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| Names | |
|---|---|
| Preferred IUPAC name 2-Methoxyethan-1-ol | |
| Other names Ethylene glycol monomethyl ether EGME Methyl Cellosolve 2-MOE | |
| Identifiers | |
| |
3D model (JSmol) | |
| 1731074 | |
| ChEBI | |
| ChEMBL | |
| ChemSpider |
|
| DrugBank |
|
| ECHA InfoCard | 100.003.377 |
| EC Number |
|
| 81877 | |
| KEGG |
|
| RTECS number |
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| UNII | |
| UN number | 1188 |
| |
| |
| Properties | |
| C3H8O2 | |
| Molar mass | 76.09 g/mol |
| Appearance | Colorless liquid |
| Odor | Ether-like[1] |
| Density | 0.965 g/cm3 |
| Melting point | −85 °C (−121 °F; 188 K) |
| Boiling point | 124 to 125 °C (255 to 257 °F; 397 to 398 K) |
| miscible[1] | |
| Vapor pressure | 6 mmHg (20°C)[1] |
| Hazards | |
| GHS labelling: | |
   | |
| Danger | |
| H226,H302,H312,H332,H360 | |
| P201,P202,P210,P233,P240,P241,P242,P243,P261,P264,P270,P271,P280,P281,P301+P312,P302+P352,P303+P361+P353,P304+P312,P304+P340,P308+P313,P312,P322,P330,P363,P370+P378,P403+P235,P405,P501 | |
| NFPA 704 (fire diamond) | |
| Flash point | 39 °C (102 °F; 312 K) |
| Explosive limits | 1.8–14%[1] |
| Lethal dose or concentration (LD, LC): | |
LDLo (lowest published) | 2370 mg/kg (rat, oral) 890 mg/kg (rabbit, oral) 1480 mg/kg (mouse, oral) 950 mg/kg (guinea pig, oral)[2] |
LC50 (median concentration) | 1480 ppm (mouse, 7 hr)[2] |
| NIOSH (US health exposure limits): | |
PEL (Permissible) | TWA 25 ppm (80 mg/m3) [skin][1] |
REL (Recommended) | TWA 0.1 ppm (0.3 mg/m3) [skin][1] |
IDLH (Immediate danger) | 200 ppm[1] |
| Safety data sheet (SDS) | External MSDS |
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in theirstandard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa). | |
2-Methoxyethanol, or methyl cellosolve, is anorganic compound with formulaC
3H
8O
2 that is used mainly as asolvent. It is a clear, colorless liquid with anether-like odor. It is in a class of solvents known asglycol ethers which are notable for their ability to dissolve a variety of different types of chemical compounds and for theirmiscibility with water and other solvents. It can be formed by thenucleophilic attack ofmethanol onprotonatedethylene oxide followed by proton transfer:
2-Methoxyethanol is used as a solvent for many different purposes such as varnishes, dyes, and resins. It is also used as an additive in airplanedeicing solutions. Inorganometallic chemistry it is commonly used for the synthesis ofVaska's complex and related compounds such as carbonylchlorohydridotris(triphenylphosphine)ruthenium (II). During these reactions the alcohol acts as a source of hydride andcarbon monoxide.
2-Methoxyethanol is toxic to the bone marrow and testicles. Workers exposed to high levels are at risk forgranulocytopenia,macrocytic anemia,oligospermia, andazoospermia.[3]
The methoxyethanol is converted byalcohol dehydrogenase intomethoxyacetic acid which is the substance which causes the harmful effects. Bothethanol andacetate have a protecting effect. The methoxyacetate can enter theKrebs cycle where it forms methoxycitrate.[4]
In 2024, a group led by researchers at theMassachusetts Institute of Technology reported the discovery of 2-methoxyethanol in astar-forming region within the nebulaNGC 6334.[5] The discovery was made by examining in the laboratory thespectral signature of 2-methoxyethanol as the molecule was made to rotate. This signature was then sought in observational data for the region collected by theAtacama Large Millimeter Array, and 25 of its spectral lines were detected, constituting a secure identification of the molecule in the astronomical data.
| Authority control databases: National |
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