InventoryRef 3532915/10/2010
METHYLAL
Dimethoxymethane
METHYLAL is listed in the EU CosIng inventory, but no direct annex records are linked on this page yet.
Regulatory evidence by market
No rule for this ingredient has been imported for any of the 13 markets tracked here.
That describes this inventory, not the law. No imported rule is not evidence that an ingredient is permitted: a rule may exist under another name or identifier, or in a dataset not yet imported here.
Chemical identity and properties
CAS 109-87-5PubChem CID 8020
Dimethoxymethane
Dimethoxymethane is an acetal that is the dimethyl acetal derivative of formaldehyde. It is a diether and an acetal. It is functionally related to a methanediol. — ChEBI
- IUPAC name
- dimethoxymethane
- Molecular formula
- C3H8O2
- Molecular weight
- 76.09 g/mol
- Exact mass
- 76.052429494 Da
- XLogP3
- 0.2
- Topological polar surface area
- 18.5 Ų
- Hydrogen-bond donors
- 0
- Hydrogen-bond acceptors
- 2
- Covalent units
- 1
- Defined stereocentres
- 0
Also known as
METHYLALFormalMethane, dimethoxy-Formaldehyde dimethyl acetalDimethyl formalAnesthenyl2,4-DioxapentaneMethylene dimethyl ether
16 more reported names
Bis(methoxy)methaneMethoxymethyl methyl etherFormaldehyde methyl ketalMetylalFormaldehyde dimethylacetal7H1M4G2NUECHEBI:48341RefChem:134194203-714-2Dimethoxy methanebis(methyloxy)methaneMethylene glycol dimethyletherMetylal [Polish]DimethylformalMethylene Glycol Dimethyl EtherHSDB 1820
External database identifiers
- ChEBI:CHEBI:48341
- ChEMBL:CHEMBL15537
- EPA DTXSID:DTXSID1025564
- PubMed:22606192
- PubMed:22520499
- PubMed:22272074
- PubMed:22242007
- PubMed:22237728
- PubMed:22090021
- PubMed:21850493
- PubMed:21766121
- PubMed:21686155
- PubMed:21589598
- PubMed:21589597
- PubMed:21369433
Evidence from additional scientific databases
NIH PubChem PUG-View
Exact identifier match8020
Attributed physical-property, hazard, environmental and use annotations.
- Autoignition Temperature: 459 °F (USCG, 1999) Source: CAMEO Chemicals
- Autoignition Temperature: 459 °F (237 °C) Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Autoignition Temperature: 235 °C Source: ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
- Boiling Point: 108 °F at 760 mmHg (USCG, 1999) Source: CAMEO Chemicals
- Boiling Point: 41.6 °C @ 760 MM HG Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Boiling Point: 42 °C Source: ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
- Boiling Point: 111 °F Source: Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
- Boiling Point: 42 °C @760 [mm Hg] Source: PAC Chemical Database, U.S. Department of Energy
- Boiling Point: 111 °F Source: The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
- Color/Form: COLORLESS, CLEAR LIQUID Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Color/Form: Colorless solid. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Density: 0.861 at 68 °F (USCG, 1999) - Less dense than water; will float Source: CAMEO Chemicals
- Density: 0.8593 @ 20 °C/4 °C Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Density: 0.86 g/cm³ Source: ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
- Density: Relative density of the vapour/air-mixture at 20 °C (air = 1): 1.7 Source: ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
- Density: 0.86 Source: Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
- Density: 0.8593 @ 20°C Source: PAC Chemical Database, U.S. Department of Energy
- Density: 0.86 Source: The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
- Flash Point: 0 °F (USCG, 1999) Source: CAMEO Chemicals
- Flash Point: -32 °C Source: Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
- Flash Point: -26 °F (-32 °C) (OPEN CUP) Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Flash Point: -31 °C c.c. Source: ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
- Flash Point: -26 °F (open cup) Source: Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
- Flash Point: (oc) -26 °F Source: The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
- LogP: log Kow= 0.0 Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- LogP: 0.18 Source: ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
- Melting Point: -157 °F (USCG, 1999) Source: CAMEO Chemicals
- Melting Point: -105 °C Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Melting Point: -105 °C Source: ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
- Melting Point: -157 °F Source: Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
- Melting Point: -105.1 °C Source: PAC Chemical Database, U.S. Department of Energy
- Melting Point: -157 °F Source: The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
- Odor: CHLOROFORM ODOR Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Odor: Chloroform-like odor. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Physical Description: Methylal appears as a clear colorless liquid with a chloroform-like odor. Flash point 0 °F. Boiling point 42.3 °C. Density 0.864 g / cm3 at 68 °F (20 °C). Vapors heavier than air. Source: CAMEO Chemicals
- Physical Description: Liquid Source: EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)
- Physical Description: Colorless liquid with a chloroform-like odor; [NIOSH] Source: Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
- Physical Description: VERY VOLATILE COLOURLESS LIQUID WITH CHARACTERISTIC ODOUR. Source: ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
- Physical Description: Colorless liquid with a chloroform-like odor. Source: Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
- Physical Description: Colorless liquid with a chloroform-like odor. Source: The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
- Refractive Index: INDEX OF REFRACTION: 1.3589 AT 18 °C/D Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Refractive Index: INDEX OF REFRACTION: 1.3513 @ 20 °C/D Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Solubility: 33 % (NIOSH, 2024) Source: CAMEO Chemicals
- Solubility: MISCIBLE WITH ALCOHOL, ETHER, OILS; SOL IN 3 PARTS WATER Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Solubility: SOL IN ALL ACETONE, AND BENZENE Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Solubility: Water solubility: 330,000 mg/l Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Solubility: Solubility in water, g/100ml at 20 °C: 28.5 (good) Source: ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
- Solubility: 33% Source: The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
- Vapor Pressure: 337.08 mmHg at 70 °F (USCG, 1999) Source: CAMEO Chemicals
- Vapor Pressure: 400.0 [mmHg] Source: Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
- Vapor Pressure: 400 MM HG AT 25 °C Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Vapor Pressure: Vapor pressure, kPa at 20 °C: 42.6 Source: ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
- Vapor Pressure: 330 mmHg Source: Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
- Vapor Pressure: 750 [mm Hg] @41.7 °C Source: PAC Chemical Database, U.S. Department of Energy
- Vapor Pressure: 330 mmHg Source: The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
- Exposure Routes: The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation of its vapour. Source: ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
- Exposure Routes: inhalation, ingestion, skin and/or eye contact Source: The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
- First Aid: Excerpt from NIOSH Pocket Guide for Methylal:; 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: WATER FLUSH PROMPTLY - If this chemical contacts the skin, flush the contaminated skin with water promptly. If this chemical penetrates the clothing, immediately remove the clothing and flush the skin with water promptly. If irritation persists after washing, get medical attention.; Breathing: RESPIRATORY SUPPORT - If a person breathes large amounts of this chemical, move the exposed person to fresh air at once. If breathing has stopped, perform artificial respiration. Keep the affected person warm and at rest. Get medical attention as soon as possible.; Swallow: MEDICAL ATTENTION IMMEDIATELY - If this chemical has been swallowed, get medical attention immediately. (NIOSH, 2024) Source: CAMEO Chemicals
- ERG2024, Guide 127 (Methylal): 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: Water flush promptly - If this chemical contacts the skin, flush the contaminated skin with water promptly. If this chemical penetrates the clothing, immediately remove the clothing and flush the skin with water promptly. If irritation persists after washing, get medical attention.; 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)
- Note: This chemical does not meet GHS hazard criteria for 1.2% (5 of 433) of reports. Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
- Signal: Danger Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
- GHS Hazard Statements: H225 (98.8%): Highly Flammable liquid and vapor [Danger Flammable liquids]; H315 (18.5%): Causes skin irritation [Warning Skin corrosion/irritation]; H319 (42%): Causes serious eye irritation [Warning Serious eye damage/eye irritation]; H335 (18.2%): May cause respiratory irritation [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure; Respiratory tract irritation] Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
- Precautionary Statement Codes: P210, P233, P240, P241, P242, P243, P261, P264, P264+P265, P271, P280, P302+P352, P303+P361+P353, P304+P340, P305+P351+P338, P319, P321, P332+P317, P337+P317, P362+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 433 reports by companies from 19 notifications to the ECHA C&L Inventory. Each notification may be associated with multiple companies.; Reported as not meeting GHS hazard criteria per 5 of 433 reports by companies.; There are 18 notifications provided by 428 of 433 reports by companies with hazard statement code(s).; 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]; H315: Causes skin irritation [Warning Skin corrosion/irritation]; H319: Causes serious eye irritation [Warning Serious eye damage/eye irritation]; H335: May cause respiratory irritation [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure; Respiratory tract irritation]; H336: May cause drowsiness or dizziness [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure; Narcotic effects] Source: NITE-CMC
- Precautionary Statement Codes: P210, P233, P240, P241, P242, P243, P261, P264, P264+P265, P271, P280, P302+P352, P303+P361+P353, P304+P340, P305+P351+P338, P319, P321, P332+P317, P337+P317, P362+P364, P370+P378, P403+P233, P403+P235, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement) Source: NITE-CMC
- 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: 3 - Liquids and solids that can be ignited under almost all ambient temperature conditions. Materials produce hazardous atmospheres with air under almost all ambient temperatures or, though unaffected by ambient temperatures, are readily ignited under almost all conditions. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- NFPA Instability Rating: 2 - Materials that readily undergo violent chemical changes at elevated temperatures and pressures. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- NFPA Specific Notice: W - No water: Materials that react violently or explosively with water. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Target Organs: Eyes, skin, respiratory system, central nervous system Source: The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
- Environmental Bioconcentration: The BCF for methylal, estimated from its octanol/water partition coefficient, 0.00(1), using a recommended regression equation is 0.6(2,SRC). Therefore, methylal should not bioconcentrate in fish and aquatic organisms. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Environmental Fate: TERRESTRIAL FATE: If released on land, methylal would volatilize rapidly due to its high vapor pressure and Henry's Law constant and low adsorptivity to soil. It would also exhibit high mobility in soil. The importance of biodegradation in soil is unknown. (SRC) Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Environmental Fate: AQUATIC FATE: If released to water, methylal will be primarily lost through volatilization. Its half-life in a model river is estimated from a calculated Henry's Law constant to be 7.2 hr(1-3). Adsorption to sediment and particulate matter in the water column, and bioconcentration should not be important. The importance of biodegradation in water is unknown. Hydrolysis is fairly slow(SRC). Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Environmental Fate: ATMOSPHERIC FATE: The atmosphere is the sink for methylal. In the atmosphere, methylal will degrade by reaction with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals. The half-life for this reaction is estimated to be 2.3 days(1). Methylal is highly soluble in water, 2.44X10+5 ppm(2), and would be washed out by rain. However, methylal thus remove would be recycled back into the atmosphere. (SRC) Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Consumer Uses: Solvent; Propellants, non-motive (blowing agents) Source: EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)
- Industry Uses: Intermediate; Propellants, non-motive (blowing agents); Solvent; Monomers Source: EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)
- Sources/Uses: Used as a solvent for adhesives and coatings, a fuel, and an intermediate for other organic compounds; [ACGIH] Has been used as an anesthetic; [HSDB] Source: Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
- Industrial Processes with risk of exposure: Painting (Solvents) [Category: Paint]; Working with Glues and Adhesives [Category: Other] Source: Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
- Uses: IN PERFUMERY; MFR ARTIFICIAL RESINS; REACTION MEDIUM FOR GRIGNARD & REPPE REACTIONS Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Uses: EXTERNALLY AS OINTMENT AND INTERNALLY AS AN ANAESTHETIC AND HYPNOTIC Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Uses: SPECIAL PURPOSES FUEL; SOLVENT FOR ADHESIVES & COATINGS; IN ORG SYNTHESES Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Uses: In methacrylate mfg 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Inventory details for METHYLAL
INCI name
METHYLAL
Description
Dimethoxymethane
Record provenance
- Inventory reference
- 35329
- Imported identity
- METHYLAL
- Source update
- 15/10/2010
Annex records for METHYLAL
Key data
Official EU ingredient-name evidence
The ingredient name exactly matches the official 2025 EU glossary of common ingredient names.
Related inventory evidence
Ingredients with overlapping formulation functions
Additional official and scientific sources
11 external databases to check this identity in
Each link searches that source for this identity. What each source is, and its legal weight
ECHA CHEM / Information on chemicalsPubChem PUG RESTEU Safety Gate cosmetic product alertsECHA CHEMUS EPA CompToxCosmetic Ingredient Review safety assessmentsFDA Global Substance Registration SystemILO/WHO International Chemical Safety CardsJapan NITE-CHRIPNIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical HazardsOECD eChemPortal
How METHYLAL appears in the CosIng inventory
The CosIng inventory lists METHYLAL as a cosmetic ingredient and this page links it to 0 annex records. The inventory entry captures names and identifiers, while the annex records show where the substance is prohibited, restricted or positively listed in EU cosmetics law.
METHYLAL is also tagged with 1 cosmetic function in the official data. Function labels describe intended use, but they do not replace regulatory review of linked annex records before formulation or labelling work.
Frequently asked questions
METHYLAL is listed in the EU CosIng ingredient inventory with no direct annex restriction records linked at this time. Absence of an annex link does not guarantee unrestricted use — always verify against the current official CosIng database before formulating.
According to the EU CosIng inventory, METHYLAL carries the following function designation(s):
CAS 109-87-5 may appear across multiple EU annex records. Viewing the CAS lookup page shows all Annex II–VI entries sharing this identifier, which is useful for identifying cross-annex regulatory status of the same chemical substance.
Use the INCI Checker to screen a full ingredient list across selected markets, or compare this substance across all supported market datasets.
Source note for METHYLAL
This page reproduces the CosIng inventory entry for METHYLAL from public European Commission cosmetic ingredient materials and shows linked identifiers even when no direct annex match is currently attached.
Use this inventory page to research METHYLAL and compare linked records, but verify restrictions and legal status against the current official source text and law before making regulatory decisions.
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