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METHYL CHLOROFORMATEICSC: 1110 (March 1999)
Methyl chlorocarbonate
Carbonochloridic acid, methyl ester
Chloroformic acid methyl ester
Methoxycarbonyl chloride
CAS #: 79-22-1
UN #: 1238
EC Number: 201-187-3

  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.  Closed system, ventilation, explosion-proof electrical equipment and lighting. Do NOT use compressed air for filling, discharging, or handling.  Shut off supply; if not possible and no risk to surroundings, let the fire burn itself out. In other cases extinguish with foam, powder, carbon dioxide, dry sand.  In case of fire: keep drums, etc., cool by spraying with water. NO direct contact with water. 

 STRICT HYGIENE! IN ALL CASES CONSULT A DOCTOR! 
  SYMPTOMS PREVENTION FIRST AID
Inhalation Burning sensation. Cough. Laboured breathing. Shortness of breath. Sore throat. Symptoms may be delayed. See Notes.  Use ventilation, local exhaust or breathing protection.  Fresh air, rest. Half-upright position. Artificial respiration may be needed. Refer for medical attention. 
Skin Redness. Skin burns. Pain. Blisters.  Protective gloves. Protective clothing.  Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse and then wash skin with water and soap. Refer for medical attention . 
Eyes Redness. Pain. Loss of vision. Severe deep burns.  Wear safety goggles, face shield 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. Burning sensation. Shock or collapse.  Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work. Wash hands before eating.  Rinse mouth. Do NOT induce vomiting. Refer for medical attention . 

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL CLASSIFICATION & LABELLING
Evacuate danger area! Consult an expert! Personal protection: chemical protection suit including self-contained breathing apparatus. Do NOT let this chemical enter the environment. Collect leaking and spilled liquid in sealable containers as far as possible. Absorb remaining liquid in dry 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: 6.1; UN Subsidiary Risks: 3 and 8; UN Pack Group: I 

STORAGE
Fireproof. Provision to contain effluent from fire extinguishing. Separated from strong oxidants and food and feedstuffs. Dry. Well closed. Keep in a well-ventilated room. 
PACKAGING
Do not transport with food and feedstuffs. 
METHYL CHLOROFORMATE ICSC: 1110
PHYSICAL & CHEMICAL INFORMATION

Physical State; Appearance
COLOURLESS LIQUID WITH PUNGENT ODOUR. 

Physical dangers
The vapour is heavier than air and may travel along the ground; distant ignition possible. 

Chemical dangers
Decomposes on heating and on burning. This produces toxic and corrosive fumes including hydrogen chloride and phosgene. Reacts violently with strong oxidants. Reacts gradually with water. This produces hydrogen chloride. Attacks many metals in the presence of water. 

Formula: C2H3ClO2 / CH3OCOCl
Molecular mass: 94.50
Boiling point: 71°C
Melting point: -61°C
Relative density (water = 1): 1.22
Solubility in water: poor
Vapour pressure, kPa at 20°C: 14
Relative vapour density (air = 1): 3.3
Relative density of the vapour/air-mixture at 20°C (air = 1): 1.3
Flash point: 12°C
Auto-ignition temperature: 504°C
Explosive limits, vol% in air: 6.7-? 


EXPOSURE & HEALTH EFFECTS

Routes of exposure
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation of its vapour, through the skin and by ingestion. 

Effects of short-term exposure
Lachrymation. The substance is corrosive to the eyes, skin and respiratory tract. Corrosive on ingestion. Inhalation of the vapour may cause lung oedema. See Notes. 

Inhalation risk
A harmful contamination of the air can be reached very quickly on evaporation of this substance at 20°C. 

Effects of long-term or repeated exposure
 


OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS
MAK: 0.78 mg/m3, 0.2 ppm; peak limitation category: I(2); pregnancy risk group: C 

ENVIRONMENT
The substance is toxic to aquatic organisms. 

NOTES
The symptoms of lung oedema often do not become manifest until a few hours have passed and they are aggravated by physical effort.
Rest and medical observation are therefore essential.
Immediate administration of an appropriate inhalation therapy by a doctor, or by an authorized person, should be considered. 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
  EC Classification
Symbol: F, T+; R: 11-21/22-26-34; S: (1/2)-14-26-28-36/37-39-45-46-63 

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    See Also:
       Toxicological Abbreviations