Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS): Ethyl Methyl Sulfide

Identification

Product Name: Ethyl Methyl Sulfide
Chemical Formula: C3H8S
CAS Number: 624-89-5
Synonyms: Methyl ethyl sulfide, EMS
Recommended Use: Laboratory chemical, industrial intermediate, research applications
Supplier: Contact details available through manufacturer
Emergency Contact: Chemtrec 1-800-424-9300 (USA)

Hazard Identification

Classification: Flammable liquid (Category 2); Acute toxicity (Category 4, oral, inhalation, dermal); Skin irritation (Category 2); Eye irritation (Category 2A); Aquatic Acute Toxicity (Category 2)
Label Elements: Signal Word: Danger
Hazard Statements: Highly flammable liquid and vapor; Harmful if swallowed, inhaled or in contact with skin; Causes skin and eye irritation; Toxic to aquatic life
Pictograms: GHS02 (flame), GHS07 (exclamation mark), GHS09 (environment)
Precautionary Statements: Keep away from heat, sparks, open flames, hot surfaces; Wear protective gloves/eye protection/face protection; Avoid breathing vapors; Wash hands thoroughly after handling; Avoid release to the environment

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Name: Ethyl Methyl Sulfide
Chemical Formula: C3H8S
CAS Number: 624-89-5
EC Number: 210-864-6
Concentration: ≥99% (as supplied), impurities below 1% not expected to contribute to overall hazard classification
Impurities: Trace sulfur compounds may be present in minute amounts

First Aid Measures

General Advice: Get medical attention if symptoms persist after exposure
Inhalation: Move to fresh air, keep patient warm and at rest; seek medical attention if symptoms develop
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing; rinse skin with plenty of soap and water for at least 15 minutes
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes; remove contact lenses if present and continue rinsing; seek medical attention immediately
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, do not induce vomiting; call a physician if feeling unwell or if large quantity is ingested
Most important symptoms and effects: Headache, nausea, dizziness, irritation of mucous membranes, skin redness, eye watering

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Foam, dry chemical, CO2, water spray (do not use direct water jet)
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: Direct water stream may spread fire
Specific Hazards: Vapors can form explosive mixtures with air; containers may explode under fire conditions
Hazardous Combustion Products: Carbon oxides, sulfur oxides, toxic fumes
Firefighting Instructions: Firefighters should wear self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective clothing; cool containers with flooding quantities of water until well after the fire is out
Special Protective Equipment: Use personal protective equipment appropriate for surrounding fire

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Evacuate area, ventilate space, remove all ignition sources; provide suitable respiratory protection
Environmental Precautions: Prevent entry into sewers, drains, and watercourses; notify authorities in case of large spill
Containment and Cleanup: Absorb spill with inert material such as sand, earth, or vermiculite; collect and place in appropriate chemical waste container for disposal; wash spill site after material pickup is complete
Special Procedures: Use non-sparking tools; ensure adequate ventilation; avoid direct contact with spilled material

Handling and Storage

Handling: Handle in well-ventilated area; avoid contact with skin, eyes, clothing; keep container tightly closed; do not breathe vapors; ground and bond containers during transfer
Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place away from ignition sources, incompatible materials (oxidizing agents, acids)
Storage Temperature: Keep below 25°C if possible; avoid temperature extremes
Container Requirements: Use approved containers and fittings; keep tightly sealed when not in use
Incompatibilities: Oxidizing agents, acids, strong bases

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Occupational Exposure Limits: No established OSHA or ACGIH limits; use workplace exposure guidelines for similar organosulfur compounds as reference
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust ventilation; process enclosures and general ventilation to minimize vapor exposure
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Gloves: Nitrile or neoprene gloves recommended
Eye Protection: Chemical splash goggles or safety glasses with side shields
Skin Protection: Long-sleeved clothing, lab coat, chemical resistant apron
Respiratory Protection: Use NIOSH/MSHA approved respirator if ventilation is inadequate or exposure limits are exceeded
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands after handling; remove contaminated clothing and wash before reuse; no eating, drinking, or smoking during use

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Colorless to pale yellow liquid
Odor: Strong, unpleasant garlic-like odor
Odor Threshold: Low, can be detected at concentrations below 1 ppm
Melting Point: -123°C
Boiling Point: 67°C
Vapor Pressure: 200 mmHg at 25°C
Vapor Density: 2.1 (air = 1)
Specific Gravity: 0.866 (20/4°C)
Solubility: Slightly soluble in water, miscible with organic solvents
Partition Coefficient (Log Kow): Estimated 1.5
Flash Point: -18°C (closed cup)
Autoignition Temperature: 240°C
Explosion Limits: Lower: 2.1%; Upper: 10.8% (estimated)

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage conditions; may form explosive peroxides upon prolonged exposure to air
Reactivity: Reacts vigorously with strong oxidants and acids producing heat and toxic gases
Conditions to Avoid: Heat, sparks, open flame, static discharge, incompatible materials
Incompatible Materials: Oxidizing agents, acids, bases, halogens
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Sulfur oxides, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, toxic vapors
Polymerization: Not known to undergo polymerization under normal conditions

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: Oral LD50 (rat): >500 mg/kg; Inhalation and dermal toxicity moderate; can cause health effects at low concentrations
Skin Corrosion/Irritation: Causes moderate skin irritation and redness on contact
Serious Eye Damage/Irritation: Irritating, may cause watering, redness and discomfort
Respiratory Sensitization: Inhalation of vapors can cause irritation of respiratory tract, coughing, dizziness, nausea
Carcinogenicity: No components considered carcinogenic based on current data
Mutagenicity: Not classified as mutagenic
Reproductive Toxicity: No current evidence for adverse reproductive effects; studies limited
Other Effects: Prolonged or repeated exposure can cause headache, drowsiness, skin dryness or cracking, and adverse effects on liver and kidney based on related chemicals

Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: Toxic to aquatic life with potential for long-lasting effects; estimated LC50 (fish, 96hr) below 10 mg/L
Persistence and Degradability: Moderately persistent; not expected to biodegrade rapidly in the environment
Bioaccumulation Potential: Moderate potential for bioaccumulation in aquatic organisms
Mobility in Soil: Low water solubility but may volatilize from moist soil surfaces; can contaminate groundwater
Other Adverse Effects: Volatile, can impact air quality near release sites; avoid uncontrolled release

Disposal Considerations

Waste Treatment Methods: Dispose of in accordance with local, regional, and national regulations; use licensed chemical waste disposal contractor
Product Disposal: Incinerate under controlled conditions in accordance with environmental regulations; do not dispose of to drains or surface water
Contaminated Packaging: Triple rinse and puncture containers, dispose of containers as hazardous waste
Special Precautions: Keep waste away from heat, sparks, and incompatible substances until final disposal

Transport Information

UN Number: UN 2381
UN Proper Shipping Name: Ethyl Methyl Sulfide
Transport Hazard Class: 3 (Flammable liquid)
Packing Group: II
Label: Flammable Liquid
Marine Pollutant: Yes, avoid release to the environment during transport
Special Transport Precautions: Secure containers, keep away from sources of ignition, use approved packaging, emergency equipment available during transport

Regulatory Information

OSHA Status: Hazardous chemical based on physical and health hazard criteria
TSCA Inventory: Listed
SARA Title III: Section 302: Not listed; Section 313: Not listed; Section 311/312: Fire hazard, acute health hazard
California Proposition 65: Not listed
International Inventories: European Inventory (EINECS): Listed; Canada (DSL): Listed; Australia (AICS): Listed
Other State and Local Regulations: Consult relevant authorities for workplace and environmental controls
Labeling Requirements: Must follow GHS and DOT labeling for hazardous chemicals during handling, storage, and transportation