Substance profile
Methanesulfonic Acid
Methanesulfonic Acid is a solid.
01 · Identification
What Methanesulfonic Acid is
Methanesulfonic Acid is a solid. Its molecular formula is CH4O3S and its molecular weight is 96.11 g/mol. It melts at 20 °C, is soluble in water.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Danger. It is classed as corrosives.
Other names for Methanesulfonic Acid
- methanesulphonic acid
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 |
|---|---|
| H314 | Causes severe skin burns and eye damage. |
03 · Physical and chemical properties
Methanesulfonic Acid 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 | 167 °C (332.6 °F) | at 10 mmHg (reduced pressure) | HSDB |
| Melting point | 20 °C (68 °F) | HSDB | |
| Density | 1.4812 g/cm³ | at 18 °C | HSDB |
| Solubility | Solubility at 26-28 °C in wt %: hexane, 0; benzene, 1.5; methylcyclopentane, 0; toluene, 0.38; o-chlorotoluene, 0.23; ethyl disulfide, 0.47 | HSDB | |
| Soluble in alcohol, ether | HSDB | ||
| Soluble in water | HSDB | ||
| Vapor pressure | 0.000428 mmHg | at 25 °C | HSDB |
| 0.000428 mmHg | Haz-Map | ||
| Flash point | 189 °C (372.2 °F) | HSDB | |
| 110 °C (230 °F) | Haz-Map | ||
| Autoignition temperature | 500 °C (932 °F) | above this value, at 1013 mmHg | HSDB |
| Lower explosive limit (LEL) | 11.4 % by volume | by volume | HSDB |
| Electrolysis of a mixture produced oxygen difluoride which exploded. | of hydrogen fluoride and methanesulfonic acid | HSDB | |
| Upper explosive limit (UEL) | 24.3 % by volume | by volume | HSDB |
| Corrosivity | Corrosive to iron, steel, brass, copper, lead | HSDB |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Handling and storage
Storing and handling Methanesulfonic Acid
Storage conditions
Store in cool place. Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place. Containers which are opened must be carefully resealed and kept upright to prevent leakage. Recommended storage temperature: 2 - 8 °C. Heat sensitive.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Incompatible materials
Materials to avoid: Amines, strong reducing agents, strong oxidizing agents, bases
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check Methanesulfonic Acid in the storage compatibility matrix →