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Methyl formate

Methyl formate structure

Methyl formate 

structure
  • CAS No:

    107-31-3

  • Formula:

    C2H4O2

  • Chemical Name:

    Methyl formate

  • Synonyms:

    Formic acid,methyl ester;Methyl formate;Methyl methanoate;Methanoic acid methyl ester;R 611;Greenmate;1053659-55-4;1173023-73-8;1196157-81-9

  • Categories:

    Agrochemicals  >  Insecticides

Description

Colorless liquid with a pleasant odor. [Note: A gas above 89°F.]


Methyl formate appears as a clear colorless liquid with an agreeable odor. Flash point -27°F. Less dense than water Vapors heavier than air.|Liquid|COLOURLESS LIQUID WITH CHARACTERISTIC ODOUR.|Colorless liquid with a pleasant odor.|Colorless liquid with a pleasant odor. [Note: A gas above 89°F.]


Methyl formate appears as a clear colorless liquid with an agreeable odor. Flash point -27°F. Less dense than water Vapors heavier than air.|Methyl formate is a formate ester resulting from the formal condensation of formic acid with methanol. A low-boiling (31.5 ℃) colourless, flammable liquid, it has been used as a fumigant and larvicide for tobacco and food crops. It has a role as a polar aprotic solvent, a fumigant, an insecticide and a refrigerant. It is a formate ester, a methyl ester and a volatile organic compound. It derives from a methanol.

Methyl formate Basic Attributes

60.05200

60.05

203-481-7

1MPH591FTG

0664

1243

DTXSID5025609

Colorless liquid [Note: A gas above 89 degrees F].

2915130000

Characteristics

26.30000

0.42510

Methyl formate appears as a clear colorless liquid with an agreeable odor. Flash point -27°F. Less dense than water Vapors heavier than air.

0.987 g/cm3 @ Temp: 15 °C

-99.8 °C

31.5 °C

-32ºC

1.342-1.344

H2O: 300 G/L (20 ºC)

Flammables area

32.91 psi ( 55 °C)

2.1 (vs air)

Class IA Flammable Liquid: Fl.P. below 73°F and BP below 100°F.

vol% in air: 53

Agreeable

2.27e-13 cm3/molecule*sec

2.23e-04 atm-m3/mole|Henry's Law constant = 2.23X10-4 atm-cu m/mole at 25 °C

Slow reaction with water to form formic acid and methyl alcohol; Ratio of Specific Heats of Vapor (Gas): 1.1446|Hydroxyl radical reaction rate constant = 2.27X10-13 cu cm/molc sec at 25 °C|Saturation concentration in air= 1,569 g/cu m at 20 °C|Heat of formation = -386.1 kJ/mol at 25 °C; heat capacity = 119.1 J/(mol-K) at 25 °C|For more Other Experimental Properties (Complete) data for METHYL FORMATE (6 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Highly flammable. Water soluble. Reacts slowly with water to give formic acid, a corrosive material, and methanol, a flammable liquid. Both products are dissolved in the water.

Esters, Sulfate Esters, Phosphate Esters, Thiophosphate Esters, and Borate Esters

Highly Flammable

METHYL FORMATE reacts with acids to liberate heat along with alcohols and acids. Strong oxidizing acids may cause a vigorous reaction that is sufficiently exothermic to ignite the reaction products. Heat is also generated with caustic solutions. Flammable hydrogen is generated by mixing with alkali metals and hydrides.

853 °F (USCG, 1999)|840 °F (449 °C)|449 °C

972.6 kJ/mol at 25 °C

10.82 eV

Lower: 4.5% Upper: 23% (by volume)|Class IA Flammable Liquid: Fl.P. below 73°F and BP below 100°F.

The vapour is heavier than air and may travel along the ground; distant ignition possible.

28.35 kJ/mol at 25 °C

Critical temperature = 214 °C; critical pressure = 59.2 atm

Safety Information

I

3

UN 1243

1

R12; R20/22; R36/37

S16-S24-S26-S33-S9

LQ8925000

F+; Xn

Fireproof. Separated from strong oxidants. Cool.

Stable. Extremely flammable. Readily forms explosive mixtures with air. Note low flash point and very wide explosion limits. Incompatible with oxidizing agents.

P210-P261-P305 + P351 + P338

H224-H302 + H332-H319-H335

SRP: The most favorable course of action is to use an alternative chemical product with less inherent propensity for occupational exposure or environmental contamination. Recycle any unused portion of the material for its approved use or return it to the manufacturer or supplier. Ultimate disposal of the chemical must consider: the material's impact on air quality; potential migration in soil or water; effects on animal, aquatic, and plant life; and conformance with environmental and public health regulations.|Methyl formate may be disposed of by atomizing in a suitable combustion chamber.

Strong oxidizers [Note: Reacts slowly with water to form methanol and formic acid].

EPA/Office of Pollution prevention and toxics; High production Volume (HPV) Challenge program's Robust summaries and Test Plans. Availible form: http://www.epa.gov/chemrtk/viewsrch.htm on Formates (December 2001) as of July 12, 2005.|European Chemicals Bureau; IUCLID Dataset, Methyl formate (107-31-3) (2000 CD-ROM edition). Available from the database query page: http://ecb.jrc.it/esis/esis.php as of July 12, 2005.

Behavior in Fire: Vapor is heavier than air and may travel considerable distance to a source of ignition and flash back. (USCG, 1999)|Extremely flammable. Vapour/air mixtures are explosive. Heating will cause rise in pressure with risk of bursting. Risk of fire and explosion on contact with strong oxidants.|Flammable - 4th degree

|Danger|H224: Extremely flammable liquid and vapor [Danger Flammable liquids]|P210, P233, P240, P241, P242, P243, P261, P264, P270, P271, P280, P301+P312, P303+P361+P353, P304+P312, P304+P340, P305+P351+P338, P312, P330, P337+P313, P370+P378, P403+P233, P403+P235, P405, and P501|H224 (100%): Extremely flammable liquid and vapor [Danger Flammable liquids]|P210, P233, P240, P241, P242, P243, P260, P261, P264, P270, P271, P280, P301+P310, P301+P312, P302+P352, P303+P361+P353, P304+P312, P304+P340, P305+P351+P338, P307+P311, P311, P312, P321, P322, P330, P337+P313, P361, P363, P370+P378, P403+P233, P403+P235, P405, and P501|Aggregated GHS information provided by 865 companies from 16 notifications to the ECHA C&L Inventory. Each notification may be associated with multiple companies.|P210, P233, P240, P241, P242, P243, P260, P261, P264, P270, P271, P280, P301+P312, P302+P352, P303+P361+P353, P304+P340, P305+P351+P338, P307+P311, P312, P314, P321, P330, P332+P313, P337+P313, P362, P370+P378, P403+P233, P403+P235, P405, and P501|P210, P233, P240, P241, P242, P243, P260, P261, P264, P270, P271, P280, P301+P312, P303+P361+P353, P304+P340, P305+P351+P338, P307+P311, P309+P311, P311, P312, P321, P330, P332+P313, P337+P313, P370+P378, P403+P233, P403+P235, P405, and P501

Excerpt from ERG Guide 129 [Flammable Liquids (Water-Miscible / Noxious)]: As an immediate precautionary measure, isolate spill or leak area for at least 50 meters (150 feet) in all directions. LARGE SPILL: Consider initial downwind evacuation for at least 300 meters (1000 feet). FIRE: If tank, rail car or tank truck is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions. (ERG, 2016)

Excerpt from ERG Guide 129 [Flammable Liquids (Water-Miscible / Noxious)]: ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames in immediate area). All equipment used when handling the product must be grounded. Do not touch or walk through spilled material. Stop leak if you can do it without risk. Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas. A vapor-suppressing foam may be used to reduce vapors. Absorb or cover with dry earth, sand or other non-combustible material and transfer to containers. Use clean, non-sparking tools to collect absorbed material. LARGE SPILL: Dike far ahead of liquid spill for later disposal. Water spray may reduce vapor, but may not prevent ignition in closed spaces. (ERG, 2016)

Skin: Wear appropriate personal protective clothing to prevent skin contact. Eyes: Wear appropriate eye protection to prevent eye contact. Wash skin: The worker should immediately wash the skin when it becomes contaminated. Remove: Work clothing that becomes wet should be immediately removed due to its flammability hazard(i.e. for liquids with flash point Change: No recommendation is made specifying the need for the worker to change clothing after the work shift. (NIOSH, 2016)|Goggles or safety glasses; self-contained breathing apparatus; rubber gloves|Wear appropriate personal protective clothing to prevent skin contact.|Wear appropriate eye protection to prevent eye contact.|Respirator Recommendations: Up to 1000 ppm: (Assigned Protection Factor = 10) Any supplied-air respirator. Substance reported to cause eye irritation or damage; may require eye protection.|For more Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) (Complete) data for METHYL FORMATE (8 total), please visit the HSDB record page.|(See protection codes)

Flammable liquid.|Mixes with water. Flammable, irritating vapor is produced.|Very dangerous fire hazard when exposed to heat or flame.

LEL 5.9%; UEL 20%|Methyl formate is a flammable liq the vapor from which forms explosive mixt with air at normal temp.|Containers may explode in fire. ... Vapor may explode if ignited in an enclosed area.|Explosive limits , vol% in air: 5-23

If material on fire or involved in fire: Do not extinguish 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.|Water may be ineffective. /Use/ alcohol foam.

Vapors are heavier than air (vapor density, 2.07) and may travel to a source of ignition and flash back.

1. Remove all ignition sources. 2. Ventilate area of spill or leak. 3. For small quantities, absorb on paper towels. Evaporate in a safe place (such as a fume hood). Allow sufficient time for evaporating vapors to completely clear the hood ductwork. Burn the paper in a suitable location away from combustible materials. Large quantities can be reclaimed or collected and atomized in a suitable combustion chamber.

Fire hazard is avoided by use with carbon dioxide.|SRP: The scientific literature for the use of contact lenses in industry is conflicting. The benefit or detrimental effects of wearing contact lenses depend not only upon the substance, but also on factors including the form of the substance, characteristics and duration of the exposure, the uses of other eye protection equipment, and the hygiene of the lenses. However, there may be individual substances whose irritating or corrosive properties are such that the wearing of contact lenses would be harmful to the eye. In those specific cases, contact lenses should not be worn. In any event, the usual eye protection equipment should be worn even when contact lenses are in place.|The worker should immediately wash the skin when it becomes contaminated.|Work clothing that becomes wet should be immediately removed due to its flammability hazard.|For more Preventive Measures (Complete) data for METHYL FORMATE (9 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

/GUIDE 129: FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS (Polar/Water-Miscible/Noxious)/ Fire or Explosion: HIGHLY FLAMMABLE: Will be easily ignited by heat, sparks or flames. Vapors may form explosive mixtures with air. Vapors may travel to source of ignition and flash back. Most vapors are heavier than air. They will spread along ground and collect in low or confined areas (sewers, basements, tanks). Vapor explosion hazard indoors, outdoors or in sewers. Those substances designated with a (P) may polymerize explosively when heated or involved in a fire. Runoff to sewer may create fire or explosion hazard. Containers may explode when heated. Many liquids are lighter than water.|/GUIDE 129: FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS (Polar/Water-Miscible/Noxious)/ Health: May cause toxic effects if inhaled or absorbed through skin. Inhalation or contact with material may irritate or burn skin and eyes. Fire will produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. Vapors may cause dizziness or suffocation. Runoff from fire control or dilution water may cause pollution.|/GUIDE 129: FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS (Polar/Water-Miscible/Noxious)/ Public Safety: CALL Emergency Response Telephone Number on Shipping Paper first. If Shipping Paper not available or no answer, refer to appropriate telephone number listed on the inside back cover. As an immediate precautionary measure, isolate spill or leak area for at least 50 meters (150 feet) in all directions. Keep unauthorized personnel away. Stay upwind. Keep out of low areas. Ventilate closed spaces before entering.|/GUIDE 129: FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS (Polar/Water-Miscible/Noxious)/ Protective Clothing: Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). Structural firefighters' protective clothing will only provide limited protection.|For more DOT Emergency Guidelines (Complete) data for METHYL FORMATE (8 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

No person may /transport,/ offer or accept a hazardous material for transportation in commerce unless that person is registered in conformance ... and the hazardous material is properly classed, described, packaged, marked, labeled, and in condition for shipment as required or authorized by ... /the hazardous materials regulations (49 CFR 171-177)./|The International Air Transport Association (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulations are published by the IATA Dangerous Goods Board pursuant to IATA Resolutions 618 and 619 and constitute a manual of industry carrier regulations to be followed by all IATA Member airlines when transporting hazardous materials.|The International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code lays down basic principles for transporting hazardous chemicals. Detailed recommendations for individual substances and a number of recommendations for good practice are included in the classes dealing with such substances. A general index of technical names has also been compiled. This index should always be consulted when attempting to locate the appropriate procedures to be used when shipping any substance or article.

Inhalation of vapor produces nasal and conjunctival irritation ... pulmonary irritation.|Irritating to skin, eyes, and respiratory system.|Conjunctival irritation is enhanced if contact lenses are worn.

Permissible Exposure Limit: Table Z-1 8-hr Time Weighted Avg: 100 ppm (250 mg/cu m).|Vacated 1989 OSHA PEL TWA 100 ppm (250 mg/cu m); STEL 150 ppm (375 mg/cu m) is still enforced in some states.

Recommended Exposure Limit: 10 Hr Time-Weighted Avg: 100 ppm (250 mg/cu m).|Recommended Exposure Limit: 15 Min Short-Term Exposure Limit: 150 ppm (375 mg/cu m).

Remove all ignition sources. Evacuate danger area! Consult an expert! Personal protection: complete protective clothing including self-contained breathing apparatus. Ventilation. Collect leaking liquid in sealable containers. Absorb remaining liquid in sand or inert absorbent. Then store and dispose of according to local regulations.

Fireproof. Separated from strong oxidants. Cool.

A harmful contamination of the air can be reached rather quickly on evaporation of this substance at 20 °C.

The substance is irritating to the eyes and respiratory tract. The substance may cause effects on the central nervous system. Exposure far above the OEL could cause lowering of consciousness.

The substance defats the skin, which may cause dryness or cracking.

NO open flames, NO sparks and NO smoking. Closed system, ventilation, explosion-proof electrical equipment and lighting. Do NOT use compressed air for filling, discharging, or handling. Prevent build-up of electrostatic charges (e.g., by grounding).

Use ventilation, local exhaust or breathing protection.

Protective gloves. Protective clothing.

Wear safety goggles.

This action promulgates standards of performance for equipment leaks of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) in the Synthetic Organic Chemical Manufacturing Industry (SOCMI). The intended effect of these standards is to require all newly constructed, modified, and reconstructed SOCMI process units to use the best demonstrated system of continuous emission reduction for equipment leaks of VOC, considering costs, non air quality health and environmental impact and energy requirements. Methyl formate is produced, as an intermediate or final product, by process units covered under this subpart.

| 2 - Materials that, under emergency conditions, can cause temporary incapacitation or residual injury.| 4 - Materials that rapidly or completely vaporize at atmospheric pressure and normal ambient temperature or that are readily dispersed in air and burn readily.| 0 - Materials that in themselves are normally stable, even under fire conditions.

The amount of methyl formate detected in exhaust gases from the combustion of various hydrocarbon fuels ranged from <0.1 to 0.7 ppm(1).

RURAL/REMOTE: Methyl formate was qualitatively detected in vapor-phase ambient air samples collected in the Kanawha Valley, WV in Sept 1977(1).

Methyl formate is detected in cigarette smoke and gasoline engine exhaust(1). It is present in wastewater from urea-formaldehyde resin manufacturing plants(1). Methyl formate is released in vent effluents during the commercial production of methanol(2). It can be released in waste streams from its commercial manufacture and use in the production of formamide(3). Methyl formate has been detected in exhaust gases from the combustion of various hydrocarbon fuels(4).

Toxicity

LD50 Rat oral 1500 mg/kg bw|LC50 Rat inhalation >5.2 mg/L/4 hr|LD50 Rat dermal >4000 mg/kg bw /98% pure/|LD50 Rabbit oral 1622 mg/kg|For more Non-Human Toxicity Values (Complete) data for METHYL FORMATE (6 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

/AQUATIC SPECIES/ Threshold /CNS depressant/ concentration to tadpoles (Rana pipiens): 240 mmol/L at room temperature.

Methyl formate was identified as an aroma substance in apples(1).

Methyl formate's production and use as a food additive, solvent, and organic synthesis intermediate(1,2) may result in its release to the environment through various waste streams(SRC). Methyl formate's use as a fumigant and larvicide(2,3) will result in its direct release to the environment(SRC).

TERRESTRIAL FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 25(SRC), determined from a log Kow of 0.03(2) and a regression-derived equation(3), indicates that methyl formate is expected to have very high mobility in soil(SRC). Volatilization of methyl formate from moist soil surfaces is expected to be an important fate process(SRC) given a Henry's Law constant of 2.2X10-4 atm-cu m/mole(4). Methyl formate is expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces(SRC) based upon a vapor pressure of 5.9X10+2 mm Hg(5). Methyl formate is expected to undergo hydrolysis in moist soil. A base-catalyzed second-order hydrolysis rate constant of 16 L/mole-sec(SRC) was estimated using a structure estimation method(6); this corresponds to half-lives of 5.1 and 12 days at pH values of 7 and 8, respectively(6).|AQUATIC FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 25(SRC), determined from a log Kow of 0.03(2) and a regression-derived equation(3), indicates that methyl formate is not expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment(SRC). Volatilization from water surfaces is expected(3) based upon a Henry's Law constant of 2.2X10-4 atm-cu m/mole(4). Using this Henry's Law constant and an estimation method(3), volatilization half-lives for a model river and model lake are 5.3 hours and 4.0 days, respectively(SRC). According to a classification scheme(5), an estimated BCF of 3.2(SRC), from its log Kow(2) and a regression-derived equation(6), suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low(SRC). Hydrolysis is expected to be an important fate process for methyl formate. A base-catalyzed second-order hydrolysis rate constant of 16 L/mole-sec(SRC) was estimated using a structure estimation method(7); this corresponds to half-lives of 5.1 and 12 days at pH values of 7 and 8, respectively(7).|ATMOSPHERIC FATE: According to a model of gas/particle partitioning of semivolatile organic compounds in the atmosphere(1), methyl formate, which has a vapor pressure of 5.9X10+2 mm Hg at 25 °C(2), is expected to exist solely as a vapor in the ambient atmosphere. Vapor-phase methyl formate is degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals(SRC); the half-life for this reaction in air is estimated to be 71 days(SRC), calculated from its rate constant of 2.3X10-13 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(3). Methyl formate did not undergo direct photolysis when irradiated with UV light >300 nm(4).

The rate constant for the vapor-phase reaction of methyl formate with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals is 2.3X10-13 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(1). This corresponds to an atmospheric half-life of about 71 days at an atmospheric concentration of 5X10+5 hydroxyl radicals per cu cm(2). A base-catalyzed second-order hydrolysis rate constant of 16 L/mole-sec(SRC) was estimated using a structure estimation method(3); this corresponds to half-lives of 5.1 and 12 days at pH values of 7 and 8, respectively(3). Methyl formate did not undergo direct photolysis when irradiated with UV light >300 nm(4).

An estimated BCF of 3.2 was calculated for methyl formate(SRC), using a log Kow of 0.03(1) and a regression-derived equation(2). According to a classification scheme(3), this BCF suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low(SRC).

The Koc of methyl formate is estimated as 25(SRC), using a log Kow of 0.03(1)and a regression-derived equation(2). According to a classification scheme(3), this estimated Koc value suggests that methyl formate is expected to have very high mobility in soil.

The Henry's Law constant for methyl formate is 2.2X10-4 atm-cu m/mole(1). This Henry's Law constant indicates that methyl formate is expected to volatilize from water surfaces(2). Based on this Henry's Law constant, the volatilization half-life from a model river (1 m deep, flowing 1 m/sec, wind velocity of 3 m/sec)(2) is estimated as 5.3 hours(SRC). The volatilization half-life from a model lake (1 m deep, flowing 0.05 m/sec, wind velocity of 0.5 m/sec)(2) is estimated as 4.0 days(SRC). Methyl formate's Henry's Law constant indicates that volatilization from moist soil surfaces may occur(SRC). The potential for volatilization of methyl formate from dry soil surfaces may exist(SRC) based upon a vapor pressure of 5.9X10+2 mm Hg(3).

DRINKING WATER: Methyl formate was qualitatively detected in drinking water samples collected in Seattle, WA(1).

Methyl formate was detected in the volatiles of chicken, beef, and pork flavor(1). Methyl formate was identified as a volatile constituent in brewed, roasted, and dried coffee(2). It has also been detected as an aroma substance in apples(3).

NIOSH (NOES Survey 1981-1983) has statistically estimated that 7,738 workers (1,402 of these are female) are potentially exposed to methyl formate in the US(1). Occupational exposure to methyl formate may occur through inhalation and dermal contact with this compound at workplaces where methyl formate is produced or used(SRC). Monitoring data indicate that the general population may be exposed to methyl formate via inhalation of ambient air and ingestion of food and drinking water(SRC).

Drug Information

This ester can be absorbed into body through respiratory and digestive systems and it may also penetrate skin.|Small quantities of the parent compound have been found in the blood of animals killed by methyl formate vapor.

The products of hydrolysis have been found in significant quantity upon incubation of methyl formate with body fluids. Oxidation of the formic acid fraction may be carried out by the liver and striated muscle but not the kidney. No further metabolism of the methanol fraction has been observed in tissue slices.|...Methyl formate may be formed, under the action of alcohol dehydrogenase, in the bodies of animals exposed to formaldehyde and methanol.|Methyl formate is biotransformed via hydrolysis in the body to yield methanol and formic acid.

Inhalation causes irritation of mucous membranes. Prolonged inhalation can produce narcosis and central nervous symptoms, including some temporary visual disturbance. Contact with liquid irritates eyes and may irritate skin if allowed to remain. Ingestion causes irritation of mouth and stomach and central nervous system depression, including visual disturbances. (USCG, 1999)

EYES: First check the victim for contact lenses and remove if present. Flush victim's eyes with water or normal saline solution for 20 to 30 minutes while simultaneously calling a hospital or poison control center. Do not put any ointments, oils, or medication in the victim's eyes without specific instructions from a physician. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim after flushing eyes to a hospital even if no symptoms (such as redness or irritation) develop. SKIN: IMMEDIATELY flood affected skin with water while removing and isolating all contaminated clothing. Gently wash all affected skin areas thoroughly with soap and water. If symptoms such as redness or irritation develop, IMMEDIATELY call a physician and be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital for treatment. INHALATION: IMMEDIATELY leave the contaminated area; take deep breaths of fresh air. If symptoms (such as wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, or burning in the mouth, throat, or chest) develop, call a physician and be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital. Provide proper respiratory protection to rescuers entering an unknown atmosphere. Whenever possible, Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) should be used; if not available, use a level of protection greater than or equal to that advised under Protective Clothing. INGESTION: DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING. Volatile chemicals have a high risk of being aspirated into the victim's lungs during vomiting which increases the medical problems. If the victim is conscious and not convulsing, give 1 or 2 glasses of water to dilute the chemical and IMMEDIATELY call a hospital or poison control center. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim to a hospital. If the victim is convulsing or unconscious, do not give anything by mouth, ensure that the victim's airway is open and lay the victim on his/her side with the head lower than the body. DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim to a hospital. (NTP, 1992)|(See procedures)


Fresh air, rest. Refer for medical attention.


Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse skin with plenty of water or shower.


First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then refer for medical attention.

Removal to fresh air, immediate removal of contact lenses and contaminated clothing and washing of the skin followed by adequate rest is recommended. Respiratory irritation may be ameliorated by inhalation of a mist of a 5% sodium bicarbonate solution. If pulmonary edema develops, medical advice should be sought. Oxygen should be administered if the patient exhibits signs of respiratory failure.|Basic treatment: Establish a patent airway. Suction if necessary. Watch for signs of respiratory insufficiency and assist ventilations if necessary. Administer oxygen by nonrebreather mask at 10 to 15 L/min. Monitor for shock and treat if necessary ... . Anticipate seizures and minimize all external stimuli. Treat seizures if necessary ... . For eye contamination, flush eyes immediately with water. Irrigate each eye continuously with normal saline during transport ... . Do not use emetics. For ingestion, rinse mouth and administer 5 ml/kg up to 200 ml of water for dilution if the patient can swallow, has a strong gag reflex, and does not drool. Administer activated charcoal ... . /Methyl Alcohol and Related Compounds/|Advanced treatment: Consider orotracheal or nasotracheal intubation for airway control in the patient who is unconscious or in respiratory arrest. Start an IV with lactated Ringer's to support vital signs. Watch for signs of fluid overload. Treat seizures with diazepam ... . For hypotension with signs of hypovolemia, administer fluid cautiously. Watch for signs of fluid overload ... . Hyperventilation may be beneficial for treating acidosis. Use proparacaine hydrochloride to assist eye irrigation ... . /Methyl Alcohol and Related Compounds/

/HUMAN EXPOSURE STUDIES/ ... Methyl formate was most probably responsible for causing irritation of eyes and tearing which affected ten out of fifteen women ... /in factory in which boiling methyl formate and other esters were employed/.|/HUMAN EXPOSURE STUDIES/ Recently exposure of human volunteers at 100 ppm was shown to be associated with an increase in the subjective feeling of fatigue without impairment of neurobehavioral performance. A study of exposure and neurobehavioral endpoints was recently reported in a foundry. Although the measured exposure exceeded the MAC value of 400 ppm on some occasions, there were no measurable neurobehavioral changes in this group of 10 workers.|/HUMAN EXPOSURE STUDIES/ ...In an exposure chamber, 20 subjects were exposed to methylformate at 100 ppm [Swiss maximum allowable concentration (MAC)] for 8 hr. The same number of subjects with the same ages (between 20 and 30 years), gender and education level (university) were examined by the same procedure as a control group. The subjects did not know if they were exposed or not. Three times (morning, noon, evening) during these 8 hr, mood [Profile of Mood States (POMS)], neurobehavioral performance (reaction, Stroop, nonverbal learning, determination, tracking; Wiener Test System), vision (visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, color sensitivity) and postural sway were tested. During an undemanding test (POMS) and a demanding performance task (determination test), pulse, electromyography (EMG) of the forehead and of the neck were recorded. In the morning and evening spirometry [forced vital capacity (FVC), forced one-second expiration volume (FEV1), medium expiration flow (MEF) and peak expiration flow (PEF)] and the odor perception threshold were measured. In the evening, in the exposed group, fatigue was significantly increased and the EMG of the forehead during a demanding task showed a different development during exposure. The other tests showed no significant solvent effect, but 16 of 43 test parameters showed a significant effect of time. ...|/SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS/ Potential symptoms of overexposure are eye and nose irritation; chest tightness, dyspnea; visual disturbance; CNS depression.|For more Human Toxicity Excerpts (Complete) data for METHYL FORMATE (11 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

methyl formate

The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation of its vapour, through the skin and by ingestion.|inhalation, skin absorption, ingestion, skin and/or eye contact

irritation eyes, nose; chest tightness, dyspnea (breathing difficulty); visual disturbance; central nervous system depression; In Animals: pulmonary edema; narcosis


Cough. Shortness of breath. Headache. Drowsiness.


Redness.


Redness. Pain.

Eyes, respiratory system, central nervous system

Methyl formate Use and Manufacturing

Methods of Manufacturing

Reaction of methanol, carbon monoxide, and steam, over a charcoal or sodium methoxide catalyst at 200 degrees C and 200 atmospheres of pressure.|Methyl formate is produced by base-catalyzed carbonylation of methanol.|By heating methanol with sodium formate and hydrochloric acid with subsequent distillation.

Uses

1. Used as raw materials for organic synthesis to produce formic acid, formamide, dimethylformamide, ethylene glycol, trichloromethyl chloroformate, oxalate, acetic anhydride, acetic acid, etc. 2. Used in the production of insecticides, military gas and solvents, etc.; used as nitrocellulose, cellulose acetate solvent, fumigation insecticide, fungicide. 3. Formylating agent in organic synthesis. Others can also be used in spices and dried fruits, processing cereals, etc.


Adhesives and sealant chemicals


Metal products not covered elsewhere

Production

10,000,000 - 50,000,000 lb|Formic acid, methyl ester is listed as a High Production Volume (HPV) chemical (65FR81686). Chemicals listed as HPV were produced in or imported into the U.S. in >1 million pounds in 1990 and/or 1994. The HPV list is based on the 1990 Inventory Update Rule. (IUR) (40 CFR part 710 subpart B; 51FR21438).|(1972) PROBABLY GREATER THAN 4.54X10+5 GRAMS|(1975) GREATER THAN 9.08X10+5 GRAMS (EST)|(1986) > 10 million - 50 million pounds|For more U.S. Production (Complete) data for METHYL FORMATE (8 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Grade: Technical, refined, FCC

All other basic organic chemical manufacturing|Formic acid, methyl ester: ACTIVE|Areginal: mixture of methyl formate and ethyl formate.|As a general industrial solvent it is often mixed with other esters such as ethyl formate, methyl acetate and ethyl acetate.

Methyl formate was determined in urea-formaldehyde resin adhesive manufacturing wastewater by direct injection onto a gas chromatography column consisting of 22% Ethofat 60/25 on Chromosorb 101.|NIOSH Method S291. Analyte: Methyl formate. Matrix: Air. Procedure: Gas chromatography, flame ionization detection. Method Evaluation: Method was validated over the range of 108 to 542 mg/cu m using a 3 liter sample. Precision (CVt): 0.065. Interferences: Any compound that has the same retention time as methyl formate at the operating conditions described in this method is an interference.|Method: OSHA PV2041; Procedure: Gas chromatography with flame ionization detector; Analyte: methyl formate; Matrix: air; Detection Limit: 1.16 ppm (2.84 mg/cu m).

Gas chromatographic technique used for the detection of formic acid by forming the methyl formate derivative and injecting it in the vapor phase, which reduces occurrence of interfering substances. The method is sensitive to 0.5 mg/l and linear to at least 1000 mg/l formic acid; throughout the range of 5 to 1000 mg/l, the coefficient of variation is less than 6%. /Formic acid/

Food additives -> Flavoring Agents|Fire Hazards -> Flammable - 4th degree

Flavoring Agents

Computed Properties

Molecular Weight:60.05
Hydrogen Bond Acceptor Count:2
Rotatable Bond Count:1
Exact Mass:60.021129366
Monoisotopic Mass:60.021129366
Topological Polar Surface Area:26.3
Heavy Atom Count:4
Complexity:18
Covalently-Bonded Unit Count:1
Compound Is Canonicalized:Yes

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