Chemical Properties | Colorless liquid. Extremely reactive, can
be polymerized in liquid or vapor phase. Slightly soluble in water (0.9% by weight). Commercial
material contains inhibitor to prevent premature
polymerization. Often stored underground
to minimize vapor losses. |
Uses | Copolymerization, intermediate. |
Uses | Ethyl vinyl ether is used in fragrances, lubricating oil additives and spices preparation. It acts as an intermediate for sulfadiazine. It finds application in pharmaceuticals as anesthetics and analgesics. Further, it is used as a solvent in organic synthesis. |
General Description | A clear colorless low-boiling liquid (35-36°C) with an ether-like odor. Flash point below -50°F. May polymerize exothermically if heated or contaminated. If polymerization takes place inside a container, the container may rupture violently. Less dense than water and slightly soluble in water. Hence floats on water. Vapors are heavier than air. |
Air & Water Reactions | Highly flammable. Slightly soluble in water. Tends to form explosively unstable peroxides when exposed to oxygen. |
Reactivity Profile | Ethyl vinyl ether is a very dangerous fire and explosion hazard when exposed to heat or flame. Undergoes autooxidation with formation of peroxides in the air. Can react vigorously with oxidizing materials. Undergoes explosive polymerization in contact with methanesulfonic acid [Eaton, P. E. et al., J. Org. Chem., 1972, 37, p. 1947]. |
Hazard | Carcinogen. |
Health Hazard | INHALATION OR INGESTION: Excitement followed by unconsciousness and respiratory paralysis. CNS depression. EYES: May cause irritation and transient injury to cornea. SKIN: Prolonged contact can cause tissue defatting and dehydration leading to dermatitis. |
Fire Hazard | Behavior in Fire: Explosive hazard |
Safety Profile | Mddly toxic by
ingestion. Mutation data reported. A skin
irritant. A very dangerous fire and explosion
hazard when exposed to heat or flame; can
react vigorously with oxidizing materials. To
fight fire, use alcohol foam, foam, CO2, dry
chemical. Explosive polymerization is
catalyzed by methane sulfonic acid. When
heated to decomposition it emits acrid
smoke and irritating fumes. See also
ETHERS. |
Purification Methods | It usually contains polymerization inhibitors (usually amines, e.g. triethanolamine) which can be removed by fractional distillation. Redistil it from sodium. [Beilstein 1 IV 2049.] LACHRYMATORY. |