1,2-bis(2-methoxyethoxy)ethane

Endpoint summary

Description of key information

Oral:
- female rats, LD50: 5390 mg/kg bw
- female rats, LD50: 5877 mg/kg bw
- female mice, LD50: 4197 mg/kg bw (supporting data)
Inhalation:
- male/female rats, LC0 (Diethylene glycol dimethyl ether; 7h exposure): 11 mg/L -> 19.3 mg/L (4h calculated exposure)
- male/female rats, LC0 (Ethylene glycol dimethyl ether; 1h exposure): 240 mg/L -> 60 mg/L (4h calculated exposure)
- rats, LC50 (Ethylene glycol dimethyl ether; 6h exposure): > 20 mg/L
Dermal:
- male rats, LD50: > 6900 mg/kg bw

Key value for chemical safety assessment

Acute toxicity: via oral route

Endpoint conclusion

Dose descriptor:

LD50

Value:

5 390 mg/kg bw

Acute toxicity: via dermal route

Endpoint conclusion

Dose descriptor:

LD50

Value:

6 900 mg/kg bw

Additional information

One key study plus supporting information is available in rats and mice for the acute oral toxicity of Triethylene glycol dimethyl ether. The most reliable LD₅₀determined was 5390 mg/kg bw for female Wistar rats. All results are shown in the “Short description of key information” field.

One study on Diethylene glycol dimethyl ether and two on Ethylene glycol dimethyl ether are available for a read across to the acute inhalation toxicity of Triethylene glycol dimethyl ether in rats. The LC₀(Diethylene glycol dimethyl ether) for 7 hours exposure is reported to be 11 mg/L (saturated atmosphere). This leads to a calculated LC₀value of 19.3 mg/L for 4 hours exposure. Additionally studies on Ethylene glycol dimethyl ether showed that the LC₅₀for 6 hour exposure is greater than 20 mg/L air and the LC₀for 1 hour exposure is greater than 60 mg/L.

There is one well performed and reported dermal toxicity study in male Wistar rats with Triethylene glycol dimethyl available. The LD₅₀was reported to be > 6900 mg/kg bw.

Justification for classification or non-classification

Due to the findings described above (LD₅₀oral in rats 5390 mg/kg bw, LC₀(read across to Diethylene glycol dimethyl ether) inhalatory in rats 19.3 mg/L, LD₅₀dermal in rats greater than 6900 mg/kg bw Triethylene glycol dimethyl ether has not to be classified as acute toxic.