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Type of SOP: Process Hazardous Chemical Hazardous Class
Purpose
Chloromethyl methyl ether (CMME) is used as an alkylating agent and industrial solvent to manufacture dodecylbenzyl chloride, water repellents, ion-exchange resins, polymers, and as a chloromethylation reagent.
In organic synthesis, it is used for introducing the methoxymethyl (MOM) protecting group, and is thus often called MOM-Cl or MOM chloride.
Physical & Chemical Properties/Definition of Chemical Group
CAS# 107-30-2
Class: Cal/OSHA Regulated Carcinogen
Carcinogen (IARC Group 1A)
Molecular formula: C
2
H
5
ClO
Form (Physical State): Clear liquid
Boiling Point: 55 - 57 °C (131 - 135 °F)
Flash point: 16 °C (61 °F)
Chloromethyl Methyl Ether (CMME)
1
Modified from SOP templates developed by UCLA EH&S ( http://www.sop.ehs.ucla.edu/ )
Date: Click here to enter a date.

Potential Hazards/Toxicity
Inhalation LC
50
: Mouse - 2 hr - 1,030 mg/m 3
Signs and Symptoms of Exposure: Cough, shortness of breath, headache, nausea, and/or vomiting.
 Inhalation: Toxic if inhaled. Causes respiratory tract irritation.
 Ingestion: Toxic if swallowed.
 Skin Contact: May cause irritation with redness and pain. May be harmful if absorbed through skin.
Eye Contact: May cause irritation, redness and pain.
Engineering Controls
 All operations involving CMME should be carried out in a certified chemical fume hood, glovebox, or a ducted Biosafety cabinet to keep airborne levels as low as feasible.
 Chemical fume hoods used as containment areas for particularly hazardous chemicals must have a face velocity of 100 feet/min, averaged over the face of the hood and must be certified annually.
 Laboratory rooms must be at negative pressure with respect to the corridors and external environment. The laboratory/room door must be kept closed at all times.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
 All persons shall wear personal protective equipment when handling CMME. This includes wearing a flame resistant lab coat, PVA or Silver Shield gloves, and closed toe shoes when working with CMME.
Gloves should be changed frequently. Leave lab coats, gloves, and other personal protective equipment in the lab once your work is complete to prevent the spread of this or other chemicals outside of the lab.
Eye Protection
Safety goggles or glasses.
Hygiene Measures
Avoid contact with skin, eyes and clothing. Wash hands before breaks and immediately after handling.
Respirator Protection
If lab personnel would like to use respirator on a voluntary basis, they must be trained and fit-tested by
EH&S. This is a regulatory requirement. ( http://or.ucsf.edu/ehs/8193-DSY/version/default/part/4/data/ )
First Aid Procedures
 Inhalation: Remove to fresh air. If not breathing, give artificial respiration. If breathing is difficult,
 give oxygen. Get medical attention.
Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting. Rinse mouth with water. Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. Get medical attention immediately.
Chloromethyl Methyl Ether (CMME)
2
Modified from SOP templates developed by UCLA EH&S ( http://www.sop.ehs.ucla.edu/ )
Date: Click here to enter a date.

 Skin Contact: Immediately flush skin with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes while removing contaminated clothing and shoes. Get medical attention immediately. Wash clothing before reuse.
Thoroughly clean shoes before reuse. Contaminated work clothes should be laundered by individuals who have been informed of the hazards of exposure to this substance.
 Eye Contact: Immediately flush eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, lifting lower and upper eyelids occasionally. Get medical attention immediately.
Special Handling and Storage Requirements
 All work with CMME is to be done in the "CMME" designated area in order to keep contamination to a minimum. (State the location of the designated area including the fume hood where work should be done and the storage location)
 All chemicals containing CMME must be secondarily contained with proper signage. Containers of
CMME and designated areas, including storage cabinets, must be labeled with a “CANCER HAZARD” warning. Any persons in this area are required to wear personal protective equipment. Safety shower and eye wash stations should be easily accessible where CMME is used.
 All laboratory equipment (such as beakers, pipettes, etc.) used in the "CMME" designated area are to be labeled as "CMME contaminated" and are not to be removed from the area without first being
 decontaminated.
Store away from incompatible chemicals including oxidizers. Use explosion-proof equipment. Keep away from sources of ignition - No smoking. Take measures to prevent the buildup of electrostatic charge. Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place. Containers which are opened must be carefully resealed and kept upright to prevent leakage. Recommended storage temperature:
2 - 8 °C (refrigerators used for CMME storage must be explosion proof).
Spill and Accident Procedure
Chemical Spill Dial 9-911 from campus phone or 415-476-1414 from cell phone or 415-206-
8522 (SFGH only)
Spill – Assess the extent of danger. Assist contaminated or injured persons. Evacuate the spill area.
Avoid breathing vapors. If possible, confine the spill to a small area using a spill kit or absorbent material. Keep others from entering contaminated area (e.g., use caution tape, barriers, etc.).
Small (<1 L) – If you have training, you may assist in the clean-up effort. Use appropriate personal protective equipment and clean-up material for chemical spilled. Double bag spill waste in clear plastic bags, label and take to the next chemical waste pick-up.
Large (>1 L) – Dial 9-911 from campus phone or 415-476-1414 from cell phone or 415-206-
8522 (SFGH only) for assistance.
Chemical Spill on Body or Clothes – Remove clothing and rinse body thoroughly in emergency shower for at least 15 minutes. If discomfort persists, proceed to the Emergency Department. If no further discomfort is experienced, have the SDS ready and contact Poison Control Hotline at 1-800-
222-1222 for further exposure information. Notify your direct supervisor and EH&S at 415-476-
1300 during work hours, or 9-911 during non-working hours and weekends.
Chloromethyl Methyl Ether (CMME)
3
Modified from SOP templates developed by UCLA EH&S ( http://www.sop.ehs.ucla.edu/ )
Date: Click here to enter a date.

Chemical Splash Into Eyes – Immediately rinse eyeball and inner surface of eyelid with water for
15 minutes by forcibly holding the eye open. If discomfort persists, proceed to the Emergency
Department. If no further discomfort is experienced, have the SDS ready and contact Poison
Control Hotline at 1-800-222-1222 for further exposure information. Notify your direct supervisor and EH&S at 415-476-1300 during work hours, or 9-911 during non-working hours and weekends.
Medical Emergency Dial 9-911 (campus phone) or 476-6911 (cell phone)
Note: All serious injuries must be reported to EH&S at 415-476-1300 within 8 hours.
Non-Life Threatening Emergency– Go to Occupational Health Programs (OHP) Clinic, 415-885-
7580, 2330 Post Street, Suite 460 Hours of Operation for Appointments: Monday - Friday
7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (except Holidays).
Note: All serious injuries must be reported to EH&S at 415-476-1300 within 8 hours.
Needle stick/puncture exposure (as applicable to chemical handling procedure) – Wash the affected area with antiseptic soap and warm water for 15 minutes. For mucous membrane exposure, flush the affected area for 15 minutes using an eyewash station. Page the needle stick nurse by dialing 415-353-7842 (STIC).
Decontamination/Waste Disposal Procedure
Clean contaminated surfaces with soap and water and paper towels. Dispose of the paper towels as hazardous waste.
Safety Data Sheet (SDS) Location
Online SDS can be accessed at http://or.ucsf.edu/ehs/7241-DSY/msds.html
Protocol/Procedure
Quantities covered by this SOP:
______ (g , ml) to _______ (g, ml)
Temperature range covered by this SOP:
__ °C – __ °C
General Overview and Purpose:
Enter the experimental purpose
Procedure:
Enter experimental procedure. You can copy procedure from your lab notebook or from literature.
Chloromethyl Methyl Ether (CMME)
4
Modified from SOP templates developed by UCLA EH&S ( http://www.sop.ehs.ucla.edu/ )
Date: Click here to enter a date.

NOTE
Any deviation from this SOP requires approval from the Principal Investigator.
Chloromethyl Methyl Ether (CMME)
5
Modified from SOP templates developed by UCLA EH&S ( http://www.sop.ehs.ucla.edu/ )
Date: Click here to enter a date.