Substance profile
Ethyl Propionate
Ethyl Propionate is a colorless liquid with a reminiscent of rum & pineapple odor.
01 · Identification
What Ethyl Propionate is
Ethyl Propionate is a colorless liquid with a reminiscent of rum & pineapple odor. Its molecular formula is C5H10O2 and its molecular weight is 102.13 g/mol. It boils at 99.2 °C, melts at -73.9 °C, is soluble in water.
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. |
03 · Physical and chemical properties
Ethyl Propionate 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 | 99.2 °C (210.6 °F) | HSDB | |
| 98.89 °C (210 °F) | at 760 mmHg | CAMEO | |
| 99 °C (210.2 °F) | at 760 mmHg | DOE PAC | |
| Melting point | -73.9 °C (-101 °F) | HSDB | |
| -72.78 °C (-99 °F) | CAMEO | ||
| -72.6 °C (-98.7 °F) | DOE PAC | ||
| Density | 0.891 g/cm³ | CAMEO | |
| 0.8917 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | HSDB | |
| 0.891 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | DOE PAC | |
| Solubility | SOLUBLE IN MOST ORGANIC SOLVENTS | HSDB | |
| Soluble in alcohol and ether | HSDB | ||
| Miscible in ethanol and ethyl ether; soluble in acetone | HSDB | ||
| Vapor pressure | 35.8 mmHg | at 25 °C | HSDB |
| 40 mmHg | at 27.2 °C | HSDB | |
| Flash point | 12 °C (53.6 °F) | CLOSED CUP | HSDB |
| 12.22 °C (54 °F) | CAMEO | ||
| Autoignition temperature | 440 °C (824 °F) | HSDB | |
| 475 °C (887 °F) | CAMEO | ||
| Lower explosive limit (LEL) | 1.9 % by volume | HSDB | |
| 1.8 % by volume | CAMEO | ||
| Upper explosive limit (UEL) | 11 % by volume | HSDB | |
| Vapor density | 3.52 (air = 1) | HSDB | |
| Critical temperature and pressure | 272.85 °C (523.1 °F) | HSDB |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Handling and storage
Storing and handling Ethyl Propionate
Incompatible materials
... Can react vigorously with oxidizing materials.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Reactivity
ETHYL PROPIONATE 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. Can react with oxidizing agents, bases, and acids. Polymerization: Will not polymerize (USCG, 1999).
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check Ethyl Propionate in the storage compatibility matrix →