Methylene Glycol
Methylene Glycol is a chemical compound formed by the reversible reaction of formaldehyde with water. It exists in equilibrium with formaldehyde in aqueous solutions and is commonly used as a disinfectant, preservative, and industrial biocide. Due to its antimicrobial properties, it is widely applied in water treatment, cosmetics, and embalming fluids.
Methylene Glycol
Primary Uses
- Disinfection & Sanitization
- Used in water treatment systems to control microbial growth.
- Effective in disinfecting medical equipment and surfaces.
- Applied in cooling tower treatments to prevent biofouling.
- Preservation
- Acts as a preservative in cosmetics and personal care products.
- Extends shelf life of industrial fluids (e.g., metalworking fluids).
- Used in embalming fluids for tissue fixation.
- Industrial Biocide
- Prevents bacterial and fungal growth in paper/pulp manufacturing.
- Used in oilfield operations to inhibit microbial contamination.
- Treats wastewater to reduce organic load and pathogens.
Secondary Uses
- Textile Industry
- Prevents mildew in fabrics during storage and shipping.
- Used in dye fixation processes.
- Laboratory Applications
- Acts as a fixative in histology and pathology samples.
- Used in formaldehyde-releasing reagent formulations.
- Agriculture
- Seed treatment to prevent fungal infections.
- Soil sterilization in greenhouse cultivation.
1. Basic Identification Attributes
- Chemical Name (IUPAC): Methanediol
- Common/Trade Name: Methylene Glycol
- CAS Number: 463-57-0
- HS Code: 2912.11.00 (Formaldehyde derivatives)
- Synonyms: Formaldehyde hydrate; Formalin (aqueous solution)
2. Physical & Chemical Properties
- Physical State: Liquid (in aqueous solution)
- Color & Odor: Colorless; pungent formaldehyde-like odor
- pH: ~3.5–5.5 (in solution)
- Solubility: Fully miscible with water
- Density: ~1.08–1.09 g/cm³ (37% solution)
3. Safety & Hazard Attributes
- GHS Classification:
- H301 (Toxic if swallowed)
- H311 (Toxic in contact with skin)
- H314 (Causes severe skin burns and eye damage)
- H317 (May cause allergic skin reaction)
- H331 (Toxic if inhaled)
- H341 (Suspected of causing genetic defects)
- H350 (May cause cancer)
- Toxicity: Highly toxic; carcinogenic and mutagenic potential
- Exposure Limits:
- OSHA PEL (Formaldehyde): 0.75 ppm (TWA)
- ACGIH TLV: 0.3 ppm (Ceiling)
4. Storage & Handling Attributes
- Storage Conditions:
- Store in sealed, corrosion-resistant containers.
- Keep in a cool, ventilated area away from heat/oxidizers.
- Container Type: Polyethylene or stainless-steel containers.
- Shelf Life: 6–12 months (stabilized solutions).
- Handling Precautions:
- Use PPE (gloves, goggles, respirator).
- Avoid inhalation or skin contact.
5. Regulatory & Compliance Attributes
- Complies with:
- EPA FIFRA (biocidal applications).
- EU REACH (restricted under Annex XVII).
- FDA (limited use in cosmetics).
- Restrictions: Banned in consumer products in some regions (e.g., EU cosmetics).
6. Environmental & Health Impact
- Biodegradability: Readily biodegradable (forms formaldehyde).
- Ecotoxicity: Toxic to aquatic life (LC50 < 10 mg/L).
- Bioaccumulation: Low potential.
- Carcinogenicity/Mutagenicity:
- IARC Group 1 (Formaldehyde: carcinogenic to humans).
Safety Handling Precautions
- PPE Required:
- Nitrile/neoprene gloves, chemical goggles, respirator (organic vapor cartridge).
- Handling Guidelines:
- Use in fume hoods or well-ventilated areas.
- Prohibit eating/drinking near handling areas.
- Storage Measures:
- Separate from amines, strong acids, and oxidizers.
First Aid Measures
- Inhalation: Move to fresh air; seek medical attention.
- Skin Contact: Rinse immediately with water; remove contaminated clothing.
- Eye Contact: Flush with water for 15 mins; seek emergency care.
- Ingestion: Do NOT induce vomiting; rinse mouth; call poison control.
Firefighting Measures
- Fire Hazards: Combustible at high temperatures.
- Extinguishing Media: Water spray, CO₂, dry chemical.
- Special Precautions: Wear self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).
- Hazardous Combustion Products: Formaldehyde, CO, CO₂.
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