Dimethyl ether

Agent Name
Dimethyl ether
CAS Number
115-10-6
Formula
C2-H6-O
Major Category
Solvents
Dimethyl ether formula graphical representation
Synonyms
DME; Demeon D; Dimethyl oxide; Dymel A; Ether, dimethyl; Ether, methyl; Methane, oxybis-; Methoxymethane; Methyl ether; Methyl oxide; Oxybismethane; Wood ether; UN1033; [ChemIDplus]
Category
Ethers (<C12)
Description
Colorless compressed gas or liquid with a slight ether-like odor; [HSDB]
Sources/Uses
Used as solvent, propellant, refrigerant, chemical intermediate, and polymerization catalyst and stabilizer; [HSDB]
Comments
In animal studies at lethal concentrations, dimethyl ether acts as a general anesthetic. [ChemIDplus] Liquid will cause frostbite. [CHRIS] Dimethyl ether is in the list of "Some volatile substances which may be abused by inhalation" published on the web site of the U.N. International Drug Control Programme, indicating its potential to cause narcosis in workers. [Reference #1] Caused slight intoxication at 50,000 ppm, some incoordination at 82,000 ppm, an unconsciousness at 200,000 ppm (after 17 minutes) in human volunteers; [AIHA]
Reference Link #1
Biomedical References

Exposure Assessment

MAK
1000 ppm
Vapor Pressure
4450 mm Hg
Lethal Concentration
LC50 (rat) = 164,000 ppm/4-hr
Explanatory Notes
VP from HSDB;
NFPA
burn readily
WEEL
1000 ppm

Adverse Effects

Neurotoxin
Acute solvent syndrome

Diseases, Processes, and Activities Linked to This Agent

Diseases

Occupational diseases associated with exposure to this agent:

Processes

Industrial Processes with risk of exposure: