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Chemical Datasheet
1-CHLORO-2,3-EPOXYPROPANE |
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Chemical Identifiers
CAS Number |
UN/NA Number |
DOT Hazard Label |
USCG CHRIS Code |
- 106-89-8
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NIOSH Pocket Guide |
International Chem Safety Card |
Epichlorohydrin
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NFPA 704
General Description
A clear colorless liquid with an irritating chloroform-like odor. Density 9.8 lb / gal. Flash point 87°F. Polymerizable. If polymerization takes place inside a closed container, the container is subject to violent rupture. Irritates the skin and respiratory system. Toxic by ingestion. A confirmed carcinogen. Vapors heavier than air. Used to make plastics and as a solvent.
Hazards
Reactivity Alerts
- Highly Flammable
- Polymerizable
Air & Water Reactions
Highly flammable. Water soluble.
Fire Hazard
When heated to decomposition, this compound evolves highly toxic fumes of phosgene and carbon monoxide. Reactive and incompatible with strong oxidizers, strong acids, caustics, zinc, aluminum, chlorides of iron and aluminumand compounds with an active hydrogen atom, including water. Unstable, avoid heat, contaminants, strong acids and bases, certain curing agents such as ethylenediamine. Hazardous polymerization may occur. (EPA, 1998)
Health Hazard
This compound is caustic as both a liquid and gas. Irritation of the eyes and skin, and skin sensitization has been observed. Exposure to epichlorohydrin has caused inflammation of the lungs, asthmatic bronchitis, and liver and kidney damage. In acute poisonings, death may be caused by respiratory paralysis. (EPA, 1998)
Reactivity Profile
1-CHLORO-2,3-EPOXYPROPANE may polymerize exothermically if heated or contaminated. Reacts explosively with aniline. Ignites on contact with potassium tert-butoxide. Reacts with trichloroethylene to give the explosive dichloroacetylene. Violent reaction with sulfuric acid or isopropylamine. Exothermic polymerization on contact with strong acids or bases, zinc, aluminum, aluminum chloride, iron, ferric chloride [Sax, 9th ed., 1996, p. 1469].
Belongs to the Following Reactive Group(s)
- Halogenated Organic Compounds
- Epoxides
- Polymerizable Compounds
Potentially Incompatible Absorbents
Use caution: Liquids with this reactive group classification have been
known to react with the
absorbents
listed below.
- Mineral-Based & Clay-Based Absorbents
- Dirt/Earth
Response Recommendations
Isolation and Evacuation
Excerpt from ERG Guide 131

[Flammable Liquids - Toxic; polymerization hazard]:
IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE: Isolate spill or leak area for at least 50 meters (150 feet) in all directions.
SPILL: Increase the immediate precautionary measure distance, in the downwind direction, as necessary.
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
If fire becomes uncontrollable, or containers are exposed to direct flames, evacuate for a radius of 1,500 feet. Isolate for one-half mile in all directions if tank car or truck is involved in fire.
Epichlorohydrin may react violently with water.
Use water spray, dry chemical, foam or carbon dioxide. Water spray may be used to dilute spills to non-flammable mixtures. If leak or spill has not ignited, use water spray to disperse the vapors. Keep fire-exposed containers cooled with water. (EPA, 1998)
Non-Fire Response
Excerpt from ERG Guide 131

[Flammable Liquids - Toxic; polymerization hazard]:
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 or walk through spilled material. Stop leak if you can do it without risk. Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas. A vapor-suppressing foam may be used to reduce vapors.
SMALL SPILL: Absorb with earth, sand or other non-combustible material and transfer to containers for later disposal. Use clean, non-sparking tools to collect absorbed material.
LARGE SPILL: Dike far ahead of liquid spill for later disposal. Water spray may reduce vapor, but may not prevent ignition in closed spaces. (ERG, 2024)
Protective Clothing
Excerpt from NIOSH Pocket Guide for Epichlorohydrin:
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 (FLAMMABLE) - Work clothing that becomes wet should be immediately removed due to its flammability hazard (i.e., for liquids with a flash point <100°F).
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
Normalized Breakthrough Times (in Minutes)
Chemical |
CAS Number |
State |
QS |
QC |
SL |
C3 |
TF |
TP |
RC |
TK |
RF |
Chloro 2,3-epoxy propane, 1- |
106-89-8 |
Liquid |
|
|
15 |
36*/67 |
395 |
395 |
>480 |
>480 |
>480 |
Epichlorohydrin |
106-89-8 |
Liquid |
|
|
15 |
36*/67 |
395 |
395 |
>480 |
>480 |
>480 |
Special Warning from DuPont: Tychem® and Tyvek® fabrics should not be
used around heat, flames, sparks or in potentially flammable or
explosive environments. Only...
(DuPont, 2024)
First Aid
Warning: Effects may be delayed for several hours. Caution is advised.
Signs and Symptoms of Acute Epichlorohydrin Exposure: Acute exposure to epichlorohydrin may result in nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Liver and kidney effects may be observed. The respiratory tract may become irritated, dyspnea (shortness of breath) may occur, and in acute cases, respiratory paralysis has been observed. Central nervous system and respiratory depression have been noted. Facial swelling, mucosal irritation, dermatitis (red, inflamed skin), and eye irritation may also occur following exposure to epichlorohydrin.
Emergency Life-Support Procedures: Acute exposure to epichlorohydrin 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 epichlorohydrin.
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 epichlorohydrin.
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 lukewarm water for at least 15 minutes.
5. Wash exposed skin areas twice 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. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for administration of an antidote or performance of other invasive procedures.
3. Vomiting may be induced with syrup of Ipecac. If elapsed time since ingestion of epichlorohydrin is unknown or suspected to be greater than 30 minutes, do not induce vomiting and proceed to Step
4.Ipecac should not be administered to children under 6 months of age.Warning: Syrup of Ipecac should be administered only if victims are alert, have an active gag-reflex, and show no signs of impending seizure or coma. If ANY uncertainty exists, proceed to Step
4.The following dosages of Ipecac are recommended: children up to 1 year old, 10 mL (1/3 oz); children 1 to 12 years old, 15 mL (1/2 oz); adults, 30 mL (1 oz). Ambulate (walk) the victims and give large quantities of water. If vomiting has not occurred after 15 minutes, Ipecac may be readministered. Continue to ambulate and give water to the victims. If vomiting has not occurred within 15 minutes after second administration of Ipecac, administer activated charcoal.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. Transport to a health care facility. (EPA, 1998)
Physical Properties
Flash Point:
93°F
(EPA, 1998)
Lower Explosive Limit (LEL):
3.8 %
(EPA, 1998)
Upper Explosive Limit (UEL):
21 %
(EPA, 1998)
Autoignition Temperature:
772°F
(USCG, 1999)
Melting Point:
-54.4 to -14.1°F
(EPA, 1998)
Vapor Pressure:
10 mmHg
at 61.88°F
(EPA, 1998)
Vapor Density (Relative to Air):
3.29
(EPA, 1998)
- Heavier than air; will sink
Specific Gravity:
1.18 to 1.801
at 68 °F
(EPA, 1998)
Boiling Point:
241.7°F
at 760 mmHg
(EPA, 1998)
Molecular Weight:
92.53
(EPA, 1998)
Water Solubility:
50 to 100 mg/mL
at 72°F
(NTP, 1992)
Ionization Energy/Potential:
10.60 eV
(NIOSH, 2024)
IDLH:
75 ppm
; A potential occupational carcinogen.
(NIOSH, 2024)
AEGLs (Acute Exposure Guideline Levels)
Final AEGLs for Epichlorohydrin (106-89-8)
Exposure Period |
AEGL-1 |
AEGL-2 |
AEGL-3 |
10 minutes |
1.7 ppm |
53 ppm |
570 ppm |
30 minutes |
1.7 ppm |
53 ppm |
160 ppm |
60 minutes |
1.7 ppm |
24 ppm |
72 ppm |
4 hours |
1.7 ppm |
14 ppm |
44 ppm |
8 hours |
1.7 ppm |
6.7 ppm |
20 ppm |
(NAC/NRC, 2024)
ERPGs (Emergency Response Planning Guidelines)
Chemical |
ERPG-1 |
ERPG-2 |
ERPG-3 |
Epichlorohydrin (106-89-8)
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5 ppm  |
20 ppm |
100 ppm |
(AIHA, 2022)
PACs (Protective Action Criteria)
Chemical |
PAC-1 |
PAC-2 |
PAC-3 |
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Epichlorohydrin (106-89-8)
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1.7 ppm |
24 ppm |
72 ppm |
LEL = 38000 ppm |
(DOE, 2024)
Regulatory Information
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 |
Epichlorohydrin |
106-89-8 |
1000 pounds |
100 pounds |
100 pounds |
313 |
U041 |
20000 pounds |
Oxirane, (chloromethyl)- |
106-89-8 |
1000 pounds |
100 pounds |
100 pounds |
X |
U041 |
20000 pounds |
(EPA List of Lists, 2024)
CISA Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS)
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RELEASE |
THEFT |
SABOTAGE |
Chemical of Interest |
CAS Number |
Min Conc |
STQ |
Security Issue |
Min Conc |
STQ |
Security Issue |
Min Conc |
STQ |
Security Issue |
Epichlorohydrin; [Oxirane, (chloromethyl)-] |
106-89-8 |
1.00 % |
20000 pounds |
toxic |
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(CISA, 2007)
OSHA Process Safety Management (PSM) Standard List
No regulatory information available.
Alternate Chemical Names
- ALPHA-EPICHLOROHYDRIN
- ALPHA-EPICHOROHYDRIN
- 3-CHLORO-1, 2-PROPYLENE OXIDE
- 3-CHLORO-1,2-EPOXYPROPANE
- 3-CHLORO-1,2-PROPYLENE OXIDE
- 1-CHLORO-2,3-EPOXYPROPANE
- CHLOROHYDRINS
- CHLOROMETHYL (OXIRANE)
- (CHLOROMETHYL)ETHYLENE OXIDE
- (CHLOROMETHYL)OXIRANE
- 2-(CHLOROMETHYL)OXIRANE
- CHLOROMETHYLOXIRANE
- 3-CHLOROPROPENE-1,2-OXIDE
- CHLOROPROPYLENE OXIDE
- 2-CHLOROPROPYLENE OXIDE
- 3-CHLOROPROPYLENE OXIDE
- CRUDE EPICHLOROHYDRIN
- (DL)-ALPHA-EPICHLOROHYDRIN
- DL-ALPHA-EPICHLOROHYDRIN
- ECH
- EPICHLORHYDRIN
- EPICHLOROHYDRIN
- (.+-.)-EPICHLOROHYDRIN
- EPICHLOROPHYDRIN
- 1,2-EPOXY-3-CHLOROPROPANE
- 2,3-EPOXYPROPYL CHLORIDE
- GAMMA-CHLOROPROPYLENE OXIDE
- GLYCEROL EPICHLORHYDRIN
- GLYCEROL EPICHLOROHYDRIN
- GLYCIDYL CHLORIDE
- J 006
- NCI-CO7001
- OXIRANE, (CHLOROMETHYL)-
- OXIRANE, 2-(CHLOROMETHYL)
- OXIRANE,(CHLOROMETHYL)-
- PROPANE, 1-CHLORO-2,3-EPOXY-
- (RS)-EPICHLORHYDRIN
- SKEKHG