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METHYL PROPIONATE
ICSC: 1029
Peer-Review Status: 28.10.2004 Validated
Propanoic acid, methyl ester 
CAS #: 554-12-1 RTECS #: UF5970000
UN #: 1248
EC #: 607-027-00-2
EINECS #: 209-060-4
 		    Formula: C4H8O2 / C2H5COOCH3
Molecular mass: 88.1

TYPES OF
HAZARD /
EXPOSURE 		ACUTE HAZARDS / SYMPTOMS      PREVENTION      FIRST AID / FIRE FIGHTING
FIRE Highly flammable. Gives off irritating or toxic fumes (or gases) in a fire.  NO open flames, NO sparks and NO smoking. NO contact with oxidizing agents.  Use water spray, powder, alcohol-resistant foam, 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.  Use 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.  Wear 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 refer for medical attention. 
Ingestion Abdominal pain. Vomiting.  Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work.  Rinse mouth. Give one or two glasses of water to drink. Refer for medical attention . 

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL
 		PACKAGING & LABELLING
Personal protection: filter respirator for organic gases and vapours adapted to the airborne concentration of the substance. Remove all ignition sources. Collect leaking and spilled liquid in covered containers as far as possible. Absorb remaining liquid in sand or inert absorbent. Then store and dispose of according to local regulations. Do NOT wash away into sewer.   
EC Classification
Symbol: F, Xn; R: 11-20; S: (2)-16-24-29-33 
UN Classification
UN Hazard Class: 3; UN Pack Group: II 
GHS Classification
 

EMERGENCY RESPONSE SAFE STORAGE
Transport Emergency Card: TEC (R)-30S1248.
NFPA Code: H1; F3; R0.  		Fireproof. Cool. Separated from oxidants. 

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
Decomposes on heating. This produces irritating fumes. Reacts with oxidants. This generates fire hazard. 

Occupational exposure limits
TLV (NOT-ESTABLISHED):. 

Routes of exposure
 

Inhalation risk
No indication can be given about the rate at which a harmful concentration of this substance in the air is reached on evaporation at 20°C. 

Effects of short-term exposure
The substance is irritating to the respiratory tract, skin and eyes. 

Effects of long-term or repeated exposure
 


PHYSICAL PROPERTIES ENVIRONMENTAL DATA
Boiling point: 80°C
Melting point: -88°C
Relative density (water = 1): 0.92
Solubility in water, g/100ml at 25°C:
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   		 

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

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
 

IPCS
International
Programme on
Chemical Safety 		WHO ILO EC Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International Programme on Chemical Safety and the European Commission
© IPCS 2004-2012
LEGAL NOTICE Neither the EC nor the IPCS nor any person acting on behalf of the EC or the IPCS is responsible for the use which might be made of this information. 
    See Also:
       Toxicological Abbreviations
       METHYL PROPIONATE (JECFA Evaluation)