Substance profile
Methyl propionate
Methyl propionate is a colorless liq with a sweet, fruity, rum-like odor.
01 · Identification
What Methyl propionate is
Methyl propionate is a colorless liq with a sweet, fruity, rum-like odor. It boils at 79.8 °C, melts at -87.5 °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. |
| H332 | Harmful if inhaled. |
Precautionary statements: P210, P233, P241, P242, P260, P271, P304, P312, P403
03 · Physical and chemical properties
Methyl propionate 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 | 79.8 °C (175.6 °F) | HSDB | |
| 79.72 °C (175.5 °F) | at 760 mmHg | CAMEO | |
| 80 °C (176 °F) | ICSC | ||
| Melting point | -87.5 °C (-125.5 °F) | HSDB | |
| -87.22 °C (-125 °F) | CAMEO | ||
| -88 °C (-126.4 °F) | ICSC | ||
| Density | 7.58 g/cm³ | HSDB | |
| 0.92 g/cm³ | ICSC | ||
| 0.915 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | HSDB | |
| Solubility | COMPLETELY MISCIBLE WITH PROPYLENE GLYCOL | HSDB | |
| Soluble in most organic solvents. | HSDB | ||
| Soluble in acetone; miscible in ethanol, ethyl ether. | HSDB | ||
| Vapor pressure | 63.7552 mmHg | at 20 °C | ICSC |
| 84.04 mmHg | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| 40 mmHg | at 11.11 °C | CAMEO | |
| Flash point | -2.22 °C (28 °F) | HSDB | |
| -2 °C (28.4 °F) | ICSC | ||
| Autoignition temperature | 468.89 °C (876 °F) | HSDB | |
| 467.22 °C (873 °F) | CAMEO | ||
| 469 °C (876.2 °F) | ICSC | ||
| Lower explosive limit (LEL) | 2.5 % by volume | HSDB | |
| Upper explosive limit (UEL) | 13 % by volume | HSDB | |
| Vapor density | 3.03 (air = 1) | HSDB | |
| 3 (air = 1) | ICSC | ||
| Odor threshold | THE PROBABLE HUMAN VALUES FOR ODOR AND FLAVOR THRESHOLDS IN WATER WERE REPORTED AS 100 AND 50 PPB, RESPECTIVELY. | HSDB |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Handling and storage
Storing and handling Methyl propionate
Reactivity
METHYL PROPIONATE 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 by the interaction with caustic solutions. Flammable hydrogen is generated with alkali metals and hydrides.
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check Methyl propionate in the storage compatibility matrix →