UN/NA Number Reference

UN 1155: Diethyl ether (ethyl ether)

49 CFR 172.101 Hazardous Materials Table·ERG 2024

DOT Classification and Shipping

UN 1155 is assigned the proper shipping name Diethyl ether (ethyl ether) in the U.S. DOT Hazardous Materials Table (49 CFR 172.101). It is classified as a Class 3 Flammable Liquid material, Packing Group I. Required label(s): 3.

Packing group indicates the degree of danger within a hazard class: PG I is high danger, PG II medium, PG III low. The proper shipping name, hazard class, UN number, and packing group together form the basic shipping description that must appear on shipping papers and, where required, on the package and placard.

Emergency Response (ERG Guide 127)

Hazards: HIGHLY FLAMMABLE. Vapors may form explosive mixtures with air. Vapors heavier than air, travel to ignition source and flash back. Runoff may cause fire/explosion.

Fire: Small: dry chemical, CO2, water spray or alcohol-resistant foam. Large: water spray, fog or alcohol-resistant foam. Do not use straight streams. Cool tanks with water.

Spill: Eliminate ignition sources. Ground equipment. Stop leak if safe. Use vapor-suppressing foam. Absorb with earth/sand. Dike large spills. Water spray may reduce vapor.

Chemical and Physical Properties

Diethyl ether appears as a clear colorless liquid with an anesthetic odor. Flash point -49 °F. Less dense than water and slightly soluble in water. Hence floats on water. Vapors are heavier than air. Used as a solvent and to make other chemicals.

CAS Number: 60-29-7

Molecular Formula: C4H10O

Molecular Weight: 74.12 g/mol

Color / Form: Colorless, volatile, mobile liquid

Odor: Sweetish, pungent odor

Boiling Point: 94 F

Melting Point: -177.3 °F (NTP, 1992)

Flash Point: Flammable gas

Autoignition: 356 °F (USCG, 1999)

Specific Gravity: 0.714 (floats on water)

Vapor Pressure: 525 mmHg at 20 C (68 F) at 20°C (68°F),

Vapor Density: 2.6 (heavier than air)

Water Solubility: greater than or equal to 100 mg/mL at 68 °F (NTP, 1992)

Log P: log Kow= 0.89

Regulatory Data

CERCLA RQ (40 CFR 302.4)

100 lb

OSHA PEL

400 1200 400 ppm (ST) 500 ppm

NIOSH REL

See Appendix D

IDLH

1900 ppm [10%LEL]

RCRA Waste Code(s)

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A release of this material at or above its CERCLA reportable quantity (100 lb) requires immediate notification to the National Response Center at 800-424-8802.

Special Provisions

49 CFR 172.102 special provision codes for this entry: T11, TP2. These codes modify the general requirements (packaging, quantity limits, exceptions) for this specific material. Look up each code in 49 CFR 172.102 for the full text.

Need the full interactive record? Open UN 1155 in the SpillNerd lookup tool for the live database entry with placard graphics, GHS pictograms, full segregation tables, and synonym search. For another material, use the UN number and chemical lookup.

Reference data compiled from the DOT Hazardous Materials Table (49 CFR 172.101), the 2024 Emergency Response Guidebook, and public chemical databases (PubChem, NIOSH, EPA). Always verify the correct shipping description against the current regulation and the manufacturer's SDS Section 14 before shipping.