Methyl formate
- Formic acid, methyl ester
- Methyl methanoate
Methyl formate | |
| |
| Formula | HCOOCH3 |
| Structure | |
| Description | Colorless liquid with a pleasant, ethereal odor. |
| Uses | High-boiling refrigerant for house appliances formerly. |
| Registry Numbers and Inventories. | |
| CAS | 107-31-3 |
| EC (EINECS/ELINCS) | 203-481-7 |
| EC Index Number | 607-014-00-1 |
| EC Class | Extremely flammable; Harmful; Irritant |
| EC Risk Phrase | R 12 20/22 36/37 |
| EC Safety Phrase | S 9 16 24 26 33 |
| RTECS | LQ8925000 |
| RTECS class | Agricultural Chemical and Pesticide |
| UN (DOT) | 1243 |
| Merck | 12,6153 |
| Beilstein/Gmelin | 1734623 |
| Beilstein Reference | 4-02-00-00020 |
| EPA OPP | 53701 |
| Swiss Giftliste 1 | G-2458 |
| Canada DSL/NDSL | DSL |
| US TSCA | Listed |
| Austrailia AICS | Listed |
| New Zealand | Listed |
| Japan ENCS (MITI) | Listed |
| Korea ECL | Listed |
| Properties. | |
| Formula | C2H4O2 |
| Formula mass | 60.05 |
| Melting point, °C | -100.4 |
| Boiling point, °C | 32 |
| Vapor pressure, mmHg | 476 (20 C) |
| Vapor density (air=1) | 2.07 |
| Saturation Concentration | 63.2% at 20 C |
| Critical temperature | 214 |
| Critical pressure | 59.3 |
| Density | 0.9713 g/cm3 (20 C) |
| Solubility in water | 300 g/L (20 C) |
| Viscosity | 0.351 cp (20 C) |
| Surface tension | 24.62 g/s2 (20 C) |
| Refractive index | 1.344 (20 C) |
| Dipole moment | 1.77 D |
| Dielectric constant | 8.5 (20 C) |
| Partition coefficient, pKow | 0.03 |
| Heat of fusion | 7.54 kJ/mol |
| Heat of vaporization | 28.6 kJ/mol |
| Heat of combustion | -1010 kJ/mol |
| Hazards and Protection. | |
| Storage | Keep away from heat, sparks, and flame. Keep away from sources of ignition. Store in a tightly closed container. Keep from contact with oxidizing materials. Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from incompatible substances. |
| WHMIS | B2 D2B |
| Handling | Wash thoroughly after handling. Use with adequate ventilation. Ground and bond containers when transferring material. Avoid contact with eyes, skin, and clothing. Empty containers retain product residue, (liquid and/or vapor), and can be dangerous. Keep container tightly closed. Avoid contact with heat, sparks and flame. Avoid ingestion and inhalation. Do not pressurize, cut, weld, braze, solder, drill, grind, or expose empty containers to heat, sparks or open flames. |
| Protection | Eyes: Wear appropriate protective eyeglasses or chemical safety goggles as described by OSHA's eye and face protection regulations in 29 CFR 1910.133 or European Standard EN166. Skin: Wear appropriate protective gloves to prevent skin exposure. Clothing: Wear appropriate protective clothing to prevent skin exposure. |
| Respirators | Follow the OSHA respirator regulations found in 29CFR 1910.134 or European Standard EN 149. Always use a NIOSH or European Standard EN 149 approved respirator when necessary. |
| Small spills/leaks | Absorb spill with inert material, (e.g., dry sand or earth), then place into a chemical waste container. Remove all sources of ignition. A vapor suppressing foam may be used to reduce vapors. Water spray may reduce vapor but may not prevent ignition in closed spaces. |
| Disposal code | 1 |
| Stability | Stable under normal temperatures and pressures. However, may react slowly with water forming corrosive acid. |
| Incompatibilities | Oxidizing agents; bases; acids. Reacts with methanol + sodium methoxide to form an explosive product. |
| Decomposition | Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, formic acid, methanol. |
| Fire. | ||||
| Flash Point,°C | -19 | |||
| Autoignition, °C | 449 | |||
| Upper exp. limit, % | 23 | |||
| Lower exp. limit, % | 4.5 | |||
| Fire fighting | Do not extinguish fire unless flow can be stopped. Use alcohol foam, dry chemical or carbon dioxide. Cool all affected containers with flooding quantities of water. Apply water from as far a distance as possible. Do not use water on material itself. | |||
| Fire potential | Flammable liquid. Mixes with water. Flammable, irritating vapor is produced. | |||
| Hazards | Vapor is heavier than air and may travel considerable distance to a source of ignition and flash back. | |||
| Combustion products | Can emit toxic fumes on exposure to elevated temp. | |||
| NFPA | Health | 2 | ||
| Flammability | 4 | |||
| Reactivity | 0 | |||
| Health. | |
| Exposure limit(s) | TLV: 100 ppm; 246 mg/m3 STEL 150 ppm (ACGIH 1996). OSHA PEL: TWA 100 ppm (250 mg/m3) NIOSH REL: TWA 100 ppm (250 mg/m3) ST 150 ppm (375 mg/m3) NIOSH IDLH: 4500 ppm |
| Poison_Class | 3 |
| Exposure effects | The toxological properties of this substance have not been fully investigated. |
| Ingestion | Harmful if swallowed. May cause gastrointestinal irritation with nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. |
| Inhalation | Harmful if inhaled. Causes respiratory tract irritation. Irritation may lead to chemical pneumonitis and pulmonary edema. Causes narcotic effects including headache, dizziness, weakness, unconsciousness. |
| Skin | Causes severe skin irritation. May be absorbed through the skin. |
| Eyes | Get medical aid immediately. Immediately flush skin with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes while removing contaminated clothing and shoes. |
First aid |
|
| Ingestion | If victim is conscious and alert, give 2-4 cupfuls of milk or water. Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. Get medical aid immediately. |
| Inhalation | Get medical aid immediately. Remove from exposure to fresh air immediately. If not breathing, give artificial respiration. If breathing is difficult, give oxygen. |
| Skin | Get medical aid. Flush skin with plenty of soap and water for at least 15 minutes while removing contaminated clothing and shoes. |
| Eyes | Flush eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, occasionally lifting the upper and lower eyelids. Get medical aid immediately. |
| Transport. | ||
| UN number | 1243 | |
| Response guide | 129 | |
| Hazard class | 3 | |
| Packing Group | I | |
| USCG CHRIS Code | MFM | |
| USCG Compatatibility Group | 34 Esters | |
| HS Code | 2915 13 00 | |
| Std. Transport # | 4908225 | |
| IMO Pollution Category | D | |
| IMO Hazard code | S | |