Substance profile
Methyl chloroacetate
Methyl chloroacetate is a liquid with a sweet pungent odor.
01 · Identification
What Methyl chloroacetate is
Methyl chloroacetate is a liquid with a sweet pungent odor. Its molecular formula is C3H5ClO2 and its molecular weight is 108.52 g/mol. It boils at 130 °C, melts at -32.3 °C.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Danger. It is classed as corrosives.
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 |
|---|---|
| H226 | Flammable liquid and vapour. |
| H331 | Toxic if inhaled. |
| H301 | Toxic if swallowed. |
| H335 | May cause respiratory irritation. |
| H315 | Causes skin irritation. |
| H318 | Causes serious eye damage. |
Precautionary statements: P210, P233, P241, P242, P260, P264, P270, P271, P280, P301, P302, P304, P305, P310, P313, P330, P332, P338, P352, P403
03 · Physical and chemical properties
Methyl chloroacetate 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 | 130 °C (266 °F) | HSDB | |
| 130 °C (266 °F) | at 760 mmHg | CAMEO | |
| 129.5 °C (265.1 °F) | ICSC | ||
| Melting point | -32.3 °C (-26.1 °F) | HSDB | |
| -32.22 °C (-26 °F) | CAMEO | ||
| -32.1 °C (-25.8 °F) | ICSC | ||
| Density | 1.2 g/cm³ | ICSC | |
| 1.236 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | HSDB | |
| 1.2337 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | CAMEO | |
| Solubility | Miscible with alcohol, ether | HSDB | |
| In water, 4.6X10+4 mg/L at 20 °C | at 20 °C | HSDB | |
| In water, 5.2 g/100 mL at 19.8 °C (5.2X10+4 mg/L) | at 19.8 °C | HSDB | |
| Vapor pressure | 16.54 mmHg | CAMEO | |
| 4.8754 mmHg | at 20 °C | ICSC | |
| 7.63 mmHg | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| Flash point | 57.22 °C (135 °F) | HSDB | |
| 51.67 °C (125 °F) | CAMEO | ||
| 57 °C (134.6 °F) | ICSC | ||
| Autoignition temperature | 465 °C (869 °F) | CAMEO | |
| Lower explosive limit (LEL) | 7.5 % by volume | HSDB | |
| Upper explosive limit (UEL) | 18.5 % by volume | HSDB | |
| Vapor density | 1.24 (air = 1) | HSDB | |
| 3.7 (air = 1) | ICSC | ||
| Critical temperature and pressure | 326.85 °C (620.3 °F) | HSDB | |
| Corrosivity | Corrosive | HSDB |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Handling and storage
Storing and handling Methyl chloroacetate
Storage conditions
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.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Incompatible materials
... Can react vigorously with oxidizing materials.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Reactivity
METHYL CHLOROACETATE is a halogenated 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.
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check Methyl chloroacetate in the storage compatibility matrix →