2,2-Difluoroethanol: Safety Information and Responsible Handling

Identification

Substance: 2,2-Difluoroethanol
Chemical Formula: C2H4F2O
Synonyms: Ethanol, 2,2-difluoro-
CAS Number: 359-13-7
Appearance: Colorless liquid, often with a sharp odor resembling alcohols

Hazard Identification

Hazard Class: Harmful if swallowed, causes skin irritation, causes serious eye irritation, may cause respiratory irritation
Physical Hazards: Flammable liquid and vapor, potential for peroxide formation
Health Effects: Inhalation causes coughing, sore throat, drowsiness, or dizziness; skin contact produces redness or irritation; eye contact results in tearing and redness; ingestion produces nausea, headache, and in some cases, central nervous system depression
Exposure Routes: Inhalation, skin and eye contact, ingestion
Long-Term Effects: Prolonged exposure increases risk of liver and nervous system effects

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Name: 2,2-Difluoroethanol
Concentration: Pure substance, over 99%
Impurities: Possible trace amounts of related fluorinated alcohols or water

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move to fresh air immediately. Seek medical attention if breathing becomes difficult.
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, thoroughly wash affected area with soap and water. See a doctor if irritation continues.
Eye Contact: Rinse eyes with plenty of water, lifting eyelids occasionally. Medical evaluation advised for pain or persistent redness.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, do not induce vomiting. Get medical attention; observe for symptoms like drowsiness or confusion.

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical, or carbon dioxide
Unsuitable Media: Water in a direct stream may spread flames
Special Hazards: Vapors may travel and ignite at a distance; thermal decomposition produces toxic and corrosive vapors, including hydrogen fluoride and carbon oxides
Protective Equipment: Firefighters need self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective clothing to prevent contact with fumes and liquids

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Evacuate non-essential personnel, ventilate area, wear splash resistant goggles and chemical resistant gloves
Environmental Precautions: Prevent from entering drains, soil, or waterways
Spill Cleanup: Absorb liquid with inert material such as dry sand or earth, collect residue in tightly sealed containers for disposal

Handling and Storage

Handling: Use only in well-ventilated settings; avoid inhaling vapors and contact with skin and eyes; never handle near open flames, hot surfaces, or potential ignition sources
Storage: Store tightly closed in original container, away from heat sources and direct sunlight, in a dry, cool place; segregate from oxidizing agents, acids, and bases to reduce risk of violent reaction

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Engineering Controls: Chemical fume hood or equivalent ventilation recommended
Personal Protective Equipment: Nitrile or neoprene gloves, protective goggles or face shield, laboratory apron or chemical resistant clothing
Respiratory Protection: If ventilation is insufficient, use appropriate organic vapor respirators
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands thoroughly after handling; avoid eating, drinking, or smoking during tasks involving the chemical

Physical and Chemical Properties

Physical State: Clear, colorless liquid
Odor: Characteristic, slightly sharp
Boiling Point: About 95-98°C
Melting Point: Near -51°C
Flash Point: 28°C (closed cup)
Solubility: Soluble in water, miscible with many organic solvents
Vapor Pressure: Moderate at room temperature
Relative Density: 1.18 g/cm³ (approximate)
Viscosity: Low, flows easily

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable at recommended storage conditions and temperatures
Hazardous Reactions: Rapid reaction possible with strong oxidizers, acids, or bases; can generate flammable or corrosive gases
Decomposition Products: Hydrogen fluoride, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide
Conditions to Avoid: Heat, sparks, naked flames, exposure to moisture and incompatible materials

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: Harmful by ingestion, inhalation, or skin contact; central nervous system effects possible, including dizziness and headache
Skin Corrosion/Irritation: Contact may lead to irritation, redness, and discomfort
Serious Eye Damage/Irritation: Direct contact can cause severe irritation or temporary injury
Respiratory Effects: Exposure to high vapor levels leads to narcotic effects or respiratory distress
Long-Term Effects: Protracted or repeated exposure can affect the liver and kidneys, though comprehensive chronic exposure data remain limited for this particular substance

Ecological Information

Aquatic Toxicity: Potential to harm aquatic organisms, especially in high concentrations
Persistence and Degradability: Expected to break down over time, though potential exists for intermediate products that are more persistent
Bioaccumulation: Likelihood is moderate to low due to water solubility, but long-term studies are limited
Other Environmental Hazards: Release into the environment may cause more harm to localized water supplies; recommends preventing uncontrolled discharge

Disposal Considerations

Waste Treatment: Collect and place in clearly labeled, sealed drums for transport to authorized chemical incineration facilities
Contaminated Packaging: Rinse thoroughly, then dispose via approved hazardous waste channels
Precautions: Never pour residues down the drain or into the environment; involvement of trained professionals is essential for safe disposal

Transport Information

UN Number: Classified as a flammable liquid, usually assigned a UN packing group III classification for transport
Shipping Name: 2,2-Difluoroethanol or Flammable Liquid, N.O.S. (contains 2,2-Difluoroethanol)
Transport Hazard: Flammable label required, secure packaging to prevent leaks or vapor release
Precautions During Transport: Keep away from ignition sources, transport in climate-controlled and ventilated vehicles

Regulatory Information

Occupational Limits: No established global limit, though similar fluorinated solvents and alcohols offer guidance for workplace exposure
Hazard Symbols: Flammable, Harmful, Irritant
Risk Phrases: May cause harm by inhalation or ingestion, proven to cause skin and eye irritation
Recommended Controls: Detailed risk assessments necessary before using in large-scale or industrial settings; local, national, and international transport rules apply because of flammability and potential health hazards