Methyl formate

Product name

Methyl formate

Molecular formula

HCOOCH₃

Molecular weight

60.05g·mol⁻¹

CAS NO.

107-31-3

EINECS

203-481-7

Melting point

-100.4℃

Boiling point

32℃

Water soluble

Soluble in water (300 g/L, 20 °C)

Density

0.98 g/cm³

Appearance

Colorless volatile liquid

Nature

A colorless, fragrant, volatile liquid. It is miscible with ethanol and soluble in methanol and ether. It is easily hydrolyzed and the moisture in the moist air will also hydrolyze it. It has a strong stimulating effect on the respiratory tract, eyes, nose and lower respiratory tract, which can cause chest pressure and difficulty in breathing.

Flash point

−32 °C

Security description

Extremely flammable, harmful 

Hazard symbol

Extremely flammable (F+), harmful (Xn)

Dangerous goods transport number

UN1243 

PubChem

7865

Vapor pressure

644 hPa (20 °C)

Warning term

R：R12, R20/22, R36/37

Security term

S：S2, S9, S16, S24, S26, S33 

LD50

1500 mg/kg

Use

Carbon-chemically important intermediates have a wide range of uses and can be directly used as a fumigant and fungicide for treating tobacco, dried fruits, grains, etc.; also commonly used as a solvent for nitrocellulose and cellulose acetate; It is often used as a synthetic raw material for drugs such as sulfonic acid methylpyrimidine, sulfonic acid methoxypyrimidine and antitussive methadone.