Diglyme

Fire Extinguishing Agents: Dry chemical, foam, carbon dioxide (USCG, 1999)

Use water spray, powder, foam, carbon dioxide. In case of fire: keep drums, etc., cool by spraying with water.

Fresh air, rest.

Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse skin with plenty of water or shower.

First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then refer for medical attention.

Rinse mouth. Give one or two glasses of water to drink.

EYES: First check the victim for contact lenses and remove if present. Flush victim's eyes with water or normal saline solution for 20 to 30 minutes while simultaneously calling a hospital or poison control center. Do not put any ointments, oils, or medication in the victim's eyes without specific instructions from a physician. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim after flushing eyes to a hospital even if no symptoms (such as redness or irritation) develop.

SMALL SPILLS AND LEAKAGE: If you should spill this chemical, use absorbent paper to pick up all liquid spill material. Seal the absorbent paper, as well as any of your clothing which may be contaminated, in a vapor-tight plastic bag for eventual disposal. Wash any surfaces you may have contaminated with a strong soap and water solution. Do not reenter the contaminated area until the Safety Officer (or other responsible person) has verified that the area has been properly cleaned.

SRP: The most favorable course of action is to use an alternative chemical product with less inherent propensity for occupational exposure or environmental contamination. Recycle any unused portion of the material for its approved use or return it to the manufacturer or supplier. Ultimate disposal of the chemical must consider: the material's impact on air quality; potential migration in soil or water; effects on animal, aquatic, and plant life; and conformance with environmental and public health regulations.

Personal protection: filter respirator for organic gases and vapours adapted to the airborne concentration of the substance. Remove all ignition sources. Ventilation. Collect leaking and spilled liquid in sealable containers as far as possible. Absorb remaining liquid in sand or inert absorbent. Then store and dispose of according to local regulations.

LC50 Rana brevipoda porosa /(Frog)/ 8300 mg/kg bw for 48 hr /Conditions of bioassay not specified in source examined/

LC50 Leuciscus idus /(Ide)/ >2000 mg/L for 96 hr /Conditions of bioassay not specified in source examined/

TERRESTRIAL FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 15(SRC), determined from a log Kow of -0.36(2) and a regression-derived equation(3), indicates that diethylene glycol dimethyl ether is expected to have very high mobility in soil(SRC). Volatilization of diethylene glycol dimethyl ether from moist soil surfaces is not expected to be an important fate process(SRC) given an estimated Henry's Law constant of 5.2X10-7 atm-cu m/mole(SRC), derived from its vapor pressure, 2.96 mm Hg(4), and assigned value for water solubility of 1X10+6 mg/L (miscible)(5). Diethylene glycol dimethyl ether is expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces(SRC) based upon its vapor pressure(4). Diethylene glycol dimethyl ether was degraded 33% after 25 days and a 7 day lag period using an activated sludge from an industry producing the chemical(6), indicating that biodegradation may be an important environmental fate process in soil(SRC).

AQUATIC FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 15(SRC), determined from a log Kow of -0.36(2) and a regression-derived equation(3), indicates that diethylene glycol dimethyl ether is not expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment(SRC). Volatilization from water surfaces is not expected(3) based upon an estimated Henry's Law constant of 5.2X10-7 atm-cu m/mole(SRC), derived from its vapor pressure, 2.96 mm Hg(4), and assigned value for water solubility of 1X10+6 mg/L (miscible)(5). According to a classification scheme(6), an estimated BCF of 3(SRC), from its log Kow(2) and a regression-derived equation(7), suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low(SRC). Diethylene glycol dimethyl ether was biodegraded 33% after 25 days and a 7 day lag period using an activated sludge from an industry producing the chemical(8), indicating that biodegradation may be an important environmental fate process in water(SRC).

ATMOSPHERIC FATE: According to a model of gas/particle partitioning of semivolatile organic compounds in the atmosphere(1), diethylene glycol dimethyl ether, which has a vapor pressure of 2.96 mm Hg at 25 °C(2), is expected to exist solely as a vapor in the ambient atmosphere. Vapor-phase diethylene glycol dimethyl ether is degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals(SRC); the half-life for this reaction in air is estimated to be 22 hours(SRC), calculated from its rate constant of 1.75X10-11 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(3). Diethylene glycol dimethyl ether does not contain chromophores that absorb at wavelengths >290 nm and therefore is not expected to be susceptible to direct photolysis by sunlight(4).

Cough. Shortness of breath.

MAY BE ABSORBED! Redness.

Redness. Pain.

Burning sensation.

Diethylene glycol dimethyl ether was found at concentrations of 400 mg/L in activated sludge from the waste treatment facility of the industry producing the chemical(1).

Diethylene glycol dimethyl ether in diluted vehicle exhaust from a light-duty truck using different fuel types(1). [Table#203]

The Koc of diethylene glycol dimethyl ether is estimated as 15(SRC), using a log Kow of -0.36(1) and a regression-derived equation(2). According to a classification scheme(3), this estimated Koc value suggests that diethylene glycol dimethyl ether is expected to have very high mobility in soil.

Subchronic toxicity was evaluated in 5 groups of 20 male CD rats exposed nose-only by inhalation to diglyme (diethylene glycol dimethyl ether) at air concentrations of 0, 3.1, 9.9, 30, and 98 ppm for 6 hours/day, 5 days/week, over 2 weeks. An interim sacrifice of 10 rats from each treatment group was performed immediately after the last dosing. The remaining 10 rats were sacrificed after a 14-day observation period. No mortalities were reported. A slight depression in body weight and body weight gain was observed during days 1 to 12 of the study in the group exposed to 98 ppm (p < 0.05). After the 2-week recovery period, testicular atrophy and exfoliated degenerative germ cells were observed among the rats exposed to 98 ppm. No treatment-related clinical signs, gross lesions, or organ weight changes were observed. Hematology, urinalysis, and clinical chemistry results were not reported.

Reproductive toxicity was evaluated in groups of 10 pregnant Charles River CD female mice receiving an oral gavage dose of diethylene glycol dimethyl ether at 10 ml/kg body weight on gestation days 7 through 14. Maternal mortality, clinical observations and gross necropsy were not reported. There was a significant reduction (p<0.05) in the number of live pups per litter.

/GENOTOXICITY/ 2-Methoxyethanol and bis(2-methoxyethyl)ether were subjected to the ... unscheduled DNA synthesis (UDS) assay in human embryo fibroblasts ... UDS in fibroblasts were not increased by either compound.

/OTHER TOXICITY INFORMATION/ The ethers of diethylene glycol are lower in toxicity than the ethers of ethylene glycol, but they have many similar characteristics. /Diethylene glycol ethers/

/EPIDEMIOLOGY STUDIES/ Ethylene glycol ethers (EGEs) including diglyme are used in the manufacture of semiconductors. Epidemiological studies of semiconductor populations evaluated potential adverse reproductive outcomes. ... In each of these studies, workers were exposed to mixtures including diglyme but not to diglyme alone. ... Exposure to EGEs was determined using questionnaires from subjects about the work performed and an assessment of the work environment by industrial hygienists, but no measurements of personal or area exposures were made. Workers in the fabrication area were considered exposed to EGEs. For the retrospective study, information on pregnancy outcomes and potential confounders (age, smoking, ethnicity, education, income, year of pregnancy, and stress) was obtained through a comprehensive interviewer-administered interview of female employees. The prospective study of early fetal loss and fecundity (probability of conception per menstrual cycle) was conducted in a subset of female employees from five plants. Daily diaries and measurements of daily urinary human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) levels for 6 months were collected in addition to the comprehensive interview. Of the 891 medically verified pregnancies identified for the retrospective study, 774 (86.9%) were live births, 113 (12.7%) were spontaneous abortions, and 4 (0.4%) were stillbirths. The overall unadjusted relative risk (RR) for spontaneous abortions was 1.45 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.02-2.05) and changed little after adjusting for confounders (adjusted RR =1.43; 95% CI = 0.95-2.09). When stratified by work group, the risk of spontaneous abortion was statistically significantly increased for female workers in the photolithography group (RR = 1.67; 95% CI = 1.04-2.55) and in the etching group (RR = 2.08; 95% CI = 1.27-3.19). For women working with higher levels of EGE only in masking, the risk for spontaneous abortion was increased 3-fold (RR = 3.38; 95% CI = 1.61-5.73). In the prospective study, no statistically significant differences were detected in the overall rate of spontaneous abortions between fabrication and non-fabrication workers or when pregnancy outcomes were examined by work group. However, the ability to conceive was lower among female workers exposed to EGEs (fertility rate [FR] = 0.37; 95% CI = 0.11-1.19). /Ethylene glycol ethers/

/EPIDEMIOLOGY STUDIES/ Painters exposed to the solvent 2-methoxyethanol, which is also a metabolite of diglyme, were found to have an increased prevalence of oligospermia and azoospermia. ... Semen samples from 73 painters and 40 controls from a shipyard were analysed. The painters were exposed by inhalation to 0-17.7 mg 2-methoxyethanol/ cu m (mean 2.6 mg/cu m) and to 0-80.5 mg 2-ethoxyethanol (= ethylene glycol monoethyl ether)/cu m (mean 9.9 mg/cu m). Skin contact with 2-methoxyethanol and 2-ethoxyethanol was also considered possible. Exposure to numerous other substances, including organic solvents and metals, was also known to occur. While no effects were seen in hormone levels or in sperm viability, motility, and morphology, the prevalence of those with oligospermia differed between the groups. The proportion of men with a sperm density 100 million/cm3 was higher in the exposed group than in the unexposed group (33% vs. 20%; P = 0.20). The proportion of those with oligospermia among painters who did not smoke compared with controls was 36% vs. 16% (P = 0.05). The proportion of those with oligospermia was similar between painters and controls who smoked (30% vs. 38%; P = 0.49). The proportion of painters with azoospermia was 5% compared with 0% in the controls. /2-Methoxyethanol/

AEROBIC: Diethylene glycol dimethyl ether had a 37.0% COD removal at 30 °C from a starting concentration of 600 mg COD/L (time period not given) indicating little degradation compared to 95% degradation of ethylene glycol monophenyl ether(1). Diethylene glycol dimethyl ether was degraded 33% after 25 days and a 7 day lag period using an activated sludge from an industry producing the chemical(2). 40% was removed in a 1% salt solution after 25 days with a 20 day lag period, higher salt concentrations inhibited the degradation of diethylene glycol dimethyl ether(2).

An estimated BCF of 3 was calculated in fish for diethylene glycol dimethyl ether(SRC), using a log Kow of -0.36(1) and a regression-derived equation(2). According to a classification scheme(3), this BCF suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low(SRC).

Section 8(a) of TSCA requires manufacturers of this chemical substance to report preliminary assessment information concerned with production, exposure, and use to EPA as cited in the preamble in 51 FR 41329.

Pursuant to section 8(d) of TSCA, EPA promulgated a model Health and Safety Data Reporting Rule. The section 8(d) model rule requires manufacturers, importers, and processors of listed chemical substances and mixtures to submit to EPA copies and lists of unpublished health and safety studies. Diethylene glycol dimethyl ether is included on this list.

This action promulgates standards of performance for equipment leaks of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) in the Synthetic Organic Chemical Manufacturing Industry (SOCMI). The intended effect of these standards is to require all newly constructed, modified, and reconstructed SOCMI process units to use the best demonstrated system of continuous emission reduction for equipment leaks of VOC, considering costs, non air quality health and environmental impact and energy requirements. Diethylene glycol dimethyl ether is produced, as an intermediate or final product, by process units covered under this subpart.

Used as a solvent and chemical intermediate; [Merck Index] Used in the coating industry and in photolithography to make semiconductor chips; Also used in adhesives, sealants, and automotive care products; [Reference #1]

Semiconductor Manufacturing [Category: Industry]

Solvent; reaction medium for Grignard and similar syntheses.

Diethylene glycol dimethyl ether is used as a solvent in chemical reactions involving metals and organometallic compounds.

Solubilizer

Used in production of plastics.

2023: 850,000 - <1,000,000 lb

(1972) PROBABLY GREATER THAN 4.54X10+5 GRAMS

(1975) PROBABLY GREATER THAN 4.54X10+5 GRAMS

(1982) 4.72X10+10 g /Diethylene glycol ethers/

(2006) 1,612 million lb annual capacity /Glycol ethers/

For more U.S. Production (Complete) data for DIETHYLENE GLYCOL DIMETHYL ETHER (6 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Ethylene glycol ethers are produced by reacting ethylene oxide with alcohols in the presence of either acidic or basic catalysts. Temperature, pressure, mole ratios of reactants, and catalysts are chosen to yield the desired product mix.

Diethylene glycol + dimethyl sulfate (ether formation)

Ethylene glycol monoethers are usually produced by reaction of ethylene oxide with the appropriate alcohol. A mixture of homologues is obtained ... The glycol monoethers can be converted to diethers by alkylation with common alkylating agents, such as dimethyl sulfate or alkyl halides ( Williamson synthesis). Glycol dimethyl ethers are formed by treatment of dimethyl ether with ethylene oxide. /Ethers/

Electrical Equipment, Appliance, and Component Manufacturing

Ethane, 1,1'-oxybis[2-methoxy-: ACTIVE

Diglyme can be effectively used as an odor-attractant solvent without reducing the attractiveness of the chemical additive, eg, decanoic acid, trimethylammonium decanoate, and trimethylamine. Odorants dissolved in diglyme can be added to aqueous solutions, such as coyote urine. Also, diglyme has a low freezing point so its use as an odor solvent increases the temperature range in which an odor can be effectively used.