NIOSH Publication No. 2005-151:

NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards

September 2005

Isopropyl ether

CAS
108-20-3

(CH3)2CHOCH(CH3)2

RTECS
TZ5425000
Synonyms & Trade Names

Diisopropyl ether, Diisopropyl oxide, 2-Isopropoxy propane
DOT ID & Guide
1159 / 127

Exposure
Limits

NIOSH REL: TWA 500 ppm (2100 mg/m3)
OSHA PEL: TWA 500 ppm (2100 mg/m3)
IDLH
1400 ppm [10%LEL] See: 108203
Conversion
1 ppm = 4.18 mg/m3
Physical Description
Colorless liquid with a sharp, sweet, ether-like odor.
MW: 102.2
BP: 154°F
FRZ: -76°F
Sol: 0.2%
VP: 119 mmHg
IP: 9.20 eV

Sp.Gr: 0.73
Fl.P: -18°F
UEL: 7.9%
LEL: 1.4%

Class IB Flammable Liquid: Fl.P. below 73°F and BP at or above 100°F.
Incompatibilities & Reactivities

Strong oxidizers, acids [Note: Unstable peroxides may form on long contact with air.]
Measurement Methods
NIOSH 1618; OSHA 7
See: NMAM or OSHA Methods
Personal Protection & Sanitation
(See protection)
Skin: Prevent skin contact
Eyes: Prevent eye contact
Wash skin: When contaminated
Remove: When wet (flammable)
Change: No recommendation

First Aid
(See procedures)
Eye: Irrigate immediately
Skin: Soap wash promptly
Breathing: Respiratory support
Swallow: Medical attention immediately
Respirator Recommendations
NIOSH/OSHA
Up to 1400 ppm:
(APF = 10) Any chemical cartridge respirator with organic vapor cartridge(s)*
(APF = 25) Any powered, air-purifying respirator with organic vapor cartridge(s)*
(APF = 50) Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator (gas mask) with a chin-style, front- or back-mounted organic vapor canister
(APF = 10) Any supplied-air respirator*
(APF = 50) Any self-contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece
Emergency or planned entry into unknown concentrations or IDLH conditions:
(APF = 10,000) Any self-contained breathing apparatus that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode
(APF = 10,000) Any supplied-air respirator that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode in combination with an auxiliary self-contained positive-pressure breathing apparatus
Escape:
(APF = 50) Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator (gas mask) with a chin-style, front- or back-mounted organic vapor canister/Any appropriate escape-type, self-contained breathing apparatus
Important additional information about respirator selection
Exposure Routes
inhalation, ingestion, skin and/or eye contact
Symptoms
Irritation eyes, skin, nose; respiratory discomfort; dermatitis; in animals: drowsiness, dizziness, unconsciousness, narcosis
Target Organs
Eyes, skin, respiratory system, central nervous system
See also: INTRODUCTION   See ICSC CARD: 0906