ICSC 0664 - METHYL FORMATE

[List of Chemicals] [Risk Notes] [Risk Phrases] [Safety Phrases] [Danger Symbols]

METHYL FORMATE

ICSC: 0664
_{April 1997}

Formic acid methyl ester
Methyl methanoate

CAS No: 107-31-3
RTECS No: LQ8925000
UN No: 1243
EC No: 607-014-00-1

C₂H₄O₂ / HCOOCH₃
Molecular mass: 60.1

TYPES OF HAZARD / EXPOSURE	ACUTE HAZARDS / SYMPTOMS	PREVENTION	FIRST AID / FIRE FIGHTING
FIRE	Extremely flammable.	NO open flames, NO sparks, and NO smoking.	Powder, alcohol-resistant foam, water spray, carbon dioxide.
EXPLOSION	Vapour/air mixtures are explosive.	Closed system, ventilation, explosion-proof electrical equipment and lighting. Prevent build-up of electrostatic charges (e.g., by grounding). Do NOT use compressed air for filling, discharging, or handling.	In case of fire: keep drums, etc., cool by spraying with water.

EXPOSURE
Inhalation	Cough. Dizziness. Dullness. Headache. Laboured breathing. Shortness of breath. Unconsciousness.	Ventilation, local exhaust, or breathing protection.	Fresh air, rest. Artificial respiration may be needed. Refer for medical attention.
Skin	Redness.	Protective gloves.	Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse skin with plenty of water or shower. Refer for medical attention.
Eyes	Redness.	Safety goggles.	First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then take to a doctor.
Ingestion	(Further see Inhalation).	Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work.	Rinse mouth. Give a slurry of activated charcoal in water to drink. Induce vomiting (ONLY IN CONSCIOUS PERSONS!). Rest. Refer for medical attention.

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL	PACKAGING & LABELLING
Evacuate danger area! Collect leaking liquid in sealable containers. Absorb remaining liquid in sand or inert absorbent and remove to safe place. Do NOT wash away into sewer. Personal protection: self-contained breathing apparatus.	F+ Symbol Xn Symbol R: 12-20/22-36/37 S: (2-)9-16-24-26-33 UN Hazard Class: 3 UN Pack Group: I

EMERGENCY RESPONSE	SAFE STORAGE
Transport Emergency Card: TEC (R)-30S1243 NFPA Code: H 2; F 4; R 0	Fireproof. Separated from strong oxidants. Cool.

IMPORTANT DATA

Physical State; Appearance
COLOURLESS LIQUID, WITH CHARACTERISTIC ODOUR.

Physical dangers
The vapour is heavier than air and may travel along the ground; distant ignition possible. The vapour mixes well with air, explosive mixtures are easily formed.

Chemical dangers
Reacts vigorously with oxidants.

Occupational exposure limits
TLV: 100 ppm as TWA, 150 ppm as STEL; (ACGIH 2004).
MAK: 50 ppm, 120 mg/m³; Peak limitation category: II(4); skin absorption (H); Pregnancy risk group: C; (DFG 2004).

Routes of exposure
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation of its vapour and by ingestion.

Inhalation risk
A harmful contamination of the air can be reached very quickly on evaporation of this substance at 20°C.

Effects of short-term exposure
The substance is irritating to the eyes and the skin. The vapour is irritating to the eyes and the respiratory tract. The substance may cause effects on the central nervous system. Medical observation is indicated.

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

ENVIRONMENTAL DATA

Boiling point: 32°C
Melting point: -100°C
Relative density (water = 1): 0.98
Solubility in water, g/100 ml at 20°C: 30
Vapour pressure, kPa at 20°C: 64
Relative vapour density (air = 1): 2.07
Relative density of the vapour/air-mixture at 20°C (air = 1): 1.7
Flash point: -19°C
Auto-ignition temperature: 449°C
Explosive limits, vol% in air: 5-23
Octanol/water partition coefficient as log Pow: -0.21

NOTES

The odour warning when the exposure limit value is exceeded is insufficient.
Card has been partly updated in October 2004 and 2005. See sections Occupational Exposure Limits, EU classification, Emergency Response.

IPCS
International
Programme on
Chemical Safety

Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International Programme on Chemical Safety and the European Commission
© IPCS 2004

LEGAL NOTICE

Neither the EC nor the IPCS nor any person acting on behalf of the EC or the IPCS is responsible for the use which might be made of this information.

Updated by {ModOper}. Approved by {ModAppr}. Last update: {ModDate}