PHYSICAL STATE; APPEARANCE:
COLOURLESS COMPRESSED LIQUEFIED GAS , WITH CHARACTERISTIC ODOUR.
PHYSICAL DANGERS:
The gas is heavier than air, and may travel along the ground; distant ignition possible.
CHEMICAL DANGERS:
The substance can under specific circumstances form peroxides, initiating explosive polymerization. The substance will polymerize readily due to heating and under the influence of air, light, and on contact with a catalyst, strong oxidizing agents and metals such as copper and aluminium, with fire or explosion hazard. The substance decomposes on burning producing toxic and corrosive fumes (hydrogen chloride and phosgene).
OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS (OELs):
TLV: 5 ppm; 13 mg/m3 (ACGIH 1993-1994).
ROUTES OF EXPOSURE:
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation.
INHALATION RISK:
A harmful concentration of this gas in the air will be reached very quickly on loss of containment.
EFFECTS OF SHORT-TERM EXPOSURE:
The substance irritates the eyes. The liquid may cause frostbite. The substance may cause effects on the central nervous system. Exposure could cause lowering of consciousness. Medical observation is indicated.
EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM OR REPEATED EXPOSURE:
The substance may have effects on the liver, blood vessels and connective tissue. This substance is carcinogenic to humans. May cause heritable genetic damage in humans.
PHYSICAL
PROPERTIES
Boiling point: -13°C
Melting point: -154°C
Relative density (water = 1): 0.9
Solubility in water: none
Relative vapour density (air = 1): 2.2
Flash point: -78°C c.c.°C
Auto-ignition temperature: 472°C
Explosive limits, vol% in air: 3.6-33
Octanol/water partition coefficient as log Pow: 0.6