Substance profile
Methyl chloroformate
Methyl chloroformate is a clear liquid with an unpleasant, acrid odor.
01 · Identification
What Methyl chloroformate is
Methyl chloroformate is a clear liquid with an unpleasant, acrid odor. It boils at 71 °C, melts at -61 °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 |
|---|---|
| H225 | Highly flammable liquid and vapour. |
| H330 | Fatal if inhaled. |
| H312 | Harmful in contact with skin. |
| H302 | Harmful if swallowed. |
| H314 | Causes severe skin burns and eye damage. |
Precautionary statements: P210, P233, P241, P242, P260, P270, P271, P280, P301, P302, P304, P310, P312, P330, P331, P352, P403
03 · Physical and chemical properties
Methyl chloroformate 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 | 71 °C (159.8 °F) | HSDB | |
| 71.11 °C (160 °F) | at 760 mmHg | CAMEO | |
| Melting point | -61 °C (-77.8 °F) | ICSC | |
| -81.11 °C (-114 °F) | below this value | HSDB | |
| Density | 1.22 g/cm³ | ICSC | |
| 1.223 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | HSDB | |
| Solubility | SOL IN CHLOROFORM, BENZENE, IN ALL PROPORTIONS IN ALCOHOL, ETHER | HSDB | |
| Solubility in water: poor | ICSC | ||
| Vapor pressure | 105.009 mmHg | at 20 °C | ICSC |
| 108.5 mmHg | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| Flash point | 24.4 °C (75.9 °F) | Tag open cup | HSDB |
| 22.78 °C (73 °F) | HSDB | ||
| 12.22 °C (54 °F) | CAMEO | ||
| Autoignition temperature | 504.44 °C (940 °F) | HSDB | |
| 504 °C (939.2 °F) | ICSC | ||
| Lower explosive limit (LEL) | 6.7 % by volume | HSDB | |
| Containers may explode in fire. Vapor may explode if ignited in an enclosed area. | HSDB | ||
| Vapor density | 3.26 (air = 1) | HSDB | |
| 3.3 (air = 1) | ICSC | ||
| Critical temperature and pressure | 251.85 °C (485.3 °F) | HSDB | |
| Corrosivity | Corrodes rubber | HSDB |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Handling and storage
Storing and handling Methyl chloroformate
Storage conditions
OWING TO THE FACT THAT THESE CMPD DECOMPOSE EASILY, STORAGE CONTAINERS SHOULD BE VENTED. /CHLOROFORMATES/
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Incompatible materials
Reacts slowly with water, evolving hydrogen chloride ... . Reaction can be hazardous if water is hot.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Reactivity
METHYL CHLOROFORMATE is incompatible with water, strong oxidizing agents, alcohols, bases (including amines). Decomposes slowly in water to yield methanol, HCl, and CO2; reaction can be hazardous if water is hot. Attacks many metals especially in humid atmosphere [Handling Chemicals Safely 1980. p. 476]. May react vigorously or explosively if mixed with diisopropyl ether or other ethers in the presence of trace amounts of metal salts [J. Haz. Mat., 1981, 4, 291].
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check Methyl chloroformate in the storage compatibility matrix →