Chloromethyl Methyl Ether

**Semantic type:** Hazardous or Poisonous Substance

**Definition:** A colorless, flammable, carcinogenic liquid with a highly irritating odor. Chloromethyl methyl ether is used in the synthesis of chloromethylated compounds, as an alkylating agent, and as a solvent in the manufacture of water repellents, ion-exchange resins, and industrial polymers. Exposure to its vapors causes severe irritation of the skin, eyes, mucous membranes, respiratory tract as well as pulmonary edema, pneumonia and lung cancer (mainly small-cell type) in humans. Chloromethyl methyl ether is a known human carcinogen. (NCI05)

**Synonyms:** - CHLOROMETHYL METHYL ETHER - CMME - Chlorodimethylether - Chloromethoxymethane - Dimethylchloroether - Monochloromethyl Methyl Ether