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Methyl formate

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Synonyms & Trade Names
Methyl ester of formic acid, Methyl methanoate
CAS No.
107-31-3
RTECS No.
LQ8925000
DOT ID & Guide
1243 129
Formula
HCOOCH₃
Conversion
1 ppm = 2.46 mg/m3
IDLH
4500 ppm
See: 107313
Exposure Limits
NIOSH REL
TWA 100 ppm (250 mg/m3) ST 150 ppm (375 mg/m3)
OSHA PEL
TWA 100 ppm (250 mg/m3) See Appendix G
Measurement Methods
NIOSH S291 (II-5);
OSHA PV2041
See: NMAM or OSHA Methods
Physical Description
Colorless liquid with a pleasant odor. [Note: A gas above 89°F.]
Molecular Weight
60.1
Boiling Point
89°F
Freezing Point
-148°F
Solubility
30%
Vapor Pressure
476 mmHg
Ionization Potential
10.82 eV
Specific Gravity
0.98
Flash Point
-2°F
Upper Explosive Limit
23%
Lower Explosive Limit
4.5%
Class IA Flammable Liquid: Fl.P. below 73°F and BP below 100°F.
Incompatibilities & Reactivities
Strong oxidizers [Note: Reacts slowly with water to form methanol & formic acid.]
Exposure Routes
inhalation, skin absorption, ingestion, skin and/or eye contact
Symptoms
irritation eyes, nose; chest tightness, dyspnea (breathing difficulty); visual disturbance; central nervous system depression; In Animals: pulmonary edema; narcosis
Target Organs
Eyes, respiratory system, central nervous system
Personal Protection/Sanitation
(See protection codes)
Skin:Prevent skin contact
Eyes:Prevent eye contact
Wash skin:When contaminated
Remove:When wet (flammable)
Change:No recommendation
First Aid
(See procedures)
Eye:Irrigate immediately
Skin:Soap wash immediately
Breathing:Respiratory support
Swallow:Medical attention immediately
Respirator Recommendations

NIOSH/OSHA

Up to 1000 ppm:
(APF = 10) Any supplied-air respirator*

Up to 2500 ppm:
(APF = 25) Any supplied-air respirator operated in a continuous-flow mode*

Up to 4500 ppm:
(APF = 50) Any self-contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece
(APF = 50) Any supplied-air respirator with a full facepiece

Emergency or planned entry into unknown concentrations or IDLH conditions:
(APF = 10,000) Any self-contained breathing apparatus that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode
(APF = 10,000) Any supplied-air respirator that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode in combination with an auxiliary self-contained positive-pressure breathing apparatus

Escape:
(APF = 50) Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator (gas mask) with a chin-style, front- or back-mounted organic vapor canister
Any appropriate escape-type, self-contained breathing apparatus

Important additional information about respirator selection

See also
INTRODUCTION   ICSC CARD: 0664
Page last reviewed: October 30, 2019
Content source: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health