The MSDS format adheres to the standards and regulatory requirements
of the United States and may not meet regulatory requirements
in other countries.
DuPont Page 1
Material Safety Data Sheet
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Dimethyl Sulfate
4180CR Revised 21-AUG-2000
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CHEMICAL PRODUCT/COMPANY IDENTIFICATION
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Material Identification
Corporate MSDS Number : DU000286
CAS Number : 77-78-1
Formula : (CH3)2SO4
CAS Name : SULFURIC ACID, DIMETHYL ESTER
Grade : TECHNICAL
Tradenames and Synonyms
DMS
METHYL SULFATE
Company Identification
MANUFACTURER/DISTRIBUTOR
DuPont Chemical Solutions Enterprise
1007 Market Street
Wilmington, DE 19898
PHONE NUMBERS
Product Information : 1-800-441-7515 (outside the U.S.
302-774-1000)
Transport Emergency : CHEMTREC 1-800-424-9300(outside U.S.
703-527-3887)
Medical Emergency : 1-800-441-3637 (outside the U.S.
302-774-1000)
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COMPOSITION/INFORMATION ON INGREDIENTS
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Components
Material CAS Number %
*DIMETHYL SULFATE 77-78-1 >99.8
* Disclosure as a toxic chemical is required under Section 313 of
Title III of the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986
and 40 CFR part 372.
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Material Safety Data Sheet
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HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION
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# Potential Health Effects
This compound is extremely hazardous because of its lack of
warning properties and delayed biological effects. It may
cause burns of the skin, eyes, and mucous membranes. Eye
damage may be permanent. Effects may be delayed occurring
hours after exposure. Skin permeation may occur in toxic
amounts. Both the fumes and the liquid may produce severe
irritation. Inhalation may cause irritation of the nose,
throat and lungs. Death may occur from overexposure.
Prolonged exposures may cause liver and kidney effects.
DuPont controls this compound as a potential carcinogen.
HUMAN HEALTH EFFECTS:
Dimethyl sulfate vapor and liquid is extremely hazardous
because of its deficient warning properties (NO ODOR
THRESHOLD, LOOKS LIKE WATER, AND HAS ANALGESIC EFFECTS) and
delayed biological effects. DMS hydrolyzes to methyl
hydrogen sulfate and eventually sulfuric acid and methanol.
Skin or eye contact with low concentrations of Dimethyl
Sulfate may cause analgesia (numbness). Therefore, the
corrosive action of Dimethyl Sulfate may not be readily
detected.
Skin contact with Dimethyl Sulfate may cause skin burns or
ulceration. Inital effects include itching, reddening of
the skin followed hours later by severe blistering.
Evidence suggests that skin permeation can occur in amounts
capable of producing the effects of systemic toxicity.
Eye contact with Dimethyl Sulfate may cause eye corrosion
with corneal or conjunctival ulceration. Permanent eye
damage may occur. Both the vapors and the liquid can cause
severe irritation; upon slight vapor exposure the whites of
the eyes turn red (bloodshot).
Ingestion of Dimethyl Sulfate may cause severe irritation of
the mucous membranes of the mouth, throat and
gastrointestinal tract.
Inhalation of Dimethyl Sulfate may cause irritation of the
upper respiratory passages, angioneurotic edema of larynx
with hoarseness, difficulty in swallowing; temporary lung
irritation effects with productive cough, discomfort,
difficulty breathing, chest pain, shortness of breath or
cyanosis; or possibly modest initial symptoms, followed in
hours by severe shortness of breath, requiring prompt
medical attention. In severe poisonings, central nervous
system effects may occur which include unconsciousness,
cramps or convulsions, and paralysis. Fatality may result
from gross overexposure.
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Material Safety Data Sheet
(HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION - Continued)
Additional effects from inhalation or skin contact may
include nonspecific discomfort, such as nausea, vomiting,
diarrhea, giddiness, fever, headache, or weakness.
Prolonged exposures may lead to abnormal liver function with
jaundice; abnormal kidney function with blood or albumin in
the urine.
Several studies of workers occupationally exposed to DMS for
various periods between 1932 and 1972 report a low incidence
of lung tumors in these workers. All of the studies are
limited by small numbers; no ability to formally analyze
smoking effects; and the presence of exposure to other
workplace chemicals. None of the studies indicate an
increased risk of respiratory cancer for workers exposed to
DMS at the present guideline levels.
Individuals with preexisting diseases of the lungs, skin,
liver, or kidneys may have increased susceptibility to the
toxicity of excessive exposures.
Carcinogenicity Information
The following components are listed by IARC, NTP, OSHA or ACGIH as
carcinogens.
Material IARC NTP OSHA ACGIH
Dimethyl Sulfate 2A X
DuPont controls the following materials as carcinogens:
Dimethyl Sulfate.
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FIRST AID MEASURES
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First Aid
START TREATMENT IMMEDIATELY IF EXPOSURE IS SUSPECTED, EVEN
IF THERE IS NO EVIDENCE OF INJURY. REDNESS OF THE EYES
(BLOODSHOT) INDICATES EXPOSURE TO VERY LOW CONCENTRATIONS OF
VAPOR.
INHALATION
If inhaled, remove to fresh air immediately. If not
breathing, give artificial respiration. If breathing is
difficult, give oxygen. Call a physician.
SKIN CONTACT
In case of contact, immediately flush skin with plenty of
water for at least 15 minutes while removing contaminated
clothing and shoes. Call a physician.
EYE CONTACT
In case of contact, immediately flush eyes with plenty of
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Material Safety Data Sheet
(FIRST AID MEASURES - Continued)
water for at least 15 minutes. Call a physician.
INGESTION
If swallowed, do not induce vomiting. Give large
quantities of water or activated charcoal slurry. Call a
physician immediately. Never give anything by mouth to
an unconscious person.
NOTE:
To prepare activated charcoal slurry, suspend 50 grams of
activated charcoal in 400 mL of water and mix thoroughly.
Give 5 mL/kg, or 350 mL for an average adult.
Notes to Physicians
Severe symptoms may be delayed for 10 hours or more.
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FIRE FIGHTING MEASURES
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Flammable Properties
Flash Point : 83 C (181 F)
Method : TCC
Flammable limits in Air, % by Volume
LEL : 3.6
UEL : 23.3
Autoignition : 495 C (923 F)
Actual AIT鈥檚 can be affected by concentration of vapors and
oxygen, vapor/air contact time, pressure, volume, catalytic
impurities, etc. Process conditions should be analyzed to
determine if the AIT may be higher or lower.
Fire and Explosion Hazards:
OSHA Class III A Combustible Liquid. Follow appropriate
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) codes. Toxic
sulfur oxide (e.g., SO2, SO3) vapors will be produced in a
fire. DMS vapors will be released if not ignited.
Extinguishing Media
Water, Foam, Dry Chemical.
Carbon Dioxide (CO2).
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Material Safety Data Sheet
(FIRE FIGHTING MEASURES - Continued)
Fire Fighting Instructions
Evacuate area. Stay upwind and carefully avoid smoke and
any possible fumes. If contact with smoke, fumes, and
liquid DMS cannot be avoided, wear butyl rubber
chemical-proof suit with hood and breathing air supply. Use
water spray to cool containers. Use caution in approaching
advanced or massive fires. Product may generate pressure
from heat and rupture drums. Decontaminate all equipment
including personal protective equipment used in firefighting
efforts before returning to service.
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ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES
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Safeguards (Personnel)
NOTE: Review FIRE FIGHTING MEASURES and HANDLING (PERSONNEL)
sections before proceeding with clean-up. Use appropriate
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT during clean-up.
Spill Clean Up
Accidental Release Measures
Test air with Draeger detector tubes if spill is suspected.
Evacuate area; keep upwind. Wear full butyl rubber chemical
proof suit with hood and breathing air supply to enter spill
area. Dike spill; neutralize with dry soda ash followed by
water flood, 2-5% solution of ammonia, or dilute caustic
soda solution. Let stand until a negative test for DMS is
obtained, then transfer to containers for disposal and flush
spill area with plenty of water. Check area again with
Draeger detector tubes to be sure all traces of DMS have
been eliminated. Comply with Federal, State, and local
regulations on reporting releases. The Superfund reportable
discharge is 100 lbs.
DuPont Emergency Exposure Limits (EEL) are established to
facilitate site or plant emergency evacuation, and to
specify airborne concentrations of brief durations which
should not result in permanent adverse health effects or
interfere with escape. EEL鈥檚 are expressed as airborne
concentrations multiplied by time (CxT) for up to a maximum
of 60 minutes and as a ceiling airborne concentration.
These limits are used in conjunction with engineering
controls/monitoring and as an aid in planning for episodic
releases and spills. For more information on the
applicability of EEL鈥檚, contact DuPont.
The Emergency Exposure Limit (EEL) for Dimethyl Sulfate is
30 ppm-minutes (for example, 2 ppm for 15 minutes; 1.5 ppm
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Material Safety Data Sheet
(ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES - Continued)
for 20 minutes; etc.) with a not-to-exceed ceiling of 2 ppm.
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HANDLING AND STORAGE
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Handling (Personnel)
Do not breathe vapor or mist. Do not get in eyes, on skin, or on
clothing.
Wash thoroughly after handling and before eating or smoking.
Avoid contact with any liquid in vicinity of vessels
containing DMS; assume liquid is DMS.
Storage
Store in a well-ventilated area away from heat and flame and
out of direct sun. Keep containers closed. Do not store
with concentrated ammonia solutions and other strong
alkaline materials or strong oxidizers. Close empty drums
tightly before returning to DuPont. Use entire container,
do not wash out.
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EXPOSURE CONTROLS/PERSONAL PROTECTION
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Engineering Controls
Use with sufficient ventilation to keep employee exposure
below recommended limits. Handle in a closed system, if
possible.
# Personal Protective Equipment
Wear appropriate protective equipment to prevent any eye or
skin contact with liquid or vapor.
EYE/FACE PROTECTION:
Wear gas-tight chemical splash goggles with full-length face
shield.
PROTECTIVE CLOTHING:
Wear appropriate butyl rubber clothing to prevent any
contact with liquid or vapor such as gloves, boots and
impervious chemical suit with hood. Use butyl rubber gloves
for possible direct contact with liquid DMS, or neoprene
gloves, which are less likely to tear, for routine work.
DuPont permeation data indicate that impervious materials
such as butyl rubber (9 and 17 mils) afford adequate
protection for greater than 480 minutes. DuPont permeation
data indicate that impervious materials such as neoprene (12
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Material Safety Data Sheet
(EXPOSURE CONTROLS/PERSONAL PROTECTION - Continued)
and 20 mils) have breakthrough times of 23 and 73 minutes
respectively.
RESPIRATORS:
Where this is potential for airborne exposure in excess of
applicable limits, use NIOSH approved full facepiece,
positive pressure supplied air respirator.
NOTE:
Thorough decontamination of personal protective equipment is
necessary before removal.
Exposure Guidelines
Exposure Limits
Dimethyl Sulfate
PEL (OSHA) : 1 ppm, 5 mg/m3, 8 Hr. TWA, Skin
TLV (ACGIH) : 0.1 ppm, 0.52 mg/m3, 8 Hr. TWA, Skin, A3
AEL * (DuPont) : 0.01 ppm, 8 & 12 Hr. TWA, Skin
* AEL is DuPont鈥檚 Acceptable Exposure Limit. Where governmentally
imposed occupational exposure limits which are lower than the AEL
are in effect, such limits shall take precedence.
Exposure Guideline Comments
The "Skin" notation above indicates that DMS liquid and
vapor can penetrate skin and mucous membranes; therefore,
control of vapor inhalation alone may not be sufficient to
prevent absorption of an excessive dose. Skin contact
should also be avoided.
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PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES
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Physical Data
Boiling Point : 189 C (372 F) @ 760 mm Hg
Vapor Pressure : 0.7 mm Hg @ 25 C (77 F)
1.1 mm Hg @ 38 C (100 F)
Vapor Density : 4.3 (Air = 1)
Melting Point : -32 C (-26 F)
Evaporation Rate : (Butyl Acetate = 1)
Less than 1
Solubility in Water : 2.8 WT% @ 18 C (64 F)
Odor : Almost odorless
Form : Oily liquid
Color : Colorless
Specific Gravity : 1.3
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Material Safety Data Sheet
(PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES - Continued)
pH Information : At 18 deg C (64 deg F) or above,
hydrolyzes to methyl hydrogen
sulfate and eventually to sulfuric
acid and methanol.
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STABILITY AND REACTIVITY
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Chemical Stability
Stable.
Incompatibility with Other Materials
Incompatible with strong ammonia solutions and other strong
alkaline materials, sodium azide, and strong oxidizers
including strong caustic solutions.
Decomposition
Reacts with water or moisture to give methyl hydrogen
sulfate and, eventually, sulfuric acid and methanol.
Polymerization
Polymerization will not occur.
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TOXICOLOGICAL INFORMATION
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# Animal Data
Dimethyl Sulfate:
Inhalation 4 hour LC50: 30 ppm in rats
Oral LD50: 440 mg/kg in rats
Dimethyl Sulfate is corrosive to skin and the eyes, but is
not a skin sensitizer in animals. DMS is classified as a
DOT corrosive.
Effects in animals to single high exposures by inhalation
include respiratory irritation, corneal damage, weight loss,
and stuctural functional changes of the thymus. DMS was
also a potent methylating agent of the nasal mucosa in rats.
Repeated exposure caused microscopic changes to the lymph
nodes, inflammation and tumors of the nasal cavity, lung and
brain tumors, pneumonia and mortality. Prolonged exposure
to DMS has resulted in severe irritation to the respiratory
tract.
Tests in some animals demonstrate carcinogenic activity.
There is insufficient information availabe to adequately
categorize the reproductive toxicity of DMS. Data indicate
that this material does not specifically harm the unborn
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Material Safety Data Sheet
(TOXICOLOGICAL INFORMATION - Continued)
animal.
Dimethyl sulfate is a strong alkalating agent and does
produce genetic damage in animals and in bacterial and
mammalian cell cultures. It has not been tested adequately
for heritable genetic damage.
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ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION
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Ecotoxicological Information
Aquatic Toxicity
96-hour LC50, bluegill sunfish: 7.5 ppm
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DISPOSAL CONSIDERATIONS
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Waste Disposal
This material is a RCRA hazardous waste. Comply with
Federal, State, and local regulations on disposal. May be
incinerated in a permitted hazardous waste incinerator, or
transferred to a licensed waste disposal contractor.
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TRANSPORTATION INFORMATION
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Shipping Information
DOT/IMO
Proper Shipping Name : DIMETHYL SULFATE
Hazard Class : 6.1
UN No. : 1595
DOT/IMO Label : POISON, CORROSIVE
Special Information : POISON-INHALATION HAZARD, HAZARD ZONE B
Subsidiary Hazard Class : 8
Packing Group : I
Shipping Containers
Tank Cars.
Tank Trucks.
Portable Tanks
ISO Containers
Reportable Quantity : 100 lbs/45.4 kg
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Material Safety Data Sheet
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REGULATORY INFORMATION
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U.S. Federal Regulations
TSCA Inventory Status : Reported/Included.
TITLE III HAZARD CLASSIFICATIONS SECTIONS 311, 312
Acute : Yes
Chronic : Yes
Fire : Yes
Reactivity : No
Pressure : No
LISTS:
Extremely Hazardous Substance -Yes
CERCLA Hazardous Substance -Yes
Toxic Chemicals -Yes
CANADIAN WHMIS CLASSIFICATION:
D-1A; D-2A; B-3; E
State Regulations (U.S.)
WARNING:
Dimethyl Sulfate has been listed by the State of California
as a substance known to cause cancer.
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OTHER INFORMATION
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NFPA, NPCA-HMIS
NFPA Rating
Health :4
Flammability :2
Reactivity :0
NPCA-HMIS Rating
Health :3
Flammability :2
Reactivity :0
Personal Protection rating to be supplied by user depending on use
conditions.
Additional Information
For further information, see DuPont "Dimethyl Sulfate"
Properties, Uses, Storage, and Handling bulletin.
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Material Safety Data Sheet
(Continued)
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The data in this Material Safety Data Sheet relates only to the
specific material designated herein and does not relate to use in
combination with any other material or in any process.
Responsible for MSDS : MSDS Coordinator
> : DuPont Chemical Solutions Enterprise
Address : Wilmington, DE 19898
Telephone : (800) 441-7515
# Indicates updated section.
This information is based upon technical information believed to be
reliable. It is subject to revision as additional knowledge and
experience is gained.
End of MSDS
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