Safety
Dimethyl sulfate is likely carcinogenic and mutagenic, poisonous, corrosive, environmentally hazardous and volatile (presenting an inhalation hazard). It is considered as a potential chemical weapon. Dimethyl sulfate is absorbed through the skin, mucous membranes, and gastrointestinal tract. There is no strong odor or immediate irritation to warn of lethal concentration in air. The LD50 (acute, oral) is 205 mg/kg (rat) and 140 mg/kg (mouse), and LC50 (acute) is 45 ppm / 4 hours (rat). The vapor pressure of 65 Pa is sufficiently large to produce a lethal concentration in air by evaporation at 20 °C. Delayed toxicity allows potentially fatal exposures to occur prior to development of any warning symptoms. Symptoms may be delayed 6–24 hours. Concentrated solutions of bases (ammonia, alkalis) can be used to hydrolyze minor spills and residues on contaminated equipment, but the reaction may become violent with larger amounts of dimethyl sulfate (see ICSC). Although the compound hydrolyses in water, plain water cannot be assumed to hydrolyze dimethyl sulfate quickly enough for decontamination purposes. The hydrolysis product, monomethyl sulfate, is environmentally hazardous. In water, the compound is ultimately hydrolyzed to sulfuric acid and methanol.
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—Stephen Vizinczey (b. 1933)