6077. Methyl Formate

Nomenclature

CAS number: 107-31-3
Formic acid methyl ester.
C2H4O2; mol wt 60.05.
C 40.00%, H 6.71%, O 53.29%.
HCOOCH3.

Properties

Colorless liquid, agreeable odor. d1515 0.987. bp 31.5°. nD20 1.3440. Flash pt, closed cup: 2°F (19°C). mp ≈100°. Flammable. Sol in about 3.3 parts water; miscible with alcohol.

Caution

Potential symptoms of overexposure are eye and nose irritation; chest tightness, dyspnea; visual disturbance; CNS depression. See NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards (DHHS/NIOSH 97-140, 1997) p 210; Patty's Industrial Hygiene and Toxicology vol. 2A, G. D. Clayton, F. E. Clayton, Eds. (Wiley-Interscience, New York, 3rd ed., 1981) p 2263.

Use

Fumigant and larvicide for tobacco and food crops. Fire hazard is avoided by use with CO2.