Substance profile
Ethyl formate
Ethyl formate is a mobile liquid with a fruity odor.
01 · Identification
What Ethyl formate is
Ethyl formate is a mobile liquid with a fruity odor. Its molecular formula is C3H6O2 and its molecular weight is 74.08 g/mol. It boils at 54.5 °C, melts at -80.5 °C.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Danger. It is classed as flammable agents - 3rd degree.
02 · GHS classification
Hazards and label elements
Harmonised classification under CLP Annex VI. This is the legally binding classification in the EU; other jurisdictions may differ.
| Code | Hazard statement |
|---|---|
| H225 | Highly flammable liquid and vapour. |
| H332 | Harmful if inhaled. |
| H302 | Harmful if swallowed. |
| H335 | May cause respiratory irritation. |
| H319 | Causes serious eye irritation. |
Precautionary statements: P210, P233, P241, P242, P260, P264, P270, P271, P280, P301, P304, P305, P312, P313, P330, P337, P338, P403
03 · Physical and chemical properties
Ethyl formate properties
Every value is shown with the conditions it was measured under and the source it came from. Where sources disagree, all values are listed rather than one being picked — the difference is usually a different form of the substance, not an error.
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boiling point | 54.5 °C (130.1 °F) | at 760 mmHg | HSDB |
| 54.44 °C (130 °F) | NIOSH | ||
| 54.22 °C (129.6 °F) | at 760 mmHg | CAMEO | |
| Melting point | -80.5 °C (-112.9 °F) | HSDB | |
| -80.56 °C (-113 °F) | NIOSH | ||
| -78.89 °C (-110 °F) | CAMEO | ||
| Density | 0.92 g/cm³ | NIOSH | |
| 0.9168 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | HSDB | |
| 0.922 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | CAMEO | |
| Solubility | SOL IN ALL PROPORTIONS IN ALCOHOL, ETHER; VERY SOL IN ACETONE | HSDB | |
| SOLUBILITY IN WATER: 9 PARTS/100 @ 18 °C; MISCIBLE WITH BENZENE | at 18 °C | HSDB | |
| Soluble in most fixed oils, propylene glycol, water (with gradual decomposition), slightly soluble in mineral oil. Insoluble in glycerol | decomposes | JECFA | |
| Vapor pressure | 200 mmHg | NIOSH | |
| 200 mmHg | at 20.6 °C | HSDB | |
| 245 mmHg | at 25 °C, calc from exper determined coefficients | HSDB | |
| Flash point | -20 °C (-4 °F) | HSDB | |
| Autoignition temperature | 455 °C (851 °F) | HSDB | |
| 440 °C (824 °F) | ICSC | ||
| Lower explosive limit (LEL) | 2.8 % by volume | HSDB | |
| Upper explosive limit (UEL) | 16 % by volume | HSDB | |
| Vapor density | 2.56 (air = 1) | HSDB | |
| 2.6 (air = 1) | ICSC | ||
| Odor threshold | Odor Threshold Low: 18.0 [ppm] | Haz-Map | |
| Odor Threshold High: 20.0 [ppm] | Haz-Map | ||
| Odor threshold from AIHA | Haz-Map | ||
| Critical temperature and pressure | 235 °C (455 °F) | HSDB |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Handling and storage
Storing and handling Ethyl formate
Storage conditions
KEEP TIGHTLY CLOSED & PREFERABLY IN CONTACT WITH CALCIUM CHLORIDE.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Incompatible materials
Nitrates; strong oxidizers, alkalis & acids [Note: Decomposes slowly in water to form ethyl alcohol & formic acid].
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Reactivity
ETHYL FORMATE is an ester. Esters react 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 by the interaction of esters with caustic solutions. Flammable hydrogen is generated by mixing esters with alkali metals and hydrides. This compound is incompatible with the following: Nitrates; strong oxidizers, alkalis & acids [Note: Decomposes slowly in water to form ethyl alcohol and formic acid.] (NIOSH, 2024).
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check Ethyl formate in the storage compatibility matrix →