Solvents
REACH
1,4-dioxane
CAS Number
123-91-1
EC Number
204-661-8
What is 1,4-dioxane?
1,4-Dioxane (CAS 123-91-1) is a cyclic ether solvent used in chemical manufacturing, laboratory research, and industrial processing.
Where is 1,4-dioxane used?
- Chemical manufacturing: high-solvency carrier for resins and cellulose derivatives
- Pharmaceutical and chemical synthesis: reaction solvent and extraction medium
- Processes needing miscibility with water and organic phases
- Personal care: monitored as a trace contaminant in ethoxylated ingredients
- Quality control and regulatory compliance testing: reference standard
- Laboratory settings: scintillation solvent and stabilizer carrier
- Food and fragrance testing uses it as a trace flavoring reference compound.
Good to know: Stabilized and unstabilized variants are commercially available; grade selection is driven by end-use process requirements and stability needs.
Commercial specifications
- Anhydrous grades suit moisture-sensitive synthesis
- Colorless liquid in drums and bulk containers
Other Names (Synonyms)
tetrahydro-para-dioxin|tetrahydro-p-dioxin|tetrahydro-1,4-dioxin|p-Dioxane|glycol ethylene ether|dioxane-1,4|Dioxan|Diethylene ether
What are the physical properties of 1,4-dioxane?
Melting Point 11.80 °C
Boiling Point 101.1 °C @ Press: 760 Torr
Density 1.0337 g/cm³ @ Temp: 20 °C
Flash Point 54 °F
Appearance colourless liquid
Color APHA: ≤20
Odor Mild ether-like odor detectable at 0.8 to 172 ppm (mean = 12 ppm)
Form Solution
Water Solubility SOLUBLE
Vapor Pressure 27 mm Hg ( 20 °C)
Refractive Index n 20/D 1.422(lit.)
pH 6-8 (500g/l, H2O, 20℃)
Log P -0.42 at 20℃
How is 1,4-dioxane classified and handled safely? Learn More
Danger
GHS02· Flammable GHS07· Irritant GHS08· Health Hazard GHS06· Toxic
Hazard Statements
H225 Highly Flammable liquid and vapor
H313 May be harmful in contact with skin
H315 Causes skin irritation
H319 Causes serious eye irritation
Precautionary Statements
P203 Obtain, consult and follow expert instructions for use.
P210 Keep away from heat, hot surfaces, sparks, open flames and other ignition sources. No smoking.
P233 Keep container tightly closed.
P240 Ground and bond container and receiving equipment.
Which trade and regulatory codes apply to 1,4-dioxane?
HS Code 29329900
UN Number 1993
ADR Class 3
Packing Group II
Storage Class 3 - Flammable liquids
WGK (Germany) 3