Substance profile
Methyl Acetate
Methyl Acetate is colorless, volatile liquid with a pleasant odor.
01 · Identification
What Methyl Acetate is
Methyl Acetate is colorless, volatile liquid with a pleasant odor. It boils at 56.7 °C, melts at -98.2 °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. |
| H336 | May cause drowsiness or dizziness. |
| H319 | Causes serious eye irritation. |
Supplemental EU statements: EUH066
Precautionary statements: P210, P233, P241, P242, P264, P280, P305, P313, P337, P338, P403
03 · Physical and chemical properties
Methyl Acetate 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 | 56.7 °C (134.1 °F) | HSDB | |
| 57.22 °C (135 °F) | NIOSH | ||
| 56.89 °C (134.4 °F) | at 760 mmHg | CAMEO | |
| Melting point | -98.2 °C (-144.8 °F) | HSDB | |
| -98.33 °C (-145 °F) | NIOSH | ||
| -97.78 °C (-144 °F) | CAMEO | ||
| Density | 0.93 g/cm³ | NIOSH | |
| 0.9342 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | HSDB | |
| 0.927 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | CAMEO | |
| Solubility | Miscible with alcohol, ether | HSDB | |
| Very soluble in ethyl ether, ethanol | HSDB | ||
| In water, 2.43X10+5 mg/L at 20 °C | at 20 °C | HSDB | |
| Vapor pressure | 173 mmHg | NIOSH | |
| 170 mmHg | at 20 °C | CAMEO | |
| 216.2 mmHg | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| Flash point | -10 °C (14 °F) | closed cup | HSDB |
| -5.56 °C (22 °F) | HSDB | ||
| -13 °C (8.6 °F) | HSDB | ||
| Autoignition temperature | 454.44 °C (850 °F) | HSDB | |
| 501.67 °C (935 °F) | CAMEO | ||
| 505 °C (941 °F) | ICSC | ||
| Lower explosive limit (LEL) | 3.1 % by volume | HSDB | |
| Upper explosive limit (UEL) | 16 % by volume | HSDB | |
| Vapor density | 2.55 (air = 1) | HSDB | |
| 2.8 (air = 1) | CAMEO | ||
| 2.6 (air = 1) | ICSC | ||
| Odor threshold | WATER: 3.0 MG/L; AIR: 4.6 UL/L; ODOR SAFETY CLASS B; B= 50-90% OF DISTRACTED PERSONS PERCEIVE WARNING OF TLV | HSDB | |
| 610 mg/cu m (odor low), 915 mg/cu m (odor high). | HSDB | ||
| Odor Threshold Low: 0.17 [ppm] | Haz-Map | ||
| Critical temperature and pressure | 233.7 °C (452.7 °F) | HSDB |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Handling and storage
Storing and handling Methyl Acetate
Storage conditions
Store in a flammable liquid storage area or approved cabinet away from ignition sources and corrosive and reactive materials. ... Methyl acetate must be stored to avoid contact with strong oxidizers (such as chlorine, bromine, and fluorine) and strong acids (such as hydrochloric, sulfuric, and nitric), since violent reactions occur. Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, well-ventilated area away from strong alkalis and nitrates. Sources of ignition, such as smoking and open flames, are prohibited where methyl acetate is used, handled or stored in a manner that could create a potential fire or explosion hazard. Use only nonsparking tools and equipment, especially when opening and closing containers of methyl acetate.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Incompatible materials
Forms explosive mixture with air. a strong reducing agent. Incompatible with water, acids, nitrates, strong oxidizers, alkalis. Attacks some plastics. Attacks many metals in teh presence of water. Reacts slowly with water, forming acetic acid and methanol.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Reactivity
METHYL ACETATE presents a fire or explosion hazard when exposed to strong oxidizing agents. Emits irritating fumes and acrid smoke when heated to decomposition, [Lewis, 3rd ed., 1993, p. 826]. Its reactivity is consistent with other compounds of the ester group.
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check Methyl Acetate in the storage compatibility matrix →