DIMETHYL SULFATE
The
Chemical Identifier fields
include common identification numbers, the
NFPA diamond
U.S. Department of Transportation hazard labels, and a general
description of the chemical. The information in CAMEO Chemicals comes
from a variety of
data sources.
CAS Number | UN/NA Number |
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DOT Hazard Label | USCG CHRIS Code |
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NIOSH Pocket Guide | International Chem Safety Card |
Dimethyl sulfate |
NFPA 704
Diamond | Hazard | Value | Description | |||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Health | 4 | Can be lethal. | |||||||||
Flammability | 2 | Must be moderately heated or exposed to relatively high ambient temperatures before ignition can occur. | ||||||||||
Instability | 1 | Normally stable but can become unstable at elevated temperatures and pressures. | ||||||||||
Special |
(NFPA, 2010)
General Description
Dimethyl sulfate is a colorless oily liquid, odorless to a faint onion-like odor. It is very toxic by inhalation. It is a combustible liquid and has a flash point of 182°F. It is slightly soluble in water and decomposed by water to give sulfuric acid with evolution of heat. It is corrosive to metals and tissue. It is a potent methylating agent.
The
Hazard fields
include
special hazard alerts
air and water
reactions, fire hazards, health hazards, a reactivity profile, and
details about
reactive groups assignments
and
potentially incompatible absorbents.
The information in CAMEO Chemicals comes from a variety of
data sources.
Reactivity Alerts
- Water-Reactive
Air & Water Reactions
Water soluble.
Fire Hazard
Material is normally stable even under fire exposure conditions and is not hazardously reactive with water. It is incompatible with strong oxidizers and strong ammonia solutions. (EPA, 1998)
Health Hazard
Acute: extremely toxic vapors and liquid -- a few whiffs or contact on skin could be fatal. Also acutely toxic if ingested. Delayed effects which are ultimately fatal may also occur. Lethal concentrations as low as 97 ppm/10 min have been reported in humans. DNA inhibition and damage to human somatic cells, and sister chromatid exchange in human fibroblast cells were observed. Delayed appearance of symptoms may permit unnoticed exposure to lethal quantities. (EPA, 1998)
Reactivity Profile
Pure DIMETHYL SULFATE and concentrated aqueous ammonia react extremely violently with one another, as is the case for tertiary organic bases, [NFPA 491M, 1991]. Dimethyl sulfate ignites in contact with unheated barium chlorite, due to the rapid formation of unstable methyl chlorite. The product of methylating an unnamed material at 110°C was allowed to remain in a reactor for 80 min. before the reactor exploded. This involved a sulfur ester such as dimethyl sulfate, [MCA Case History No. 1786].
Belongs to the Following Reactive Group(s)
Potentially Incompatible Absorbents
No information available.
The
Response Recommendation fields
include isolation and evacuation distances, as well as recommendations for
firefighting, non-fire response, protective clothing, and first aid. The
information in CAMEO Chemicals comes from a variety of
data sources.
Isolation and Evacuation
Excerpt from ERG Guide 156 [Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Combustible / Water-Sensitive)]:
IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE: Isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters (75 feet) for solids.
SPILL: See ERG Table 1 - Initial Isolation and Protective Action Distances on the UN/NA 1595 datasheet.
FIRE: If tank, rail tank car or highway tank is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions. (ERG, 2024)
IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE: Isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters (75 feet) for solids.
SPILL: See ERG Table 1 - Initial Isolation and Protective Action Distances on the UN/NA 1595 datasheet.
FIRE: If tank, rail tank car or highway tank is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions. (ERG, 2024)
Firefighting
Wear positive pressure breathing apparatus and special protective clothing. Dike fire control water for later disposal. Do not scatter material.
To extinguish small fires use water, foam, carbon dioxide, and dry chemicals. For large fires use water spray, fog, or foam. Move container from fire area if you can do it without risk. Cool containers exposed to flames with water. Fight fire from a maximum distance. (EPA, 1998)
To extinguish small fires use water, foam, carbon dioxide, and dry chemicals. For large fires use water spray, fog, or foam. Move container from fire area if you can do it without risk. Cool containers exposed to flames with water. Fight fire from a maximum distance. (EPA, 1998)
Non-Fire Response
Excerpt from ERG Guide 156 [Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Combustible / Water-Sensitive)]:
ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames) from immediate area. All equipment used when handling the product must be grounded. Do not touch damaged containers or spilled material unless wearing appropriate protective clothing. Stop leak if you can do it without risk. A vapor-suppressing foam may be used to reduce vapors. FOR CHLOROSILANES, use alcohol-resistant foam to reduce vapors. DO NOT GET WATER on spilled substance or inside containers. Use water spray to reduce vapors or divert vapor cloud drift. Avoid allowing water runoff to contact spilled material. Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas.
SMALL SPILL: Cover with DRY earth, DRY sand or other non-combustible material followed with plastic sheet to minimize spreading or contact with rain. Use clean, non-sparking tools to collect material and place it into loosely covered plastic containers for later disposal. (ERG, 2024)
ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames) from immediate area. All equipment used when handling the product must be grounded. Do not touch damaged containers or spilled material unless wearing appropriate protective clothing. Stop leak if you can do it without risk. A vapor-suppressing foam may be used to reduce vapors. FOR CHLOROSILANES, use alcohol-resistant foam to reduce vapors. DO NOT GET WATER on spilled substance or inside containers. Use water spray to reduce vapors or divert vapor cloud drift. Avoid allowing water runoff to contact spilled material. Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas.
SMALL SPILL: Cover with DRY earth, DRY sand or other non-combustible material followed with plastic sheet to minimize spreading or contact with rain. Use clean, non-sparking tools to collect material and place it into loosely covered plastic containers for later disposal. (ERG, 2024)
Protective Clothing
Excerpt from NIOSH Pocket Guide for Dimethyl sulfate:
Skin: PREVENT SKIN CONTACT - Wear appropriate personal protective clothing to prevent skin contact.
Eyes: PREVENT EYE CONTACT - Wear appropriate eye protection to prevent eye contact.
Wash skin: WHEN CONTAMINATED - The worker should immediately wash the skin when it becomes contaminated.
Remove: WHEN WET OR CONTAMINATED - Work clothing that becomes wet or significantly contaminated should be removed and replaced.
Change: No recommendation is made specifying the need for the worker to change clothing after the workshift.
Provide:
• EYEWASH - Eyewash fountains should be provided in areas where there is any possibility that workers could be exposed to the substances; this is irrespective of the recommendation involving the wearing of eye protection.
• QUICK DRENCH - Facilities for quickly drenching the body should be provided within the immediate work area for emergency use where there is a possibility of exposure. [Note: It is intended that these facilities provide a sufficient quantity or flow of water to quickly remove the substance from any body areas likely to be exposed. The actual determination of what constitutes an adequate quick drench facility depends on the specific circumstances. In certain instances, a deluge shower should be readily available, whereas in others, the availability of water from a sink or hose could be considered adequate.] (NIOSH, 2024)
Skin: PREVENT SKIN CONTACT - Wear appropriate personal protective clothing to prevent skin contact.
Eyes: PREVENT EYE CONTACT - Wear appropriate eye protection to prevent eye contact.
Wash skin: WHEN CONTAMINATED - The worker should immediately wash the skin when it becomes contaminated.
Remove: WHEN WET OR CONTAMINATED - Work clothing that becomes wet or significantly contaminated should be removed and replaced.
Change: No recommendation is made specifying the need for the worker to change clothing after the workshift.
Provide:
• EYEWASH - Eyewash fountains should be provided in areas where there is any possibility that workers could be exposed to the substances; this is irrespective of the recommendation involving the wearing of eye protection.
• QUICK DRENCH - Facilities for quickly drenching the body should be provided within the immediate work area for emergency use where there is a possibility of exposure. [Note: It is intended that these facilities provide a sufficient quantity or flow of water to quickly remove the substance from any body areas likely to be exposed. The actual determination of what constitutes an adequate quick drench facility depends on the specific circumstances. In certain instances, a deluge shower should be readily available, whereas in others, the availability of water from a sink or hose could be considered adequate.] (NIOSH, 2024)
DuPont Tychem® Suit Fabrics
Tychem® Fabric Legend
QS = Tychem 2000 SFR |
QC = Tychem 2000 |
SL = Tychem 4000 |
C3 = Tychem 5000 |
TF = Tychem 6000 |
TP = Tychem 6000 FR |
RC = Tychem RESPONDER® CSM |
TK = Tychem 10000 |
RF = Tychem 10000 FR |
Testing Details
The fabric permeation data was generated for DuPont by a third party
laboratory. Permeation data for industrial chemicals is obtained per
ASTM F739. Normalized breakthrough times (the time at which the
permeation rate exceeds 0.1 μg/cm2/min) are reported in minutes. All
chemicals have been tested between approximately 20°C and 27°C unless
otherwise stated. All chemicals have been tested at a concentration of
greater than 95% unless otherwise stated.
Chemical warfare agents (Lewisite, Sarin, Soman, Sulfur Mustard, Tabun
and VX Nerve Agent) have been tested at 22°C and 50% relative humidity
per military standard MIL-STD-282. "Breakthrough time" for chemical
warfare agents is defined as the time when the cumulative mass which
permeated through the fabric exceeds the limit in MIL-STD-282 [either
1.25 or 4.0 μg/cm2].
A Caution from DuPont
This information is based upon technical data that DuPont believes to
be reliable on the date issued. It is subject to revision as additional
knowledge and experience are gained. The information reflects
laboratory performance of fabrics, not complete garments, under
controlled conditions. It is intended for informational use by persons
having technical skill for evaluation under their specific end-use
conditions, at their own discretion and risk. It is the user's
responsibility to determine the level of toxicity and the proper
personal protective equipment needed. Anyone intending to use this
information should first verify that the garment selected is suitable
for the intended use. In many cases, seams and closures have shorter
breakthrough times and higher permeation rates than the fabric. If
fabric becomes torn,abraded or punctured, or if seams or closures fail,
or if attached gloves, visors, etc. are damaged, end user should
discontinue use of garment to avoid potential exposure to chemical.
Since conditions of use are outside our control, DuPont makes no
warranties, express or implied, including, without limitation, no
warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular use and
assume no liability in connection with any use of this information.
This information is not intended as a license to operate under or a
recommendation to infringe any patent, trademark or technical
information of DuPont or others covering any material or its use.
Chemical | CAS Number | State | QS | QC | SL | C3 | TF | TP | RC | TK | RF |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Dimethyl sulfate | 77-78-1 | Liquid | >480 | >480 | >480 | >480 | >480 | >480 | >480 | ||
Sulfuric acid dimethyl ester | 77-78-1 | Liquid | >480 | >480 | >480 | >480 | >480 | >480 | >480 |
> indicates greater than.
Special Warning from DuPont: Tychem® and Tyvek® fabrics should not be used around heat, flames, sparks or in potentially flammable or explosive environments. Only...
...Tychem® ThermoPro, Tychem® Reflector® and Tychem® TK styles 600T/601T
(with aluminized outer suit) garments are designed and tested to help
reduce burn injury during escape from a flash fire. Users of Tychem®
ThermoPro, Tychem® Reflector® and Tychem® TK styles 600T/601T (with
aluminized outer suit) garments should not knowingly enter an explosive
environment. Tychem® garments with attached socks must be worn inside
protective outer footwear and are not suitable as outer footwear. These
attached socks do not have adequate durability or slip resistance to be
worn as the outer foot covering.
(DuPont, 2024)
First Aid
Warning: Symptoms may be delayed up to 12 hours.
Signs and Symptoms of Dimethyl Sulfate Exposure: Dimethyl sulfate is irritating to the eyes, skin, mucous membranes, and respiratory tract. Severe dermal burns may be seen. Headache and giddiness are early signs of acute exposure which may be followed by changes in vision, lacrimation (tearing), photophobia, cough, difficulty in breathing, nausea, and vomiting. In severe cases, seizures, paralysis, delirium, and coma may occur.
Emergency Life-Support Procedures: Acute exposure to dimethyl sulfate may require decontamination and life support for the victims. Emergency personnel should wear protective clothing appropriate to the type and degree of contamination. Air-purifying or supplied-air respiratory equipment should also be worn, as necessary. Rescue vehicles should carry supplies such as plastic sheeting and disposable plastic bags to assist in preventing spread of contamination.
Inhalation Exposure:
1. Move victims to fresh air. Emergency personnel should avoid self-exposure to dimethyl sulfate.
2. Evaluate vital signs including pulse and respiratory rate, and note any trauma. If no pulse is detected, provide CPR. If not breathing, provide artificial respiration. If breathing is labored, administer oxygen or other respiratory support.
3. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for administration of an antidote or performance of other invasive procedures.
4. Transport to a health care facility.
Dermal/Eye Exposure:
1. Remove victims from exposure. Emergency personnel should avoid self-exposure to dimethyl sulfate.
2. Evaluate vital signs including pulse and respiratory rate, and note any trauma. If no pulse is detected, provide CPR. If not breathing, provide artificial respiration. If breathing is labored, administer oxygen or other respiratory support.
3. Remove contaminated clothing as soon as possible.
4. If eye exposure has occurred, eyes must be flushed with copious amounts of lukewarm water for at least 15 minutes.
5. Wash exposed skin areas thoroughly with soap and water.
6. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for administration of an antidote or performance of other invasive procedures.
7. Transport to a health care facility.
Ingestion Exposure:
1. Evaluate vital signs including pulse and respiratory rate, and note any trauma. If no pulse is detected, provide CPR. If not breathing, provide artificial respiration. If breathing is labored, administer oxygen or other respiratory support.
2. DO NOT induce vomiting or attempt to neutralize!
3. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for administration of an antidote or performance of other invasive procedures.
4. Give the victims water or milk: children up to 1 year old, 125 mL (4 oz or 1/2 cup); children 1 to 12 years old, 200 mL (6 oz or 3/4 cup); adults, 250 mL (8 oz or 1 cup). Water or milk should be given only if victims are conscious and alert.
5. Activated charcoal may be administered if victims are conscious and alert. Use 15 to 30 g (1/2 to 1 oz) for children, 50 to 100 g (1-3/4 to 3-1/2 oz) for adults, with 125 to 250 mL (1/2 to 1 cup) of water.
6. Promote excretion by administering a saline cathartic or sorbitol to conscious and alert victims. Children require 15 to 30 g (1/2 to 1 oz) of cathartic; 50 to 100 g (1-3/4 to 3- 1/2 oz) is recommended for adults.
7. Transport to a health care facility. (EPA, 1998)
Signs and Symptoms of Dimethyl Sulfate Exposure: Dimethyl sulfate is irritating to the eyes, skin, mucous membranes, and respiratory tract. Severe dermal burns may be seen. Headache and giddiness are early signs of acute exposure which may be followed by changes in vision, lacrimation (tearing), photophobia, cough, difficulty in breathing, nausea, and vomiting. In severe cases, seizures, paralysis, delirium, and coma may occur.
Emergency Life-Support Procedures: Acute exposure to dimethyl sulfate may require decontamination and life support for the victims. Emergency personnel should wear protective clothing appropriate to the type and degree of contamination. Air-purifying or supplied-air respiratory equipment should also be worn, as necessary. Rescue vehicles should carry supplies such as plastic sheeting and disposable plastic bags to assist in preventing spread of contamination.
Inhalation Exposure:
1. Move victims to fresh air. Emergency personnel should avoid self-exposure to dimethyl sulfate.
2. Evaluate vital signs including pulse and respiratory rate, and note any trauma. If no pulse is detected, provide CPR. If not breathing, provide artificial respiration. If breathing is labored, administer oxygen or other respiratory support.
3. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for administration of an antidote or performance of other invasive procedures.
4. Transport to a health care facility.
Dermal/Eye Exposure:
1. Remove victims from exposure. Emergency personnel should avoid self-exposure to dimethyl sulfate.
2. Evaluate vital signs including pulse and respiratory rate, and note any trauma. If no pulse is detected, provide CPR. If not breathing, provide artificial respiration. If breathing is labored, administer oxygen or other respiratory support.
3. Remove contaminated clothing as soon as possible.
4. If eye exposure has occurred, eyes must be flushed with copious amounts of lukewarm water for at least 15 minutes.
5. Wash exposed skin areas thoroughly with soap and water.
6. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for administration of an antidote or performance of other invasive procedures.
7. Transport to a health care facility.
Ingestion Exposure:
1. Evaluate vital signs including pulse and respiratory rate, and note any trauma. If no pulse is detected, provide CPR. If not breathing, provide artificial respiration. If breathing is labored, administer oxygen or other respiratory support.
2. DO NOT induce vomiting or attempt to neutralize!
3. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for administration of an antidote or performance of other invasive procedures.
4. Give the victims water or milk: children up to 1 year old, 125 mL (4 oz or 1/2 cup); children 1 to 12 years old, 200 mL (6 oz or 3/4 cup); adults, 250 mL (8 oz or 1 cup). Water or milk should be given only if victims are conscious and alert.
5. Activated charcoal may be administered if victims are conscious and alert. Use 15 to 30 g (1/2 to 1 oz) for children, 50 to 100 g (1-3/4 to 3-1/2 oz) for adults, with 125 to 250 mL (1/2 to 1 cup) of water.
6. Promote excretion by administering a saline cathartic or sorbitol to conscious and alert victims. Children require 15 to 30 g (1/2 to 1 oz) of cathartic; 50 to 100 g (1-3/4 to 3- 1/2 oz) is recommended for adults.
7. Transport to a health care facility. (EPA, 1998)
The
Physical Property fields
include properties such as vapor pressure and
boiling point, as well as explosive limits and
toxic exposure thresholds
The information in CAMEO Chemicals comes from a variety of
data sources.
Note: For Vapor Density and Specific Gravity, comparing the value to 1.0 can tell you if the chemical will likely sink/rise in air or sink/float in fresh water (respectively). Short phrases have been added to those values below as an aid. However, make sure to also consider the circumstances of a release. The Vapor Density comparisons are only valid when the gas escaping is at the same temperature as the surrounding air itself. If the chemical is escaping from a container where it was pressurized or refrigerated, it may first escape and behave as a heavy gas and sink in the air (even if it has a Vapor Density value less than 1). Also, the Specific Gravity comparisons are for fresh water (density 1.0 g/mL). If your spill is in salt water (density about 1.027 g/mL), you need to adjust the point of comparison. There are some chemicals that will sink in fresh water and float in salt water.
Note: For Vapor Density and Specific Gravity, comparing the value to 1.0 can tell you if the chemical will likely sink/rise in air or sink/float in fresh water (respectively). Short phrases have been added to those values below as an aid. However, make sure to also consider the circumstances of a release. The Vapor Density comparisons are only valid when the gas escaping is at the same temperature as the surrounding air itself. If the chemical is escaping from a container where it was pressurized or refrigerated, it may first escape and behave as a heavy gas and sink in the air (even if it has a Vapor Density value less than 1). Also, the Specific Gravity comparisons are for fresh water (density 1.0 g/mL). If your spill is in salt water (density about 1.027 g/mL), you need to adjust the point of comparison. There are some chemicals that will sink in fresh water and float in salt water.
Chemical Formula: |
|
Flash Point:
182°F
(EPA, 1998)
Lower Explosive Limit (LEL):
Moderate fire potential when exposed to heat or flame.
(EPA, 1998)
Upper Explosive Limit (UEL):
Moderate fire potential when exposed to heat or flame.
(EPA, 1998)
Autoignition Temperature:
370°F
(USCG, 1999)
Melting Point:
-25.15°F
(EPA, 1998)
Vapor Pressure:
0.1 to 0.5 mmHg
at 68°F
(EPA, 1998)
Vapor Density (Relative to Air):
4.35
(EPA, 1998)
- Heavier than air; will sink
Specific Gravity:
1.3283
at 68°F
(EPA, 1998)
- Denser than water; will sink
Boiling Point:
About 370°F (with decomposition)
(EPA, 1998)
Molecular Weight:
126.14
(EPA, 1998)
Water Solubility:
3 %
at 64°F
(NIOSH, 2024)
Ionization Energy/Potential: data unavailable
IDLH:
7 ppm
; A potential occupational carcinogen.
(NIOSH, 2024)
AEGLs (Acute Exposure Guideline Levels)
Exposure Period | AEGL-1 | AEGL-2 | AEGL-3 |
---|---|---|---|
10 minutes | 0.035 ppm | 0.17 ppm | 4 ppm |
30 minutes | 0.035 ppm | 0.17 ppm | 2.3 ppm |
60 minutes | 0.024 ppm | 0.12 ppm | 1.6 ppm |
4 hours | 0.012 ppm | 0.061 ppm | 0.82 ppm |
8 hours | 0.0087 ppm | 0.043 ppm | 0.58 ppm |
(NAC/NRC, 2024)
ERPGs (Emergency Response Planning Guidelines)
No ERPG information available.PACs (Protective Action Criteria)
Chemical | PAC-1 | PAC-2 | PAC-3 |
---|---|---|---|
Dimethyl sulfate (77-78-1) | 0.024 ppm | 0.12 ppm | 1.6 ppm |
(DOE, 2024)
The
Regulatory Information fields
include information from
the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Title III Consolidated List of
Lists,
the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency's Chemical Facility
Anti-Terrorism Standards,
and the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration's
Process Safety Management of Highly Hazardous Chemicals Standard List
(see more about these
data sources).
EPA Consolidated List of Lists
Regulatory Name | CAS Number/ 313 Category Code |
EPCRA 302 EHS TPQ |
EPCRA 304 EHS RQ |
CERCLA RQ | EPCRA 313 TRI |
RCRA Code |
CAA 112(r) RMP TQ |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Dimethyl sulfate | 77-78-1 | 500 pounds | 100 pounds | 100 pounds | 313 | U103 |
(EPA List of Lists, 2024)
CISA Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS)
No regulatory information available.OSHA Process Safety Management (PSM) Standard List
No regulatory information available.
This section provides a listing of alternate names for this chemical,
including trade names and synonyms.
- DIMETHYL ESTER OF SULFURIC ACID
- DIMETHYL MONOSULFATE
- DIMETHYL SULFATE
- DIMETHYL SULPHATE
- DIMETHYLSULFATE
- DMS
- DMS(METHYL SULFATE)
- METHYL SULFATE
- SULFURIC ACID, DIMETHYL ESTER
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