Diethyl ether safety data

GHS hazards, precautions, first aid, handling and transport for Diethyl ether. A classification summary, not a safety data sheet.

CAS 60-29-7Formula C₄H₁₀O

Drug precursor

Diethyl ether is controlled. Only documented suppliers can list it, and buyers must upload a valid licence with their request. Every request is reviewed before suppliers see it.

Reference: UN Convention against Illicit Traffic 1988 Table II, India NDPS controlled substance, HS 2022 subheading 2909.11 (diethyl ether)

Our policy on controlled substances

GHS classification summary, not a safety data sheet (SDS). Classifications can differ by supplier, grade and concentration. Always check the supplier's SDS.

GHS classification

Pictograms, signal word and hazard classes of the GHS classification

Flammable

Harmful or irritant

Signal word

Danger

NFPA 704 rating
health, fire, reactivity

Hazard classes and categories

Flam. Liq. 1
Acute Tox. 4 (oral)
STOT SE 3 (narcotic effects)

Hazard statements

H codes grouped by type. Percentages show the share of classification notifications that report the statement

Physical hazards

H224Extremely flammable liquid and vapour.

Health hazards

H302Harmful if swallowed.
H336May cause drowsiness or dizziness.

Precautionary statements

P codes for prevention, response, storage and disposal

Prevention

P210Keep away from heat, hot surfaces, sparks, open flames and other ignition sources. No smoking.
P233Keep container tightly closed.
P240Ground and bond container and receiving equipment.
P241Use explosion-proof electrical, ventilating and lighting equipment.
P242Use non-sparking tools.
P243Take action to prevent static discharges.
P261Avoid breathing dust, fume, gas, mist, vapours or spray.
P264Wash skin thoroughly after handling.
P270Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product.
P271Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.
P280Wear protective gloves, protective clothing, eye protection and face protection.

Response

P301 + P317If swallowed: Get medical help.
P303 + P361 + P353If on skin (or hair): Take off immediately all contaminated clothing. Rinse skin with water or shower.
P304 + P340If inhaled: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing.
P319Get medical help if you feel unwell.
P330Rinse mouth.
P370 + P378In case of fire: Use appropriate media to extinguish.

Storage

P403 + P233Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep container tightly closed.
P403 + P235Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep cool.
P405Store locked up.

Disposal

P501Dispose of contents and container in accordance with local regulations.

First aid

General first aid measures. Get medical advice if you feel unwell

If inhaled

IMMEDIATELY leave the contaminated area, take deep breaths of fresh air. If symptoms (such as wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, or burning in the mouth, throat, or chest) develop, call a physician and be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital. Provide proper respiratory protection to rescuers entering an unknown atmosphere. Whenever possible, Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) should be used, if not available, use a level of protection greater than or equal to that advised under Protective Clothing.

Skin contact

IMMEDIATELY flood affected skin with water while removing and isolating all contaminated clothing. Gently wash all affected skin areas thoroughly with soap and water. If symptoms such as redness or irritation develop, IMMEDIATELY call a physician and be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital for treatment.

Eye contact

First check the victim for contact lenses and remove if present. Flush victim's eyes with water or normal saline solution for 20 to 30 minutes while simultaneously calling a hospital or poison control center. Do not put any ointments, oils, or medication in the victim's eyes without specific instructions from a physician. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim after flushing eyes to a hospital even if no symptoms (such as redness or irritation) develop.

If swallowed

DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING. Volatile chemicals have a high risk of being aspirated into the victim's lungs during vomiting which increases the medical problems. If the victim is conscious and not convulsing, give 1 or 2 glasses of water to dilute the chemical and IMMEDIATELY call a hospital or poison control center. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim to a hospital. If the victim is convulsing or unconscious, do not give anything by mouth, ensure that the victim's airway is open and lay the victim on his/her side with the head lower than the body. DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim to a hospital.

Handling, storage and disposal

Summaries only, follow the supplier SDS for your grade

Safe handling

Fire: NO open flames, NO sparks and NO smoking. NO contact with hot surfaces. Closed system, ventilation, explosion-proof electrical equipment and lighting. Prevent build-up of electrostatic charges (e.g., by grounding). Do NOT use compressed air for filling, discharging, or handling. Use non-sparking handtools. NO contact with incompatible materials: See Chemical Dangers

Inhalation: Use ventilation, local exhaust or breathing protection.

Skin: Protective gloves.

Eyes: Wear safety goggles.

Ingestion: Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work.

Storage

Fireproof. Separated from oxidants and other incompatible materials. See Chemical Dangers. Cool. Keep in the dark. Store only if stabilized. Ventilation along the floor.

Disposal

Generators of waste (equal to or greater than 100 kg/mo) containing this contaminant, EPA hazardous waste number U117, F003, must conform with USEPA regulations in storage, transportation, treatment and disposal of waste. Diethyl ether is a waste chemical stream constituent which may be subjected to ultimate disposal by controlled incineration. If concentrated waste contains no peroxides, discharge liquid at a controlled rate near a pilot flame. If concentrated waste contains peroxides, perforation of a container of the waste from a safe distance is followed by open burning.

Exposure limits and toxicity

Occupational exposure limits and toxicity data

OSHA PEL, 8-hour TWA: 400 ppm (1200 mg/m³)
ACGIH TLV, 8-hour TWA: 400 ppm
ACGIH TLV, STEL: 500 ppm
IDLH: 1900 ppm (10% LEL)

Short-term exposure: The substance is mildly irritating to the eyes and respiratory tract. If this liquid is swallowed, aspiration into the lungs may result in chemical pneumonitis. The substance may cause effects on the central nervous system. This may result in narcosis. Long-term exposure: The substance defats the skin, which may cause dryness or cracking. The substance may have effects on the central nervous system. May cause addiction.

Transport information

UN dangerous goods classification for road, sea and air

UN number: UN 1155
Transport hazard class: 3
Packing group: I

Shipping rules depend on mode, quantity and packaging. Confirm the classification with the supplier SDS and your freight forwarder.

Supplier safety data sheets

SDS documents uploaded by suppliers who list this chemical

No supplier has uploaded an SDS for Diethyl ether yet. Suppliers usually send one with their quote. Request quotes

Safety questions

Quick answers about handling Diethyl ether safely

Is Diethyl ether hazardous?

Diethyl ether carries the GHS signal word "Danger". Main hazards: extremely flammable liquid and vapour, harmful if swallowed, may cause drowsiness or dizziness. This summary is not an SDS, always read the supplier safety data sheet.

Which GHS pictograms apply to Diethyl ether?

The GHS classification of Diethyl ether shows 2 pictograms: GHS02 (flammable), GHS07 (harmful or irritant).

What is the UN number of Diethyl ether?

Diethyl ether is transported under UN 1155, hazard class 3, packing group I. Check the supplier SDS and the current ADR, IMDG or IATA rules before shipping.

How should Diethyl ether be stored?

Fireproof. Separated from oxidants and other incompatible materials. See Chemical Dangers. Cool. Keep in the dark. Store only if stabilized. Ventilation along the floor.

Where can I get the SDS for Diethyl ether?

Ask the supplier for the safety data sheet of the exact grade you buy. Suppliers on CompoundList can attach their SDS to listings and send it with a quote. This page is a GHS classification summary, not an SDS.

GHS classification summary, not an SDS. Always check the supplier's SDS. Last updated 7 Oct 2026. Report an error

Price on request

Free quotes, contact stays private

Licensed request