NIOSH Publication No. 2005-151:

NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards

September 2005

Ketene

CAS
463-51-4

CH2=CO

RTECS
OA7700000
Synonyms & Trade Names

Carbomethene, Ethenone, Keto-ethylene
DOT ID & Guide

Exposure
Limits

NIOSH REL: TWA 0.5 ppm (0.9 mg/m3) ST 1.5 ppm (3 mg/m3)
OSHA PEL†: TWA 0.5 ppm (0.9 mg/m3)
IDLH
5 ppm See: 463514
Conversion
1 ppm = 1.72 mg/m3
Physical Description
Colorless gas with a penetrating odor.
MW: 42.0
BP: -69°F
FRZ: -238°F
Sol: Reacts
VP: >1 atm
IP: 9.61 eV
RGasD: 1.45

Fl.P: NA (Gas)
UEL: ?
LEL: ?

Flammable Gas
Incompatibilities & Reactivities

Water, alcohols, ammonia [Note: Readily polymerizes. Reacts with water to form acetic acid.]
Measurement Methods
NIOSH S92 (II-2)
See: NMAM or OSHA Methods
Personal Protection & Sanitation
(See protection)
Skin: No recommendation
Eyes: No recommendation
Wash skin: No recommendation
Remove: No recommendation
Change: No recommendation

First Aid
(See procedures)


Breathing: Respiratory support

Respirator Recommendations
NIOSH/OSHA
Up to 5 ppm:
(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, skin and/or eye contact
Symptoms
Irritation eyes, skin, nose, throat, respiratory system; pulmonary edema
Target Organs
Eyes, skin, respiratory system
See also: INTRODUCTION   See ICSC CARD: 0812   See MEDICAL TESTS: 0126