zoom
Ethyl Formate
-
Category:
Specialty Chemicals
Your Questions and Comments
Your sales and customer service desk partners within China Amines Co will continue to serve you. You can also contact us via our headquarter office-
Email:info@chinaamines.com
China Amines Co
Product Profile
Ethyl Formate (Ethyl Methanoate)
CAS No.: 109-94-4
Synonyms / IUPAC Name: Ethyl Formate, Ethyl Methanoate
Molecular Formula: C₃H₆O₂
Molecular Weight: 74.08 g/mol
Physicochemical Properties (Typical)
- Appearance: Colorless, clear liquid
- Odor: Pleasant, fruity or rum-like odor
- Melting Point: –80 °C
- Boiling Point: 54 °C
- Density (20 °C): 0.92 g/cm³
- Vapor Pressure (20 °C): 200 mmHg
- Solubility in Water (20 °C): Moderate (~10%)
- Solubility in Organic Solvents: Miscible with alcohols, ethers, acetone, and benzene
- Flash Point: –20 °C (closed cup)
- Autoignition Temperature: 440 °C
- Explosive Limits (v/v in air): 2.8% – 16%
- Refractive Index (n²⁰ᴰ): 1.361
- Stability: Stable under normal storage; slowly hydrolyzes in water to form formic acid and ethanol
Purity & Quality Standards
- Purity (by GC): ≥98.0%
- Water / Moisture Content: ≤0.5%
- Acid Value (as Formic Acid): ≤0.01%
- Non-volatile Residue: ≤0.01%
- Heavy Metals: ≤0.001%
- Analytical Methods: Gas chromatography, spectroscopy, titration
- Documentation: Certificate of Analysis (COA) and Safety Data Sheet (SDS) provided
Applications / Uses
- Solvent for nitrocellulose, resins, oils, and waxes
- Intermediate in organic synthesis and esterification processes
- Used as fumigant or insecticidal agent in grain and commodity storage
- Flavor and fragrance applications under controlled regulatory limits
Safety & Handling
- Hazard Classification: Flammable liquid, Class 3
- Health Hazards: Causes eye and skin irritation; inhalation may cause dizziness and respiratory irritation
- Exposure Limits: TWA 100 ppm; STEL 150 ppm; IDLH 1500 ppm
- Precautions: Use in well-ventilated areas; avoid sources of ignition; wear gloves, goggles, and protective clothing
- Fire & Explosion: Vapors may form explosive mixtures with air; use non-sparking tools and explosion-proof equipment
- Reactivity: Incompatible with strong oxidizers, acids, and bases
- First Aid Measures:
- Inhalation – Move to fresh air
- Skin – Wash with water and soap
- Eyes – Flush with water for at least 15 minutes
- Ingestion – Seek immediate medical attention
Packaging & Storage
- Packaging: Sealed metal drums or approved solvent containers
- Storage Conditions: Cool, dry, and well-ventilated area; away from heat, sparks, or open flames
- Container Closure: Keep tightly sealed to prevent vapor loss
- Storage Temperature: Ideally below 30 °C
- Shelf Life: 12–24 months under proper storage