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METHYL PROPIONATE ICSC: 1029
Date of Peer Review: October 2004

 Propanoic acid, methyl ester
CAS # 554-12-1 C4H8O2 / C2H5COOCH3
RTECS # UF5970000 Molecular mass: 88.1
UN # 1248
EC # 607-027-00-2
TYPES OF HAZARD / EXPOSURE ACUTE HAZARDS / SYMPTOMS PREVENTION FIRST AID / FIRE FIGHTING
FIRE Highly flammable. Gives off irritating gases and toxic fumes in a fire.
NO open flames, NO sparks, and NO smoking. NO contact with oxidants.
Powder, alcohol-resistant foam, water spray, carbon dioxide.
EXPLOSION Vapour/air mixtures are explosive.
Closed system, ventilation, explosion-proof electrical equipment and lighting. Prevent build-up of electrostatic charges (e.g., by grounding). Use non-sparking handtools.
In case of fire: keep drums, etc., cool by spraying with water.
EXPOSURE


Inhalation Cough. Sore throat.
Ventilation, local exhaust, or breathing protection.
Fresh air, rest.
Skin Redness.
Protective gloves.
Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse and then wash skin with water and soap.
Eyes Redness. Pain.
Safety goggles, or eye protection in combination with breathing protection.
First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then take to a doctor.
Ingestion Abdominal pain. Vomiting.
Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work.
Rinse mouth. Give plenty of water to drink. Refer for medical attention.
SPILLAGE DISPOSAL PACKAGING & LABELLING
Remove all ignition sources. Collect leaking liquid in covered containers. Absorb remaining liquid in sand or inert absorbent and remove to safe place. Do NOT wash away into sewer. Personal protection: filter respirator for organic gases and vapours.
EU Classification
Symbol: F, Xn
R: 11-20
S: (2-)-16-24-29-33
UN Classification
UN Hazard Class: 3
UN Pack Group: II
EMERGENCY RESPONSE SAFE STORAGE
Transport Emergency Card: TEC (R)-30S1248
NFPA Code: H1; F3; R0
Fireproof. Cool. Separated from oxidants.
IPCS
International
Programme on
Chemical Safety 		Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International Programme on Chemical Safety and the Commission of the European Communities © IPCS, CEC 2004

SEE IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON BACK
METHYL PROPIONATE ICSC: 1029
IMPORTANT DATA
PHYSICAL STATE; APPEARANCE:
COLOURLESS LIQUID, WITH CHARACTERISTIC ODOUR.

PHYSICAL DANGERS:
The vapour is heavier than air and may travel along the ground; distant ignition possible. As a result of flow, agitation, etc., electrostatic charges can be generated.

CHEMICAL DANGERS:
The substance decomposes on heating producing irritating fumes. Reacts with oxidants causing fire hazard.

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS:
TLV not established. MAK not established.
 		INHALATION RISK:
No indication can be given about the rate in which a harmful concentration in the air is reached on evaporation of this substance at 20°C.

EFFECTS OF SHORT-TERM EXPOSURE:
The substance is irritating to the respiratory tract, the skin and the eyes.
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
Boiling point: 80°C
Melting point: -88°C
Relative density (water = 1): 0.92
Solubility in water, g/100 ml at 25°C: 6.2
Vapour pressure, kPa at 20°C: 8.5
Relative vapour density (air = 1): 3
 		Relative density of the vapour/air-mixture at 20°C (air = 1): 1.2
Flash point: -2°C c.c.
Auto-ignition temperature: 469°C
Explosive limits, vol% in air: 2.5-13.0
Octanol/water partition coefficient as log Pow: 0.82
ENVIRONMENTAL DATA

NOTES
Environmental effects from the substance have not been investigated adequately. This substance is used as a strawberry flavour in food.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION


LEGAL NOTICE Neither the CEC nor the IPCS nor any person acting on behalf of the CEC or the IPCS is responsible for the use which might be made of this information
© IPCS, CEC 2004 



    See Also:
       Toxicological Abbreviations
       METHYL PROPIONATE (JECFA Evaluation)