print this page
IDENTIFICATION

Molecular formula : C3H6O2
Molecular weight : 74.06
CAS n° : 646-06-0
Einecs n° : 211-463-5
NIOSH N° : JH 6760000
UN N° : 1166
Synonyms : Dihydro-1,3-dioxole
Dioxacyclopentane
Ethylene glycol formaline
Formal glycol
Glycol formal

Remarks : Dioxolane is also the name of a compound of
formula C6H12O3
(Chemical abstracts N° 100798)  

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

Description : colourless liquid
Boiling point : 74-75°C
Melting point : - 95°C
Density : 1.060 at 20°C
Vapour density (air = 1) : 2.6
Solubility : miscible with water
Flash point : 2°C (closed cup)

Refractory index h20D = 1.4005
Solubility parameter (Hildebrand) (Mpa1/2) at 25°C :
Solubility parameter (Hansen) : 		d23.2
dd14.8
dp11.3
dh13.9

Kauri-Butanol index of the ultrapure quality (acc. to the ASTM D 1133-90 Norm) :
With Kauri type :
  1,3-dioxolane (ultrapure quality) : dichloromethane :
4939* 4938*
K > 207
K = 115 		K > 218
K = 125
* Roeper GmbH, Hamburg, Germany


CHEMICAL PROPERTIES

Reactions

1,3-Dioxolane is an acetal.

It has typical reactions of this chemical function.


 APPLICATIONS

Reagent in organic synthesis

Polymer industry
Textile industry
Solvent
  • in organic synthesis
  • for glues
- for PVC pipes
- for composite packaging films
  • for polyacrylonitrile
  • for resinous products
  • for pesticides

Stabilizer
for halogenated solvents: brominated solvent
HFA

Corrosion inhibitor in chlorinated hydrocarbons

Constituent of lithium batteries

Metal electrodeposition baths
Nickel, copper, lithium

Cleaning agent

Paint strippers
Paint and varnish industry
- as substitute for aromatics (toluene and xylene) in metallic paints
- as solubility improver for water based paints and varnishes


 SPECIFICATIONS
Electrolyte grade
Ultra pure grade
Technical grade
Dioxolane
99.96 % min.
99.96 % min.
90 % min .
Water
20 ppm max.
100 ppm max.
7 % max.
Methylal
100 ppm max.
100 ppm max.
1 % max.
Formaldehyde
100 ppm max.
100 ppm max .
Methanol
100 ppm max.
100 ppm max.

Dioxolane can be stabilized, upon request, with the following stabilizer :
• 2,6-diterbutyl-p-cresol (BHT)

HEALTH & SAFETY

Chemical Hazards
Dioxolane is a flammable liquid.
The action of light and heat causes decomposition of dioxolane.


Fire Precautions
Fires involving dioxolane can be extinguished using carbon dioxide, dry powder, vaporising liquids or water spray.


Biological Hazards
There are no exposure limits in force in Western countries.

It is harmful if swallowed, by vapour inhalation, and on skin contact producing a narcotic-like effect.
It is not a cumulative toxin and has low acute toxicity.
Following chronic exposures, changes in the central nervous system, together with changes in liver and kidney function, increased protinurea, aminohippuric acid elimination, and diuresis have been noted.

Vapour Inhalation
There is little published information available on the effects of inhalation of dioxolane vapours.

Eye Contact
Dioxolane liquid produces irritating effects on the eye.

Skin Contact
Dioxolane is able to penetrate the skin but has low toxicity by dermal administration (LD50 15 g/kg). It does not produce dermatitis.

Swallowing
It has a relatively low toxicity characterised by a narcotic-like effect following gastric administration. In range-finding toxicity studies the LD50 of dioxolane was assessed to be 3 g/kg.
H.I.N° 33

Carcinogenicity
No information is available on the carcinogenicity of dioxolane.

Mutagenicity
In mutagenicity studies with Salmonella typhimurium with and without metabolic activation, dioxolane was not mutagenic.

Reproductive Hazards
The fertility of male rats was not affected by inhalation or ingestion of dioxolane, although in some rats alterations in sperm formation was noted.
No embryotoxicity was observed in pregnant rats.


Reactions
Biodegradability - Ecotoxicology
In accordance with the ISO/DIS 8192 standards (measure for the inhibition of oxygen consumption of activated sludge) dioxolane is biodegradable when diluted in water.
Moreover, when diluted in water, dioxolane does not inhibit the growth of the green algae Chlorella vulgaris. (AFNOR T 90-304 standard)

First Aid
 In cases of contact with the liquid or vapours, wash the eyes with water or neutral saline solution for at least 15 minutes.
Remove contact lenses if worn. If irritation still occurs seek medical advice.
 Remove the victim from the contamination immediately to fresh air; keep warm and at rest (in the recovery position).
If breathing is weak, irregular or has stopped, commence artificial respiration. Oxygen may be beneficial.
 Rinse mouth with water and if swallowed dilute with water.
Do not induce vomiting.
 Remove contaminated clothing and wash the affected area with soap and water.


 HANDELING - STORAGE - TRANSPORT
Labelling
Dioxolane must be labelled as follows :
Hazard symbol
R - phrase
(risk phrase)
S - phrase
(safety phrase)
F
11
16

Hazard symbol
F = highly flammable
The label must show a black flame on an orange ground

R - phrase
Nature of the special risks attaching to dangerous substances
R11 = Highly flammable.

S - phrase
Safety advice concerning dangerous chemical substances.
S16 = keep away from sources of ignition. No smoking.

Storage
Dioxolane should be stored in tightly closed containers in a cool, dry, well-ventilated store, away from sources of ignition and oxidising materials.
It is not corrosive when dry and can be stored in iron, mild steel, copper or aluminium containers.
Laboratory quantities can be kept in dark glass containers.

Transport
ADR Class 3, II
I.D. n° : 33
UN n° : 1166
IMO : Class 3
EMS n° : 3-06
MFAG n° : 330