Methyl formate

Molecular Structure of Methyl formate (CAS NO.107-31-3):

IUPAC Name: methyl formate
CAS No.: 107-31-3
EINECS: 203-481-7
Molecular Formula: C₂H₄O₂
Molecular Weight: 60.05 g/mol
H bond acceptors: 2
H bond donors: 0
Freely Rotating Bonds: 1
Polar Surface Area: 26.3 Å²
Index of Refraction: 1.328
Molar Refractivity: 13.24 cm³
Molar Volume: 65.2 cm³
Surface Tension: 21.3 dyne/cm
Enthalpy of Vaporization: 27.92 kJ/mol
Vapour Pressure: 732 mmHg at 25°C
Melting Point: -100 °C
Density: 0.92 g/cm³
Boiling Point: 26 °C at 760 mmHg
Product Categories: Refrigerants; Organics; Analytical Chemistry; Solvents for HPLC & Spectrophotometry; Solvents for Spectrophotometry; Fatty Acid Methyl Esters (GC Standard); Standard Materials for GC
The chemical synonymous: Formiate de methyle ; Formiatedemethyle ; Formiatedemethyle(French) ; Hcooch3 ; Methyl ester of formic acid ; Methyle(formiatede) ; Methyle(formiatede)(French) ; Methylester Kyseliny Mravenci

Reported in EPA TSCA Inventory.

Moderately toxic by ingestion. Inhalation of vapor can cause irritation to nasal passages and conjunctiva, optic neuritis, narcosis, retching, and death from pulmonary irritation. Industrial fatalities have occurred only with exposure to high concentrations. Flammable liquid. Very dangerous fire hazard when exposed to heat or flame; can react vigorously with oxidizing materials. Explosive in the form of vapor when exposed to heat or flame. Reacts with methanol + sodium methoxide to form an explosive product. To fight fire, use alcohol foam, CO₂, dry chemical. When heated to decomposition it emits acrid smoke and irritating fumes.
Hazard Codes:F+; Xn
Risk Statements:
R12 Extremely flammable. 
R20/22 Harmful by inhalation and if swallowed. 
R36/37 Irritating to eyes and respiratory system.
Safety Statements:
S9 Keep container in a well-ventilated place. 
S16 Keep away from sources of ignition - No smoking. 
S24 Avoid contact with skin. 
S26 In case of contact with eyes, rinse immediately with plenty of water and seek medical advice. 
S33 Take precautionary measures against static discharges.

OSHA PEL: TWA 100 ppm; STEL 150 ppm
ACGIH TLV: TWA 100 ppm; STEL 150 ppm
DFG MAK: 50 ppm (120 mg/m³)
DOT Classification:  3; Label: Flammable Liquid

 Methyl formate (CAS NO.107-31-3) is the methyl ester of formic acid. The simplest example of an ester, it is a clear liquid with an ethereal odor, high vapor pressure and low surface tension.In the laboratory, it can be produced by the condensation reaction of methanol and formic acid, as follows:
HCOOH + CH₃OH → HCOOCH₃ + H₂O
 Industrial  Methyl formate , however, is usually produced by the combination of methanol and carbon monoxide (carbonylation) in the presence of a strong base, such as sodium methoxide:
CH₃OH + CO → HCOOCH₃ 
 It is used primarily to manufacture formamide, dimethylformamide, and formic acid. Because of its high vapor pressure, it is used for quick-drying finishes. It is also used as an insecticide and to manufacture certain pharmaceuticals. Under the trademark Ecomate, it is now used a a blowing agent for foam insulation, as a replacement for CFC, HCFC, or HFCs, with zero ozone depletion potential and zero global warming potential.