and explode on exposure to sunlight or heat. Tertiary hypochlorites are less unstable than secondary or primary hypochlorites, [NFPA 491 M, 1991]. Base-catalysed reactions of isocyanates with alcohols should be carried out in inert solvents. Such reactions in the absence of solvents often occur with explosive violence, [Wischmeyer(1969)].

10.4Conditions to avoid

no data available

10.5Incompatible materials

Many explosions have been experienced during the gravimetric determination of either perchlorates or potassium as potassium perchlorate by a standard method involving ethanol extraction. During subsequent heating, formation and explosion of ethyl perchlorate is very probable.

10.6Hazardous decomposition products

no data available

SECTION 11: Toxicological information

Acute toxicity

• Oral: LD50 - rat (female) - 15 010 mg/kg bw.

• Inhalation: LC50 - mouse (male) - > 60 000 ppm.

• Dermal: no data available

Skin corrosion/irritation

no data available

Serious eye damage/irritation

no data available

Respiratory or skin sensitization

no data available

Germ cell mutagenicity

no data available

Carcinogenicity

A3; Confirmed animal carcinogen with unknown relevance to humans.

Reproductive toxicity

no data available

STOT-single exposure

The substance is severely irritating to the eyes. The vapour at high levels is irritating to the eyes and respiratory tract. The substance may cause effects on the central nervous system.

STOT-repeated exposure

The substance defats the skin, which may cause dryness or cracking. The substance may have effects on the upper respiratory tract and central nervous system. This may result in irritation, headache, fatigue and lack of concentration. See Notes.

Aspiration hazard

A harmful contamination of the air will be reached rather slowly on evaporation of this substance at 20°C.