Methyl formate

  • Formic acid, methyl ester
  • Methyl methanoate
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

Odor Threshold Odor threshold 500 mg/m3
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