Ingredient Dictionary

METHYLAL

Dimethoxymethane is an acetal that is the dimethyl acetal derivative of formaldehyde.

Definition

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.

Source: PubChem

US FDA substance register · UNII 7H1M4G2NUE · registered name METHYLAL · single chemical substance

Source: US FDA Unique Ingredient Identifier (UNII)

Cosmetic roles

Base that dissolves other ingredientsSOLVENT

Safety & regulatory references

Not classified under Korea’s toxic-substance GHS list · existing chemical substance

Source: Korea toxic substances GHS register (NIER)

Other restriction: ban substances that deplete the ozone layer

Source: EU CosIng ingredient list

More data — names, identifiers, properties, test records, literature

Official labels & definitions

JCIA labelling name メチラール: 本品は、次の化学式で表されるエーテルである。

Source: JCIA labelling names (Japan)

Names & identifiers

METHYLALINCI메틸알Korean label name (MFDS standard)Methane, dimethoxy-SynonymメチラールJapanese labelling name

CAS No.chemical registry number: 109-87-5
EC No.EU chemical inventory number: 203-713-7
EC No.EU chemical inventory number: 203-714-2
DTXSIDUS EPA chemical ID: DTXSID1025564
DTXCIDUS EPA compound ID: DTXCID905564

IUPAC: Dimethoxymethane
Molecular formula: C3H8O2
Molecular weight: 76.095 g/mol

Measured properties

Appearance: 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. · Liquid
Odour: CHLOROFORM ODOR · Chloroform-like odor.
Boiling point: 108 °F at 760 mmHg (USCG, 1999) · 41.6 °C @ 760 MM HG
Melting point: -157 °F (USCG, 1999) · -105 °C
Solubility: 33 % (NIOSH, 2024) · MISCIBLE WITH ALCOHOL, ETHER, OILS, SOL IN 3 PARTS WATER
Density: 0.861 at 68 °F (USCG, 1999) - Less dense than water, will float · 0.8593 @ 20 °C/4 °C
Stability: STABLE UNDER NEUTRAL OR ALKALINE CONDITIONS /KETALS/
Colour: colourless
Melting/freezing point: -105 ℃
Initial boiling point and range: 41.6 ℃
Flash point: -30.5 ℃
Upper/lower flammability or explosive limits: 17.6 / 1.6 %
Vapour pressure: 400 ㎜Hg (25℃)
Water solubility: 323 (16℃, g/L)
Vapour density: 2.6
Relative density: 0.8593 (20℃)
n-Octanol/water partition coefficient (Kow): 0
Auto-ignition temperature: 260 ℃
Decomposition temperature: 255X10+5 (JL/KG)
Molecular weight: 76.09

Values measured on the substance itself. The KOSHA data are a reference for writing and reviewing safety data sheets, not a specification for a commercial raw material.

Source: PubChem · KOSHA safety data sheets (Korea)

What products actually use it for

What the 4 products reported to the US EPA with this ingredient use it for. Products outside cosmetics are included, so the top few rows are its main uses.

Solvent2
Intermediate1
Flavouring and nutrient1

Source: US EPA CompTox dashboard

Irritation and sensitisation studies

6 skin studies and 3 eye studies are on record.

Classed as moderate1Classed as low3

The studies disagree (the most common conclusion covers 25%), so they do not establish that this ingredient is irritating. These tests are on the raw material itself; irritation at the amount in a finished product is a different question.

See all 9 studies

Classification not possible
Skin Sensitization · Screening
Studies Indicate No Significant Irritation
skin irritation: in vivo · Screening · OECD Guideline 404 (Acute Dermal Irritation / Corrosion) according to
Studies Indicate No Significant Irritation
skin irritation: in vivo · Screening · OECD Guideline 404 (Acute Dermal Irritation / Corrosion) equivalent or similar to
Not likely to be sensitizing
skin sensitisation: in vivo (non-LLNA) · Screening · according to OECD Guideline 406 (Skin Sensitisation)
Category 6.3B (Category 3)
Skin Irritation · Read Across
Category 2
Skin Irritation · Screening
Ambiguous
eye irritation: in vivo · Screening · OECD Guideline 405 (Acute Eye Irritation / Corrosion) equivalent or similar to
Category 6.4A (Category 2A)
Eye Irritation · Read Across
Category 2
Eye Irritation · Screening