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METHYL PROPIONATEICSC: 1029 (October 2004)
Propanoic acid, methyl ester
CAS #: 554-12-1
UN #: 1248
EC Number: 209-060-4

  ACUTE HAZARDS PREVENTION FIRE FIGHTING
FIRE & EXPLOSION Highly flammable. Gives off irritating or toxic fumes (or gases) in a fire.  Vapour/air mixtures are explosive.  NO open flames, NO sparks and NO smoking. NO contact with oxidizing agents.  Closed system, ventilation, explosion-proof electrical equipment and lighting. Prevent build-up of electrostatic charges (e.g., by grounding). Use non-sparking handtools.  Use water spray, powder, alcohol-resistant foam, carbon dioxide.  In case of fire: keep drums, etc., cool by spraying with water. 

   
  SYMPTOMS PREVENTION FIRST AID
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 CLASSIFICATION & 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. 

According to UN GHS Criteria

 

Transportation
UN Classification
UN Hazard Class: 3; UN Pack Group: II 

STORAGE
Fireproof. Cool. Separated from oxidants. 
PACKAGING
 
METHYL PROPIONATE ICSC: 1029
PHYSICAL & CHEMICAL INFORMATION

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. 

Formula: C4H8O2 / C2H5COOCH3
Molecular mass: 88.1
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  


EXPOSURE & HEALTH EFFECTS

Routes of exposure
 

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

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 long-term or repeated exposure
 


OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS
 

ENVIRONMENT
Environmental effects from the substance have not been investigated adequately. 

NOTES
This substance is used as a strawberry flavour in food. 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
  EC Classification
Symbol: F, Xn; R: 11-20; S: (2)-16-24-29-33 

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    See Also:
       Toxicological Abbreviations
       METHYL PROPIONATE (JECFA Evaluation)