Diethyl sulfate

Synonyms

DES (VAN); Diaethylsulfat [German]; Diethyl sulphate; Diethyl tetraoxosulfate; Diethylester kyseliny sirove [Czech]; Ethyl sulfate; Sulfuric acid, diethyl ester; [ChemIDplus] UN1594

Category

Other Toxic Gases & Vapors

Description

Colorless liquid with an odor of peppermint; darkens with age; [Merck Index] Colorless oily liquid; [MSDSonline]

Sources/Uses

Used mainly to make dyes; Also used as an ethylating agent (pigment production), a finishing agent (textile manufacturing), a dye-set agent (carbonless paper), and an accelerator (sulfation of ethylene); Also used in agricultural chemicals, household products, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics; [HSDB]

Comments

A skin, eye, and respiratory tract irritant; May cause pulmonary edema; [ICSC] May cause severe burns to eyes and skin; [HSDB] May be fatal by ingestion, inhalation, and skin absorption; [CAMEO] "Germ cell mutagens that have shown to increase the mutant frequency in the progeny of exposed mammals." [MAK] Decomposes in water and releases sulfuric acid; A corrosive substance that can cause injury to the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract; Inhalation may cause chemical pneumonitis; May be absorbed through skin; [MSDSonline]

Biomedical References

0.212 mm Hg

LCLo (rat) = 250 ppm/4h

Explanatory Notes

Flash point = 104 deg C; [ICSC] VP from ChemIDplus;

must be preheated

Yes

Yes

Skin burns

Probable (2a)

Anticipated human carcinogen

Processes

Industrial Processes with risk of exposure:

• Farming (Pesticides)
• Pulp and Paper Processing
• Textiles (Printing, Dyeing, or Finishing)