Explore the effects of Dimethyl acetylene (C4H6) on the health of workers in a production environment. This article will take you into the world of this chemical and the undesirable effects that can occur. Let’s learn how to protect your health when working in the factory!
1. What is Dimethyl acetylene?
Dimethyl acetylene, also known as 2-butyne, is a chemical compound with the molecular formula C4H6. This is an unsaturated hydrocarbon, with a non-cyclic chemical structure, featuring two carbon-carbon triple bond functional groups (-C≡C-) connected to each other. This makes dimethyl acetylene an important chemical substance in many industrial and chemical applications.
Under standard conditions, dimethyl acetylene exists as a colorless and odorless liquid. It has a melting point of about -80 degrees C and a boiling point of about -5 degrees C. With this property, dimethyl acetylene is often used as a solvent in chemical processes and manufacturing technology.
In addition, dimethyl acetylene is also used in chemical synthesis to create more complex organic compounds. With its special chemical structure, it participates in diverse chemical reactions, helping to create products with different properties and applications. This makes dimethyl acetylene an important raw material in the chemical industry and organic technology.
| No. | Chemical name in Vietnamese | Chemical name in English | HS Code | CAS Number | Chemical Formula |
| 1. | Dimetyl axetylen | Dimethyl acetylene | 29012990 | 503-17-3 | C4H6 |
See more services chemical safety training according to Decree 113/2017/NĐ-CP
REGISTER FOR CHEMICAL SAFETY TRAINING ACCORDING TO DECREE 113
2.Where does Dimethyl acetylene originate from in the production process?
Dimethyl acetylene is an organic compound originating from the production process of the chemical industry. In this process, dimethyl acetylene is produced through a series of complex chemical reactions between raw materials. One of the main sources for the production of dimethyl acetylene is from ethylene, a colorless, organic gas hydrocarbon. Ethylene is converted through oxidation or hydrogenation processes to create intermediate products, including ethyl acetate, ethyl alcohol, and ethyl chloride.
These intermediate products then continue to participate in conversion reactions to create dimethyl acetylene. In this process, ethyl acetate can undergo conversion into acetylene and ethanol. Next, acetylene and ethanol react with each other to form dimethyl acetylene and water. This process is usually carried out in a catalyst environment or under specific reaction conditions to increase product yield and quality.
Besides ethylene, propane is also used as a raw material for the dimethyl acetylene production process. Propane can undergo conversion steps to create acetylene, a key intermediate in the dimethyl acetylene production process. This process often requires the use of catalysts and specific reaction conditions to achieve the desired yield and quality.

3. Industries that use Dimethyl acetylene in production
Dimethyl acetylene (also known as propadiene) is a colorless, flammable, and explosive organic compound. Although produced in limited quantities, dimethyl acetylene still plays an important role in certain industries.
- Chemical industry: Dimethyl acetylene is used as a monomer in the synthesis of special plastics and resins. The triple bonds in its molecule create high-performance polymers with properties like durability and heat resistance.
- Plastics and composite manufacturing industry: Propadiene is used as a comonomer in the production of polypropylene (PP), a rigid plastic widely used in many applications. In addition, it is also involved in the production of high-end composite materials, helping to improve the stiffness and lightness of the product.
- Electronics industry: Dimethyl acetylene can be used as a precursor in the production of some semiconductors and advanced electronic materials. Its triple-bond-related properties can be useful in creating materials with desired electronic features.
4. How does Dimethyl acetylene affect workers?
Dimethyl acetylene (also known as DMAC) is a flammable and explosive chemical compound used in many different industries. However, exposure to DMAC at high concentrations or for long periods can cause serious health problems for workers.
- Effects of Dimethyl Acetylene on the nervous system: Dimethyl acetylene can cause drowsiness, dizziness, headaches, and difficulty concentrating. In severe cases, it can lead to loss of consciousness and coma.
- Effects of Dimethyl Acetylene on the respiratory system: Exposure to DMAC can cause respiratory irritation, leading to symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath, sore throat, and runny nose. In severe cases, it can cause pulmonary edema (fluid in the lungs).
- Effects of Dimethyl Acetylene on the skin and eyes: Dimethyl acetylene can cause skin and eye irritation, leading to symptoms such as redness, itching, and tearing. Long-term exposure to DMAC can cause dermatitis.
In addition, exposure to DMAC can also cause other health effects such as nausea, dizziness, fatigue, and effects on the blood system.
5. Permissible safe concentration of Dimethyl acetylene for human exposure
Dimethyl acetylene (DMAC) is a toxic gas if inhaled. The concentration of DMAC in the air that humans can safely be exposed to is called the Occupational Exposure Limit (OEL). Reputable health organizations such as the US National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and the European Commission (EC) have issued recommendations for OELs for DMAC.
The permissible safe concentration of DMAC depends on the duration of exposure. Typically, the OEL is divided into two types:
- Time-Weighted Average (TWA): This is the average concentration of DMAC a person can be safely exposed to in an 8-hour workday, 40 hours a week.
- Short-Term Exposure Limit (STEL): This is the maximum concentration of DMAC a person can be safely exposed to for a short period (usually 15 minutes).
Currently, there is not enough data to establish an official OEL for DMAC. However, NIOSH recommends that the concentration of DMAC in the work environment be maintained at a level as low as reasonably achievable (ALARA). Engineering controls and personal protective equipment (PPE) should be used to minimize the risk of exposure to DMAC.

On a basic level, when working in an industrial environment, adhering to safety standards and limiting exposure to Dimethyl acetylene is important. Organizations like the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in the United States provide guidelines and safety principles to protect workers from the negative impacts of chemical substances.
6. Measures to mitigate the effects of Dimethyl acetylene on worker health
Dimethyl acetylene (DM) is a dangerous chemical compound that can cause many adverse health effects to workers if not properly controlled. To limit these effects, preventive measures must be implemented from the beginning, including:
Engineering controls:
- Install an effective local exhaust ventilation system to draw DM vapor away from the worker’s breathing zone.
- Regularly maintain the ventilation system to ensure efficient operation.
- Use sealed containers to store and transport DM, avoiding leaks into the environment.
- Prioritize the use of production processes that limit or completely eliminate DM during production.
Personal protective measures:
- Provide workers with appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including protective clothing, type A toxic gas respirators, eye protection, and chemical-resistant gloves.
- Ensure workers are trained on how to use PPE correctly and on regular equipment replacement procedures.
- Conduct periodic health checks for workers exposed to DM to monitor for signs of health effects.
Other measures:
- Develop and implement safe operating procedures (SOPs) for handling DM, including production, transport, storage, and spill response procedures.
- Post hazard warning signs in areas where DM is stored and used.
- Regularly organize training sessions for workers on the hazards of DM and preventive measures.
- Establish and maintain a clean, orderly work environment to minimize the risk of exposure to DM.
By strictly implementing the measures mentioned above, businesses can significantly reduce the health risks for workers exposed to Dimethyl acetylene.
Occupational safety training: Workers need to be trained and educated about the risks and safety measures when working with this type of chemical. This training should be provided periodically and regularly to ensure understanding and proper compliance with safety rules.
Periodically organize workplace environment monitoring in factories and enterprises, collect and analyze factors harmful to workers, thereby adjusting to reduce hazard levels to prevent occupational diseases for them.
7. Nationwide workplace environment monitoring center
The workplace environment monitoring center of Nam Viet is a professional unit for monitoring and measuring the quality of the working environment in all provinces and cities in Vietnam. With a team of experienced monitoring specialists, the center uses modern measuring equipment, ensuring accuracy and reliability.
REGISTER FOR WORKPLACE ENVIRONMENT MONITORING SERVICE
In addition to providing monitoring services, the center also supports customers in planning, handling, and tracking issues related to the working environment. With the motto “the customer is the center”, the center cares about customer satisfaction, meets all customer needs, and commits to providing the best solutions for businesses.
With investment in techniques, technology, and human resources, Nam Viet’s monitoring center has and is becoming one of the reputable units in the field of workplace environment monitoring in Ho Chi Minh City with the following goals:
- We always value our brand reputation and the quality of our products and services.
- We provide customers with the best and most suitable things possible.
- With a team of experienced Masters and Engineers with expertise and a desire to protect the environment and benefit businesses.

- Coming to the Nam Viet Environmental Monitoring team, your company will receive professional service with experts in the monitoring field. At the same time, you will get the best cost incentives.
8. Workplace environment monitoring quotation
To help businesses carry out workplace environment monitoring professionally and effectively, Nam Viet provides customers with a quality and reasonably priced quotation for workplace environment monitoring services.
- Our quotation table provides detailed information about the prices of the monitoring services we offer. Including costs related to travel, measurement, analysis, and reporting of results. Customers can be completely assured of the accuracy and reliability of the monitoring result reports we provide.
- We commit to always offering the most competitive and reasonable prices on the market, and we are also always ready to advise and answer any questions about monitoring services quickly and professionally.
- With Nam Viet’s quotation table, customers can easily choose service packages that suit their needs. We commit to bringing customers the highest satisfaction with professional service quality.

