2426-08-6

Production Methods

n-Butyl glycidyl ether (BGE) is made by the condensation of n-butyl alcohol and epichlorohydrin with subsequent dehydrochlorination with caustic to form the epoxy ring.

Air & Water Reactions

Highly flammable. Butyl glycidyl ether may be sensitive to prolonged exposure to air, may form explosive peroxide in contact with air.

Reactivity Profile

Butyl glycidyl ether, an ether, can act as a base. They form salts with strong acids and addition complexes with Lewis acids. The complex between diethyl ether and boron trifluoride is an example. Ethers may react violently with strong oxidizing agents. In other reactions, which typically involve the breaking of the carbon-oxygen bond, ethers are relatively inert.

Hazard

A mild skin and eye irritant. Sensitization and reproduction effects.

Health Hazard

Exposure can cause mild irritation of skin, eyes, nose, and respiratory tract. Chronic exposure may cause inflammation and sensitization of the skin.

Flammability and Explosibility

Flammable

Contact allergens

A reactive diluent used to reduce viscosity of epoxy resins Bisphenol A type.

Safety Profile

Suspected Carcinogen. Moderately toxic by ingestion, skin contact, and inuaperitoneal routes. Mildly toxic by inhalation. An experimental teratogen. Mutation data reported. A sktn and severe eye irritant. See also ETHERS. When heated to decomposition it emits acrid and irritating fumes.

Potential Exposure

NIOSH has estimated human exposures @ 18,000. Used as reactive diluent for epoxy resins, flooring, laminating, and electrical; and as a stabilizer, viscosity-reducing agent, as acid acceptor for solvents; and as a chemical intermediate

Carcinogenicity

BGE was mutagenic in bacterial assays, and DNA damage was induced in human cells in vitro.

Shipping

UN1993 Flammable liquids, n.o.s., Hazard Class: 3; Labels: 3—Flammable liquid, Technical Name Required

Incompatibilities

May form explosive mixture with air. Air and light form unstable and explosive peroxides. Contact with strong oxidizers may cause fire and explosions. Contact with strong caustics may cause polymerization. Attacks some plastics and rubber

Waste Disposal

Dissolve or mix the material with a combustible solvent and burn in a chemical incinerator equipped with an afterburner and scrubber. All federal, state, and local environmental regulations must be observed.

General Description

Colorless to pale yellow liquid with a strong, slightly unpleasant odor. Flash point approximately 164°F. Denser than water. Vapors are heavier than air. Vapors may irritate the nose, throat and respiratory tract. Ingestion or inhalation may cause central nervous system depression. Liquid contact may severely irritate the eyes and skin. Prolonged contact with the skin may cause defatting and drying.