Methylene Glycol

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Product Description

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.

Description

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.
KEY PRODUCT FEATURES

Key Attributes

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)

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)

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)

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.

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).

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

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, COâ‚‚, dry chemical.
  • Special Precautions: Wear self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).
  • Hazardous Combustion Products: Formaldehyde, CO, COâ‚‚.