3807. Ethyl Formate

Nomenclature

CAS number: 109-94-4
Formic acid ethyl ester.
C3H6O2; mol wt 74.08.
C 48.64%, H 8.16%, O 43.19%.

Description and references

Toxicity data: H. F. Smyth et al., Arch. Ind. Hyg. Occup. Med. 10, 61 (1954).

Chemical structure

Properties

Mobile, flammable liq. d420 0.917. bp 53-54°. mp -80°. Flash pt, closed cup: -4°F (-20°C). nD20 1.3597. Sol in about 10 parts water with gradual decompn into free acid and alcohol; miscible with alcohol, ether. Keep tightly closed and preferably in contact with calcium chloride. LD50 orally in rats: 4.29 g/kg (Smyth).

Caution

Potential symptoms of overexposure are irritation of eyes and upper respiratory system. See NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards (DHHS/NIOSH 97-140, 1997) p 140.

Use

As flavor for lemonades and essences; for manuf artificial rum and arrac; also as a solvent for nitrocellulose; as fungicide and larvicide for tobacco, cereals, dried fruits, etc.; in organic synthesis.