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METHYL FORMATEICSC: 0664 (May 2010)
Formic acid methyl ester
Methyl methanoate
CAS #: 107-31-3
UN #: 1243
EC Number: 203-481-7

  ACUTE HAZARDS PREVENTION FIRE FIGHTING
FIRE & EXPLOSION Extremely flammable.  Vapour/air mixtures are explosive. Heating will cause rise in pressure with risk of bursting. Risk of fire and explosion on contact with strong oxidants.  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. Prevent build-up of electrostatic charges (e.g., by grounding).  Use powder, alcohol-resistant foam, water spray, carbon dioxide.  In case of fire: keep drums, etc., cool by spraying with water. 

   
  SYMPTOMS PREVENTION FIRST AID
Inhalation Cough. Shortness of breath. Headache. Drowsiness.  Use ventilation, local exhaust or breathing protection.  Fresh air, rest. Refer for medical attention. 
Skin Redness.  Protective gloves. Protective clothing.  Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse skin with plenty of water or shower. 
Eyes Redness. Pain.  Wear safety goggles.  First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then refer for medical attention. 
Ingestion Sore throat. Further see Inhalation.  Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work.  Rinse mouth. Do NOT induce vomiting. Rest. Refer for medical attention . 

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL CLASSIFICATION & LABELLING
Remove all ignition sources. Evacuate danger area! Consult an expert! Personal protection: complete protective clothing including self-contained breathing apparatus. Ventilation. Collect leaking liquid in sealable containers. Absorb remaining liquid in sand or inert absorbent. Then store and dispose of according to local regulations. 

According to UN GHS Criteria

flam;flameexcl mark;warn
DANGER
Extremely flammable liquid and vapour
Harmful if swallowed
Causes eye irritation
May cause drowsiness or dizziness 

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

STORAGE
Fireproof. Separated from strong oxidants. Cool. 
PACKAGING
 
METHYL FORMATE ICSC: 0664
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. 

Chemical dangers
Reacts violently with strong oxidants. This generates fire and explosion hazard. 

Formula: C2H4O2 / HCOOCH3
Molecular mass: 60.1
Boiling point: 32°C
Melting point: -100°C
Relative density (water = 1): 0.97
Solubility in water, g/100ml at 20°C: 30 (good)
Vapour pressure, kPa at 20°C: 64
Relative vapour density (air = 1): 2.1
Relative density of the vapour/air-mixture at 20°C (air = 1): 1.7
Flash point: -19°C
Auto-ignition temperature: 449°C
Explosive limits, vol% in air: 5-23
Octanol/water partition coefficient as log Pow: -0.21  


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
The substance is irritating to the eyes and respiratory tract. The substance may cause effects on the central nervous system. Exposure far above the OEL could cause lowering of consciousness. 

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

Effects of long-term or repeated exposure
The substance defats the skin, which may cause dryness or cracking. 


OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS
TLV: 50 ppm as TWA; 100 ppm as STEL; (skin).
MAK: 120 mg/m3, 50 ppm; peak limitation category: II(4); skin absorption (H); pregnancy risk group: C.
EU-OEL: 125 mg/m3, 50 ppm as TWA; 250 mg/m3, 100 ppm as STEL; (skin) 

ENVIRONMENT
 

NOTES
The odour warning when the exposure limit value is exceeded is insufficient.
Do NOT take working clothes home. 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
  EC Classification
Symbol: F+, Xn; R: 12-20/22-36/37; S: (2)-9-16-24-26-33 

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    See Also:
       Toxicological Abbreviations