Chloromethyl methyl ether
Chloromethyl methyl ether is listed in Annex II as a prohibited substance for cosmetic products placed on the EU market.
Chemical identity and properties

- IUPAC name
- chloro(methoxy)methane
- Molecular formula
- C2H5ClO
- Molecular weight
- 80.51 g/mol
- Exact mass
- 80.0028925 Da
- XLogP3
- 0.8
- Topological polar surface area
- 9.2 Ų
- Hydrogen-bond donors
- 0
- Hydrogen-bond acceptors
- 1
- Covalent units
- 1
- Defined stereocentres
- 0
Also known as
16 more reported names
External database identifiers
- ChEBI:CHEBI:82271
- ChEMBL:CHEMBL3185256
- EPA DTXSID:DTXSID6020307
- PubMed:33049310
- PubMed:22590255
- PubMed:22219962
- PubMed:22208749
- PubMed:22058976
- PubMed:21850114
- PubMed:21589598
- PubMed:21589597
- PubMed:21580653
- PubMed:21578395
- PubMed:21089828
- PubMed:19938844
Evidence from additional scientific databases
EMBL-EBI ChEBI
Chloromethyl methyl ether
- Formula
- C2H5ClO
- Average mass
- 80.514 g/mol
- Monoisotopic mass
- 80.00289 Da
- Formal charge
- 0
- ether — is a (CHEBI:25698)
- ether — is a (CHEBI:25698)
Cross-references from this source
- CAS: 107-30-2 — KEGG COMPOUND
- MANUAL_X_REF: C19160 — KEGG COMPOUND
- MANUAL_X_REF: HMDB0031332 — HMDB
Mapped by: Exact CAS cross-reference in the ChEBI compound record. Retrieved: 2026-08-31. Open source record
NIH PubChem PUG-View
Attributed physical-property, hazard, environmental and use annotations.
- Boiling Point: 138 °F at 760 mmHg (EPA, 1998) Source: CAMEO Chemicals
- Boiling Point: 59.5 °C Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Boiling Point: 59.00 to 60.00 °C. @ 760.00 mm Hg Source: Human Metabolome Database (HMDB)
- Boiling Point: 59 °C Source: ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
- Boiling Point: 138 °F Source: Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
- Boiling Point: 59.5 °C @760 [mm Hg] Source: PAC Chemical Database, U.S. Department of Energy
- Boiling Point: 138 °F Source: The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
- Color/Form: COLORLESS LIQ Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Color/Form: Colorless liquid. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Color/Form: Colorless liquid Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Density: 1.0605 at 68 °F (EPA, 1998) - Denser than water; will sink Source: CAMEO Chemicals
- Density: 1.0603 @ 20 °C/4 °C Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Density: Relative density (water = 1): 1.06 Source: ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
- Density: 1.06 Source: Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
- Density: 1.063 @ 10°C Source: PAC Chemical Database, U.S. Department of Energy
- Density: 1.06 Source: The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
- Flash Point: 32 °F (EPA, 1998) Source: CAMEO Chemicals
- Flash Point: 0 °C Source: Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
- Flash Point: 0 °C (open cup). Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Flash Point: -8 °C c.c. Source: ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
- Flash Point: 32 °F (open cup) Source: Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
- Flash Point: (oc) 32 °F Source: The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
- LogP: 0.320 Source: Human Metabolome Database (HMDB)
- Melting Point: -154.3 °F (EPA, 1998) Source: CAMEO Chemicals
- Melting Point: -103.5 °C Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Melting Point: -103.5 °C Source: Human Metabolome Database (HMDB)
- Melting Point: -104 °C Source: ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
- Melting Point: -154 °F Source: Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
- Melting Point: -103.5 °C Source: PAC Chemical Database, U.S. Department of Energy
- Melting Point: -154 °F Source: The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
- Odor: Irritating odor Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Odor: Irritating odor. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Physical Description: Methyl chloromethyl ether appears as a clear colorless liquid. Flash point -4 °F. Irritates the eyes and respiratory system. Very toxic by inhalation and may be toxic by ingestion or skin absorption. Vapors are heavier than air. Source: CAMEO Chemicals
- Physical Description: Liquid Source: EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)
- Physical Description: Colorless liquid with an irritating odor; [NIOSH] Source: Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
- Physical Description: Liquid Source: Human Metabolome Database (HMDB)
- Physical Description: COLOURLESS LIQUID WITH CHARACTERISTIC ODOUR. Source: ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
- Physical Description: Colorless liquid with an irritating odor. Source: Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
- Physical Description: Colorless liquid with an irritating odor. Source: The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
- Refractive Index: INDEX OF REFRACTION: 1.3974 @ 20 °C/D Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Solubility: Reacts with water (NIOSH, 2024) Source: CAMEO Chemicals
- Solubility: MISCIBLE WITH ETHANOL & ETHER & MANY OTHER ORG SOLVENTS Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Solubility: SOL IN ACETONE, CHLOROFORM, ETHYL ETHER, ETHYL ALCOHOL Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Solubility: Soluble in oxygenated solvents Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Solubility: Solubility in water: decomposes Source: ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
- Solubility: Reacts Source: The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
- Vapor Pressure: 192 mmHg at 70 °F (NIOSH, 2024) Source: CAMEO Chemicals
- Vapor Pressure: 30.0 [mmHg] Source: Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
- Vapor Pressure: Vapor pressure: 3.705 lb/sq inch at 70 °F Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Vapor Pressure: 30 mm Hg at 22 °C Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Vapor Pressure: Vapor pressure, kPa at 20 °C: 21.6 Source: ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
- Vapor Pressure: 192 mmHg at 70 °F Source: Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
- Vapor Pressure: 75 [mm Hg] @6 °C Source: PAC Chemical Database, U.S. Department of Energy
- Vapor Pressure: (70 °F): 192 mmHg Source: The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
- Carcinogen Classification: 1, carcinogenic to humans. (L135) Source: Toxin and Toxin Target Database (T3DB)
- Exposure Routes: Serious local effects by all routes of exposure. Source: ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
- Exposure Routes: inhalation, skin absorption, ingestion, skin and/or eye contact Source: The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
- First Aid: Signs and Symptoms of Chloromethyl Methyl Ether Exposure: Acute exposure to chloromethyl methyl ether may produce severe irritation and burning of the skin, eyes, and mucous membranes. Sore throat, fever, chills, dypsnea (difficulty breathing), chronic bronchitis, and pulmonary edema with productive cough may be noted.; Emergency Life-Support Procedures: Acute exposure to chloromethyl methyl 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 chloromethyl methyl 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% humidified oxygen or other respiratory support.; 3. Obtain aut Source: CAMEO Chemicals
- ERG2024, Guide 131 (Methyl chloromethyl 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 immediately - If this chemical contacts the skin, immediately wash the contaminated skin with soap and water. If this chemical penetrates the clothing, immediately remove the clothing, wash the skin with soap and water, and get medical attention promptly.; 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: H225: Highly Flammable liquid and vapor [Danger Flammable liquids]; H302: Harmful if swallowed [Warning Acute toxicity, oral]; H312: Harmful in contact with skin [Warning Acute toxicity, dermal]; H332: Harmful if inhaled [Warning Acute toxicity, inhalation]; H350: May cause cancer [Danger Carcinogenicity] Source: Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council
- Precautionary Statement Codes: P203, P210, P233, P240, P241, P242, P243, P261, P264, P270, P271, P280, P301+P317, P302+P352, P303+P361+P353, P304+P340, P317, P318, P321, P330, P362+P364, P370+P378, P403+P235, 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: H225 (100%): Highly Flammable liquid and vapor [Danger Flammable liquids]; H302+H312+H332 (84.4%): Harmful if swallowed, in contact with skin or if inhaled [Warning Acute toxicity, oral; acute toxicity, dermal; acute toxicity, inhalation]; H302 (100%): Harmful if swallowed [Warning Acute toxicity, oral]; H312 (100%): Harmful in contact with skin [Warning Acute toxicity, dermal]; H319 (84.4%): Causes serious eye irritation [Warning Serious eye damage/eye irritation]; H332 (100%): Harmful if inhaled [Warning Acute toxicity, inhalation]; H350 (100%): May cause cancer [Danger Carcinogenicity] Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
- Precautionary Statement Codes: P203, P210, P233, P240, P241, P242, P243, P261, P264, P264+P265, P270, P271, P280, P301+P317, P302+P352, P303+P361+P353, P304+P340, P305+P351+P338, P317, P318, P321, P330, P337+P317, P362+P364, P370+P378, 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 45 reports by companies from 4 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: H225: Highly Flammable liquid and vapor [Danger Flammable liquids]; H302: Harmful if swallowed [Warning Acute toxicity, oral]; H314: Causes severe skin burns and eye damage [Danger Skin corrosion/irritation]; H318: Causes serious eye damage [Danger Serious eye damage/eye irritation]; H330: Fatal if inhaled [Danger Acute toxicity, inhalation]; H341: Suspected of causing genetic defects [Warning Germ cell mutagenicity]; H350: May cause cancer [Danger 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, P264, P264+P265, P270, P271, P280, P284, P301+P317, P301+P330+P331, P302+P361+P354, P303+P361+P353, P304+P340, P305+P354+P338, P308+P316, P316, P317, P318, P320, P321, P330, P363, P370+P378, P403+P233, P403+P235, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement) Source: NITE-CMC
- GHS Hazard Statements: H225: Highly Flammable liquid and vapor [Danger Flammable liquids]; H301: Toxic if swallowed [Danger Acute toxicity, oral]; H314: Causes severe skin burns and eye damage [Danger Skin corrosion/irritation]; H318: Causes serious eye damage [Danger Serious eye damage/eye irritation]; H330: Fatal if inhaled [Danger Acute toxicity, inhalation]; H350: May cause cancer [Danger Carcinogenicity]; H370: Causes damage to organs [Danger Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure]; H373: May causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, repeated exposure] Source: NITE-CMC
- Precautionary Statement Codes: P203, P210, P233, P240, P241, P242, P243, P260, P264, P264+P265, P270, P271, P280, P284, P301+P316, P301+P330+P331, P302+P361+P354, P303+P361+P353, P304+P340, P305+P354+P338, P308+P316, P316, P317, P318, P319, P320, P321, P330, P363, P370+P378, P403+P233, P403+P235, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement) Source: NITE-CMC
- Target Organs: Eyes, skin, respiratory system Source: The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
- Toxicity Summary: ... Based upon the lack of persistence of BCME /bis(chloromethyl) ether/ and CMME /chloromethyl methyl ether/ in the environment, average human exposure to these compounds is likely to be very low. ... General population exposure to BCME and CMME occurs where they are produced by the widespread burning of this synergist in mosquito coils. ...Quantitative information on the kinetics and metabolism ... in humans is not available. However, it is anticipated that although in vivo BCME and CMME would be rapidly hydrolyzed in tissues to formaldehyde and hydrogen chloride, and methanol, formaldehyde and hydrogen chloride, respectively, there should be alkylation activity. ... BCME and CMME are acutely toxic by inhalation or ingestion. ...During inhalation of BCME /in laboratory animal studies/, irritation of the eyes and respiratory tract were noted as well as necrotizing bronchitis. Skin application resulted in erythema and necrosis, and application to the eye resulted in corneal necrosis. Similar effects were noted after exposure to CMME. Increased mortality and tracheal hyperplasia were observed in rats and hamsters following multiple inhalation exposure to ... BCME ... Similar results Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Environmental Bioconcentration: Hydrolysis half-lives are sufficiently fast (hydrolysis occurs in pure water with a half-life <1 sec(1)) to preclude any possibility of bioconcentration in the food chain(SRC). Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Environmental Fate: TERRESTRIAL FATE: The fate of chloromethyl methyl ether in moist soil is unknown. However, since it hydrolyzes so rapidly in pure water(1), it is expected to disappear rapidly from moist soil(SRC). Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Environmental Fate: AQUATIC FATE: Chloromethyl methyl ether will hydrolyze instantaneously in water (half-life <1 sec)(1). Reaction products include methanol, formaldehyde, HCl, and chloromethylformate(1,2). Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Environmental Fate: ATMOSPHERIC FATE: Chloromethyl methyl ether will hydrolyze in humid air (half-life 3.5 min to 6.5 hr)(1,2). However, results suggest that the hydrolysis is surface catalyzed and therefore may not represent the true half-life in atmospheric room air or outside air(SRC). The half-life of chloromethyl methyl ether with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals has been determined to be approximately 7 days(3,SRC). Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Industry Uses: Monomers Source: EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)
- Uses: Chloromethyl methyl ether is used in the synthesis of chloromethylated compounds and as an alkylating agent and solvent used in the manufacture of water repellents, ion-exchange resins, and industrial polymers. Source: EPA Hazardous Air Pollutants
- Sources/Uses: Used as a methylating agent; [ACGIH] Source: Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
- Restricted Notes: Carcinogen--see 29 CFR 1910.1003; Source: Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
- Uses: CHEM INT, EG, FOR DODECYLBENZYL CHLORIDE Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Uses: An alkylating agent & solvent used in the manufacture of water repellants, ion-exchange resins, & indust polymers Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Uses: In synthesis of chloromethylated compounds. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Uses: Chloromethylation reagent Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
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
| Source | Result | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| EMBL-EBI ChEBI | Exact match | 2026-08-31 |
| NIH PubChem PUG-View | Exact match | 2026-08-31 |
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 2026-08-31 by checksum-valid CAS matching. Chemical properties do not replace the regulatory decision on this page.
Record details
Chemical name
Chloromethyl methyl ether
Regulatory information
SCCS opinions
- Opinion concerning Chemical Ingredients in Cosmetic Products classified as Carcinogenic, Mutagenic or Toxic to Reproduction according to the Chemicals Directive 67/548/EECC
- Opinion concerning Chemical Ingredients in Cosmetic Products classified as Carcinogenic, Mutagenic or Toxic to Reproduction according to the Chemicals Directive 67/548/EEC
CMR
| Category | Carcinogenic | Mutagenic | Reprotoxic |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cat. 1A | ✓ | — | — |
Key data
Related records for Chloromethyl methyl ether
Direct matches are limited for this record, so nearby entries from Annex II are shown as well.
(2RS,3RS)-3-(2-Chlorophenyl)-2-(4-fluorophenyl)-[1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)methyl]oxirane; Epoxiconazole
2-Methoxyethanol [1] and its acetate (2-Methoxyethyl acetate) [2]
2,2'-Bioxirane (1,2:3,4-Diepoxybutane)
2-Ethoxyethanol and its acetate (2-Ethoxyethyl acetate)
Oxybis[chloromethane]; bis (Chloromethyl) ether
2,3-Epoxypropan-1-ol (Glycidol)
1,2-Epoxy-3-phenoxypropane (Phenylglycidyl ether)
R-1-Chloro-2,3-epoxypropane
What Annex II means for Chloromethyl methyl ether
Chloromethyl methyl 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
Source note for Annex II record Chloromethyl methyl ether
This page summarizes one Annex II record for Chloromethyl methyl 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 Chloromethyl methyl ether, but confirm any final regulatory decision against the current official annex wording and source files.
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