Epichlorohydrin, ECH, 106-89-8

EPICHLOROHYDRIN (ECH)

1. PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION AND CHEMICAL IDENTITY

Short Identity Section

Detailed Identification

Description:
Epichlorohydrin (ECH) is a colorless, clear liquid with a pungent odor. Due to its epoxide ring and chlorine atom, it is highly reactive. It is a key chemical intermediate widely used in the production of epoxy resins, water treatment chemicals, ion exchange resins, paper industry additives, and synthetic glycerin. It is registered in ECHA with EC number 203-439-8.

2. PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES

Note: Values are typical and may vary by source and production batch.

3. SOLUBILITY PROFILE

Note: ECH is partially soluble in water but miscible with common organic solvents.

4. CHEMICAL PROPERTIES AND REACTIONS

Incompatibilities

• Strong oxidizing agents (perchlorates, nitrates, permanganates)

• Strong acids (can catalyze polymerization)

• Strong bases

• Active metals (zinc, aluminum, etc.)

• Water (hydrolysis, exothermic reaction)

Chemical Reactions

• Hydrolysis: Reacts with water to form 3-chloro-1,2-propanediol (exothermic).

• Polymerization: Exothermic polymerization can occur in the presence of heat or catalysts.

• Ring Opening: Reacts with nucleophiles (amines, alcohols, thiols) to form ring-opened products.

5. SPECIFICATIONS

Packaging Options

6. APPLICATIONS AND INDUSTRIAL USES

6.1 Primary Application Areas

6.2 Key Advantages

• High purity and consistent quality

• High reactivity (due to epoxide ring)

• Versatile chemical intermediate

• Wide range of industrial applications

7. BIOLOGICAL AND STRUCTURAL PROPERTIES

Note: This product is an industrial chemical intermediate. It is not intended for biological, pharmaceutical, or food applications.

8. BIOCHEMICAL APPLICATIONS

Note: Not applicable for this industrial chemical intermediate.

9. SAFETY AND TOXICOLOGY

9.1 Acute Toxicity

9.2 Chronic Toxicity

9.3 GHS Classification (Harmonized)

Note: GHS classification is based on the ECHA harmonized classification.

9.4 Precautionary Statements

9.5 Safety Precautions and PPE

Hazards:

• Flammable liquid and vapor

• Toxic if swallowed, inhaled, or in contact with skin

• Causes severe skin burns and serious eye damage

• May cause an allergic skin reaction

• May cause cancer

PPE (recommended):

• Chemical-resistant gloves (butyl rubber, nitrile)

• Safety goggles and face shield

• Suitable work clothing (antistatic)

• Respiratory protection (organic vapor mask, Type A)

9.6 Environmental Fate

10. TRANSPORT INFORMATION

Note: Transport classification is UN 2023, Class 6.1 (subsidiary risk 3), Packing Group II.

11. REGULATORY INFORMATION

Note: ECH is registered under REACH. It is listed in the TSCA Inventory.

12. STORAGE AND HANDLING

13. FIREFIGHTING MEASURES

Note: In case of fire, containers should be cooled with water spray. Vapor explosion risk exists.

14. ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES

15. FIRST AID MEASURES

Note: ECH is corrosive and toxic. Immediate flushing with water is essential for skin and eye contact.

16. RAW MATERIALS AND DOWNSTREAM PRODUCTS

16.1 Raw Materials (Upstream)

16.2 Downstream Products

17. SECTORAL SUITABILITY AND USAGE LEVELS

18. CARBON DIOXIDE ABSORPTION AND REAGENTS

Not applicable. ECH is an industrial chemical intermediate and is not used for CO₂ absorption or as a chemical reagent.

19. DERIVATIVES AND RELATED COMPOUNDS

Note: ECH is the key building block for epoxy resins.

20. SUMMARY AND CRITICAL WARNINGS

SUMMARY

Epichlorohydrin (ECH) is a colorless, clear liquid with a pungent odor. Due to its epoxide ring and chlorine atom, it is highly reactive. It is a key chemical intermediate widely used in the production of epoxy resins, water treatment chemicals, ion exchange resins, paper industry additives, and synthetic glycerin.

Its density is 1.18 g/cm³ (20°C), boiling point is 116-118°C, flash point is 28°C (closed cup), and purity is ≥99.5%. It is partially soluble in water and miscible with organic solvents.

Key Properties

Main Application Areas

Key Safety Points

• FLAMMABLE: Flammable liquid and vapor (H226).

• TOXIC: Toxic if swallowed, inhaled, or in contact with skin (H301, H311, H331).

• CORROSIVE: Causes severe skin burns and serious eye damage (H314, H318).

• SENSITIZING: May cause an allergic skin reaction (H317).

• CARCINOGENIC: May cause cancer (H350, Carc. 1B).

• PPE REQUIRED: Use chemical-resistant gloves, safety goggles/face shield, suitable work clothing, and respiratory protection.

• STORAGE: Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area, away from heat and ignition sources. Keep containers tightly closed.

• DISPOSAL: Dispose of according to local regulations.

Critical Warnings

• ECH is corrosive, toxic, and carcinogenic. Avoid contact with skin, eyes, and respiratory tract.

• Flammable liquid; keep away from heat, sparks, and open flames.

• Reacts with water causing exothermic hydrolysis.

• This TDS contains complete toxicological, transport, firefighting, and first aid data, but always refer to the supplier's official SDS/MSDS.

• Do not use this TDS as a substitute for the official SDS/MSDS.

• Users are responsible for determining the suitability of the product for their specific applications and for complying with all applicable regulations and safety requirements.

Disclaimer:
This Technical Data Sheet (TDS) is for informational purposes only. The information provided is based on the original source document, verified CAS/EC numbers, and data completed from reliable sources (ECHA, OECD SIDS, manufacturer SDSs). However, the user is solely responsible for determining the suitability of the product for their specific applications and for complying with all applicable regulations and safety requirements. For complete safety, handling, storage, and regulatory compliance information, always refer to the official Safety Data Sheet (SDS/MSDS) provided by the manufacturer/supplier. Users are responsible for testing the product in their own processes and applications. All local, national, and international regulations must be followed when working with Epichlorohydrin (ECH).