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Annex II Entry 1174 CMR29/10/2010

Bis(2-chloroethyl) ether

Bis(2-chloroethyl) ether is listed in Annex II as a prohibited substance for cosmetic products placed on the EU market.

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Prohibited substance— Annex II, EU Regulation 1223/2009
Entry: 1174
CMR

Chemical identity and properties

PubChem 2D chemical structure for CAS 111-44-4
CAS 111-44-4PubChem CID 8115

Bis(2-chloroethyl) ether

Bis(2-chloroethyl)ether is an ether. — ChEBI

IUPAC name
1-chloro-2-(2-chloroethoxy)ethane
Molecular formula
C4H8Cl2O
Molecular weight
143.01 g/mol
Exact mass
141.9952203 Da
XLogP3
1.3
Topological polar surface area
9.2 Ų
Hydrogen-bond donors
0
Hydrogen-bond acceptors
1
Covalent units
1
Defined stereocentres
0

Also known as

2,2'-Dichlorodiethyl ether2-Chloroethyl etherBis(2-chloroethyl)etherChlorexDCEEChloroethyl etherDichloroetherClorex
16 more reported names
Dichloroethyl etherBCEEDichloroethyl oxidesym-Dichloroethyl etherEther dichlore1,5-Dichloro-3-oxapentane2,2'-Dichlorethyl ether2,2'-Dichloroethyl etherDi(2-chloroethyl) etherOxyde de chlorethyleBis(chloro-2-ethyl) oxideEther, bis(2-chloroethyl)Dwuchlorodwuetylowy eter2,2'-Dicloroetiletere2,2'-DichloorethyletherRcra waste number U025
Open full PubChem recordPubChem annotations3D structure image
External database identifiers

Evidence from additional scientific databases

NIH PubChem PUG-View
Exact identifier match8115

Attributed physical-property, hazard, environmental and use annotations.

  • First Aid: Signs and Symptoms of Dichloroethyl Ether Exposure: Acute exposure to dichloroethyl ether may produce the following signs and symptoms: irritation of the eyes, skin, and mucous membranes, profuse tearing, coughing, retching, and vomiting. Contact with skin and eyes may cause burns. Respiratory signs may include irritation of the respiratory tract, which may progress to pulmonary edema.; Emergency Life-Support Procedures: Acute exposure to dichloroethyl ether may require decontamination and life support for the victims. Emergency personnel should wear protective clothing appropriate to the type and degree of contamination. Air-purifying or supplied-air respiratory equipment should also be worn, as necessary. Rescue vehicles should carry supplies such as plastic sheeting and disposable plastic bags to assist in preventing spread of contamination.; Inhalation Exposure:; 1. Move victims to fresh air. Emergency personnel should avoid self-exposure to dichloroethyl ether.; 2. Evaluate vital signs including pulse and respiratory rate, and note any trauma. If no pulse is detected, provide CPR. If not breathing, provide artificial respiration. If breathing is labored, administer 100% humidi Source: CAMEO Chemicals
  • ERG2024, Guide 152 (Dichloroethyl ether): General First Aid:; · Call 911 or emergency medical service.; · Ensure that medical personnel are aware of the material(s) involved, take precautions to protect themselves and avoid contamination.; · Move victim to fresh air if it can be done safely.; · Administer oxygen if breathing is difficult.; · If victim is not breathing:; -- DO NOT perform mouth-to-mouth resuscitation; the victim may have ingested or inhaled the substance.; -- If equipped and pulse detected, wash face and mouth, then give artificial respiration using a proper respiratory medical device (bag-valve mask, pocket mask equipped with a one-way valve or other device).; -- If no pulse detected or no respiratory medical device available, provide continuous compressions. Conduct a pulse check every two minutes or monitor for any signs of spontaneous respirations.; · Remove and isolate contaminated clothing and shoes.; · For minor skin contact, avoid spreading material on unaffected skin.; · In case of contact with substance, remove immediately by flushing skin or eyes with running water for at least 20 minutes.; · For severe burns, immediate medical attention is required.; · Effects of exposure (inhalation, ingestion, Source: Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG)
  • ERG2024, Guide 152 (2,2'-Dichlorodiethyl ether): General First Aid:; · Call 911 or emergency medical service.; · Ensure that medical personnel are aware of the material(s) involved, take precautions to protect themselves and avoid contamination.; · Move victim to fresh air if it can be done safely.; · Administer oxygen if breathing is difficult.; · If victim is not breathing:; -- DO NOT perform mouth-to-mouth resuscitation; the victim may have ingested or inhaled the substance.; -- If equipped and pulse detected, wash face and mouth, then give artificial respiration using a proper respiratory medical device (bag-valve mask, pocket mask equipped with a one-way valve or other device).; -- If no pulse detected or no respiratory medical device available, provide continuous compressions. Conduct a pulse check every two minutes or monitor for any signs of spontaneous respirations.; · Remove and isolate contaminated clothing and shoes.; · For minor skin contact, avoid spreading material on unaffected skin.; · In case of contact with substance, remove immediately by flushing skin or eyes with running water for at least 20 minutes.; · For severe burns, immediate medical attention is required.; · Effects of exposure (inhalation, ingestion, Source: Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG)
  • First Aid: (General first aid procedures); Eye: Irrigate immediately - If this chemical contacts the eyes, immediately wash (irrigate) the eyes with large amounts of water, occasionally lifting the lower and upper lids. Get medical attention immediately.; Skin: Soap wash - If this chemical contacts the skin, wash the contaminated skin with soap and water.; Breathing: Respiratory support; Swallow: Medical attention immediately - If this chemical has been swallowed, get medical attention immediately. Source: The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
  • Signal: Danger Source: Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council
  • GHS Hazard Statements: H300: Fatal if swallowed [Danger Acute toxicity, oral]; H310: Fatal in contact with skin [Danger Acute toxicity, dermal]; H330: Fatal if inhaled [Danger Acute toxicity, inhalation]; H351: Suspected of causing cancer [Warning Carcinogenicity] Source: Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council
  • Precautionary Statement Codes: P203, P260, P262, P264, P270, P271, P280, P284, P301+P316, P302+P352, P304+P340, P316, P318, P320, P321, P330, P361+P364, P403+P233, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement) Source: Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council
  • Signal: Danger Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
  • GHS Hazard Statements: H226 (21.3%): Flammable liquid and vapor [Warning Flammable liquids]; H300+H310+H330 (25.6%): Fatal if swallowed, in contact with skin or if inhaled [Danger Acute toxicity, oral; acute toxicity, dermal; acute toxicity, inhalation]; H300 (100%): Fatal if swallowed [Danger Acute toxicity, oral]; H310 (100%): Fatal in contact with skin [Danger Acute toxicity, dermal]; H330 (100%): Fatal if inhaled [Danger Acute toxicity, inhalation]; H351 (100%): Suspected of causing cancer [Warning Carcinogenicity] Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
  • Precautionary Statement Codes: P203, P210, P233, P240, P241, P242, P243, P260, P262, P264, P270, P271, P280, P284, P301+P316, P302+P352, P303+P361+P353, P304+P340, P316, P318, P320, P321, P330, P361+P364, P370+P378, P403+P233, P403+P235, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement) Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
  • ECHA C&L Notifications Summary: Aggregated GHS information provided per 258 reports by companies from 7 notifications to the ECHA C&L Inventory. Each notification may be associated with multiple companies.; Information may vary between notifications depending on impurities, additives, and other factors. The percentage value in parenthesis indicates the notified classification ratio from companies that provide hazard codes. Only hazard codes with percentage values above 10% are shown. For more detailed information, please visit ECHA C&L website. Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
  • Signal: Danger Source: NITE-CMC
  • GHS Hazard Statements: H301: Toxic if swallowed [Danger Acute toxicity, oral]; H310: Fatal in contact with skin [Danger Acute toxicity, dermal] Source: NITE-CMC
  • Precautionary Statement Codes: P262, P264, P270, P280, P301+P316, P302+P352, P316, P321, P330, P361+P364, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement) Source: NITE-CMC
  • GHS Hazard Statements: H226: Flammable liquid and vapor [Warning Flammable liquids]; H301: Toxic if swallowed [Danger Acute toxicity, oral]; H311: Toxic in contact with skin [Danger Acute toxicity, dermal]; H315: Causes skin irritation [Warning Skin corrosion/irritation]; H320: Causes eye irritation [Warning Serious eye damage/eye irritation]; H330: Fatal if inhaled [Danger Acute toxicity, inhalation]; H336: May cause drowsiness or dizziness [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure; Narcotic effects]; H351: Suspected of causing cancer [Warning Carcinogenicity]; H370: Causes damage to organs [Danger Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure] Source: NITE-CMC
  • Precautionary Statement Codes: P203, P210, P233, P240, P241, P242, P243, P260, P261, P262, P264, P264+P265, P270, P271, P280, P284, P301+P316, P302+P352, P303+P361+P353, P304+P340, P305+P351+P338, P308+P316, P316, P318, P319, P320, P321, P330, P332+P317, P337+P317, P361+P364, P362+P364, P370+P378, P403+P233, P403+P235, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement) Source: NITE-CMC
  • Health Effects: The principal acute effect of inhalation exposure to BCEE vapor is irritation and injury to the cells of the respiratory epithelium. BCEE vapors can cause loss of weight, nose irritation, severe injury to the lungs, and may lead to death. It might also cause cancer. (L183) Source: Toxin and Toxin Target Database (T3DB)
  • NFPA Health Rating: 2 - Materials that, under emergency conditions, can cause temporary incapacitation or residual injury. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • NFPA Fire Rating: 2 - Materials that must be moderately heated or exposed to relatively high ambient temperatures before ignition can occur. Materials would not under normal conditions form hazardous atmospheres with air, but under high ambient temperatures or under moderate heating could release vapor in sufficient quantities to produce hazardous atmospheres with air. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • NFPA Instability Rating: 0 - Materials that in themselves are normally stable, even under fire conditions. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Toxicity Summary: Quantitative information on the kinetics and metabolism of BCEE /bis(2-chloroethyl) ether/... in humans is not available. ... Limited data show that radioactive BCEE administered to rats by inhalation or gavage is rapidly absorbed. ... BCEE is readily metabolized in rats. The principal metabolite is thiodiglycolic acid ... BCEE is eliminated quickly in both rats and rhesus monkeys. ... BCEE is acutely toxic by the oral, inhalation or dermal routes of exposure. ... Exposure of laboratory animals by inhalation to high single concentrations ... resulted in eye irritation as well as congestion, edema, and hemorrhage in the lungs. ... In general, positive results were obtained when ... tested for mutagenicity in vitro. ... /In one study/ there was a significant increase in the incidence of hepatomas (combined benign hepatomas and malignant tumors) compared to unexposed controls. ... Other limited studies in rats and mice using oral gavage, subcutaneous or intraperitoneal injection and skin painting failed to confirm these findings. ... BCEE was found to be irritating to the eyes and nasal passages of humans ... following short term exposure. No epidemiological studies on the effects of Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Toxicity Summary: BCEE is extremely meabolized, with thiodiglycolic acid (TDGA) being the principal endproduct. The pathway leading to TDGA formation is uncertain, but probably involves oxidative cleavage of the ether bond to yield chloroacetaldehyde and 2-chloroethanol. (L183) Source: Toxin and Toxin Target Database (T3DB)
  • Environmental Bioconcentration: A BCF of 0.4 to 1.3 in carp(1) and a BCF of 11 in bluegills exposed to bis(2-chloroethyl) ether for 14 days(2) was observed. According to a classification scheme(3), these BCF values suggest that the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Environmental Fate: TERRESTRIAL FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 120(SRC), determined from a log Kow of 1.29(2) and a regression-derived equation(3), indicates that bis(2-chloroethyl) ether is expected to have high mobility in soil(SRC). Volatilization of bis(2-chloroethyl) ether from moist soil surfaces is expected to be important(SRC) given an estimated Henry's Law constant of 2.9X10-5 atm-cu m/mole(SRC), calculated from its vapor pressure(4) and water solubility(5). In a 140 cm long column containing Lincoln fine sand collected in Ada, OK, 86% of the applied bis(2-chloroethyl) ether reached 140 cm, indicating minimal adsorption to this soil(6). The potential for volatilization of bis(2-chloroethyl) ether from dry soil surfaces may exist(SRC) based on a vapor pressure of 1.55 mm Hg(4). No data concerning the hydrolysis of bis(2-chloroethyl) ether in soil were available. The hydrolysis rate constant for bis(2-chloroethyl) ether in water was determined to be 2.6X10-5/hour under neutral conditions; this corresponds to a half-life at pH 7 and 25 °C of 3 years(7). Bis(2-chloroethyl) ether may be resistant to biodegradation under aerobic conditions in environmental medi Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Environmental Fate: AQUATIC FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 120(SRC), determined from a log Kow of 1.29(2) and a regression-derived equation(3), indicates that bis(2-chloroethyl) ether is not expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment in water(SRC). Bis(2-chloroethyl) ether is expected to volatilize from water surfaces(3,SRC) based on an estimated Henry's Law constant of 2.9X10-5 atm-cu m/mole(SRC), calculated from its vapor pressure(4) and water solubility(5). Estimated volatilization half-lives for a model river and model lake are 40 hours and 16 days, respectively(3,SRC). According to a classification scheme(6), a BCF of 0.4 to 1.3(7) suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low(SRC). In one study, bis(2-chloroethyl) ether showed 50% biodegradation after 30 days when incubated with Ohio River water; acclimation appears to be important(8). Bis(2-chloroethyl) ether may be resistant to biodegradation under aerobic conditions in environmental media based upon screening test data from studies using activated sludge(7,SRC). In general, many ethers are known to be resistant to biodegradation(9). The hydrolysis rate constant for bis(2 Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Environmental Fate: ATMOSPHERIC FATE: According to a model of gas/particle partitioning of semivolatile organic compounds in the atmosphere(1), bis(2-chloroethyl) ether, which has a vapor pressure of 1.55 mm Hg at 25 °C(2), is expected to exist solely as a vapor in the ambient atmosphere. Vapor-phase bis(2-chloroethyl) ether is degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals(SRC); the half-life for this reaction in air is estimated to be 5 days(3,SRC). Direct photolysis in the atmosphere is not expected to be a major significant degradation process since no functional groups are present in bis(2-chloroethyl) ether that would lead to absorption of sunlight(SRC). Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Industry Uses: Intermediate; Cleaning agent; Corrosion inhibitor; Not Known or Reasonably Ascertainable; Surfactant (surface active agent); Solvent Source: EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)

Mapped by: Existing checksum-valid CAS to unique PubChem CID match. Retrieved: 2026-08-31. Open source record

Scientific classifications and hazard annotations provide context and do not replace the market-specific regulatory decision shown above.

Additional source coverage and match status
SourceResultChecked
NIH PubChem PUG-ViewExact match2026-08-31

A recorded no-match is useful evidence that the source was checked; it is not a claim that the substance does not exist elsewhere.

Retrieved from NIH PubChem on 2026-09-02 by checksum-valid CAS matching. Chemical properties do not replace the regulatory decision on this page.

Record details

Chemical name

Bis(2-chloroethyl) ether

Regulatory information

Regulation

(EC) 2009/1223

See every entry this act set

Other directives

(EC) 2009/790

SCCS opinions

CMR

CategoryCarcinogenicMutagenicReprotoxic
Cat. 2✓——

Key data

CAS
111-44-4
EC
203-870-1
Annex
II
Entry number
1174

Direct matches are limited for this record, so nearby entries from Annex II are shown as well.

Annex II 1175
Nearby record in the same annex

Phenol

CAS: 108-95-2
EC: 203-632-7
Annex II 1178
Nearby record in the same annex

Propargite (ISO)

CAS: 2312-35-8
EC: 219-006-1
Annex II 1180
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Molinate (ISO)

CAS: 2212-67-1
EC: 218-661-0
Annex II 1167
Nearby record in the same annex

Naphthalene

CAS: 91-20-3
EC: 202-049-5

What Annex II means for Bis(2-chloroethyl) ether

Bis(2-chloroethyl) ether is listed as a prohibited substance under Annex II of EU Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009 and must not be intentionally added. Article 17 separately addresses unintended small quantities that are technically unavoidable under good manufacturing practice and compatible with the Article 3 safety requirement.

Formulators must screen their ingredients and raw materials to ensure none contain this substance. Suppliers should provide documentation confirming absence when requested.

The page also surfaces 12 related annex records with overlapping identifiers, annex logic or naming patterns.

Compliance checklist

  • Verify this substance is absent from all raw materials and finished formulations.
  • Request absence confirmation or CoA from raw material suppliers.
  • Document the screening result in the Product Information File (PIF).
  • This substance has CMR classification. Review the CMR table above and verify current Annex II/III status before use.

Frequently asked questions

Yes. Bis(2-chloroethyl) ether is listed in Annex II of EU Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009 and is prohibited as an intentionally added cosmetic ingredient. Article 17 provides a narrow exception for unintended small quantities that are technically unavoidable under good manufacturing practice, provided the product remains safe under Article 3.

CAS 111-44-4 is the unique numerical identifier assigned to Bis(2-chloroethyl) ether by the Chemical Abstracts Service. In cosmetic compliance work, the CAS number is used to cross-reference the substance across regulatory databases, raw material specifications and safety assessment reports. Multiple EU annex entries may share the same CAS number if the same substance appears under different conditions or in different annexes.

Bis(2-chloroethyl) ether has a CMR (carcinogenic, mutagenic or reprotoxic) classification under EU CLP Regulation. Under Article 15 of EU Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009, CMR substances of category 1A or 1B are prohibited in cosmetics unless specifically permitted. Category 2 CMR substances may be used only if assessed safe by the SCCS. Always verify current annex status and any applicable derogations before use.

Use the INCI Checker tool on this site to paste your full ingredient list (INCI) and scan it against all Annex II–VI entries. The tool highlights any ingredients that match restricted, prohibited or allergen-flagged records. This is useful for rapid compliance screening of finished product formulas or raw material declarations.
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Source note for Annex II record Bis(2-chloroethyl) ether

This page summarizes one Annex II record for Bis(2-chloroethyl) ether from public European Commission cosmetic materials and adds linked inventory or identifier matches when available.

Use this record page to review Annex II conditions for Bis(2-chloroethyl) ether, but confirm any final regulatory decision against the current official annex wording and source files.

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