Substance profile
Methyl formate
Methyl formate is a colorless liquid with an agreeable odor.
01 · Identification
What Methyl formate is
Methyl formate is a colorless liquid with an agreeable odor. Its molecular formula is C2H4O2 and its molecular weight is 60.05 g/mol. It boils at 31.5 °C, melts at -99.8 °C, is soluble in water.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Danger. It is classed as flammable agents - 4th 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 |
|---|---|
| H224 | Extremely flammable liquid and vapour. |
| H332 | Harmful if inhaled. |
| H302 | Harmful if swallowed. |
| H335 | May cause respiratory irritation. |
| H319 | Causes serious eye irritation. |
Precautionary statements: P210, P233, P241, P242, P260, P264, P270, P271, P280, P301, P304, P305, P312, P313, P330, P337, P338, P403
03 · Physical and chemical properties
Methyl formate 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 | 31.5 °C (88.7 °F) | HSDB | |
| 31.67 °C (89 °F) | NIOSH | ||
| 31.5 °C (88.7 °F) | at 760 mmHg | CAMEO | |
| Melting point | -99.8 °C (-147.6 °F) | HSDB | |
| -100 °C (-148 °F) | NIOSH | ||
| -99.78 °C (-147.6 °F) | CAMEO | ||
| Density | 0.98 g/cm³ | NIOSH | |
| 0.97 g/cm³ | ICSC | ||
| 0.977 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | CAMEO | |
| Solubility | Soluble in ether, chloroform; miscible with ethanol | HSDB | |
| 28.35 kJ/mol at 25 °C | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| In water, 230,000 mg/L at 25 °C | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| Vapor pressure | 476 mmHg | NIOSH | |
| 480.039 mmHg | at 20 °C | ICSC | |
| 585.7 mmHg | at 25 °C, Extrapolated | HSDB | |
| Flash point | -18.89 °C (-2 °F) | HSDB | |
| -32.22 °C (-26 °F) | CAMEO | ||
| Autoignition temperature | 448.89 °C (840 °F) | HSDB | |
| 456.11 °C (853 °F) | CAMEO | ||
| 449 °C (840.2 °F) | ICSC | ||
| Lower explosive limit (LEL) | 4.5 % by volume | by volume | HSDB |
| 4.5 % by volume | NIOSH | ||
| 5 % by volume | CAMEO | ||
| Upper explosive limit (UEL) | 23 % by volume | by volume | HSDB |
| 23 % by volume | NIOSH | ||
| Vapor density | 2.07 (air = 1) | HSDB | |
| 2.1 (air = 1) | ICSC | ||
| Odor threshold | 500 mg/cu m (Odor low); 6875 mg/cu m (Odor high) | HSDB | |
| Odor Threshold Low: 67.0 [ppm] | Haz-Map | ||
| Odor Threshold High: 2809.0 [ppm] | Haz-Map | ||
| Critical temperature and pressure | 214 °C (417.2 °F) | HSDB |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Handling and storage
Storing and handling Methyl formate
Storage conditions
Store in cool, dry, well-ventilated location. Seperate from alkalis, oxidizing materials, and moisture. Outside or detached storage is prefered.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Incompatible materials
Strong oxidizers [Note: Reacts slowly with water to form methanol and formic acid].
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Reactivity
METHYL FORMATE reacts 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 with caustic solutions. Flammable hydrogen is generated by mixing with alkali metals and hydrides.
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check Methyl formate in the storage compatibility matrix →