Ethyl formate

Ethyl formate
Names
IUPAC name
Ethyl formate
Systematic IUPAC name
Ethyl methanoate
Identifiers
109-94-4 Yes
ChEBI CHEBI:52342 Yes
ChEMBL ChEMBL44215 Yes
ChemSpider 7734 Yes
Jmol-3D images Image
UNII 0K3E2L5553 Yes
Properties
Molecular formula
 C3H6O2
Molar mass 74.08 g·mol−1
Appearance Colorless liquid[1]
Odor fruity[1]
Density 0.917 g/cm3
Melting point −80 °C; −112 °F; 193 K
Boiling point 54.0 °C (129.2 °F; 327.1 K)
9% (17.78°C)[1]
Vapor pressure 200 mmHg (20°C)[1]
Hazards
Flash point −20 °C; −4 °F; 253 K [1]
Explosive limits 2.8% - 16.0%[1]
US health exposure limits (NIOSH):
TWA 100 ppm (300 mg/m3)[1]
TWA 100 ppm (300 mg/m3)[1]
1500 ppm[1]
Except where noted otherwise, data is given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C (77 °F), 100 kPa)
 Yes verify (what is: Yes/?)
Infobox references

Ethyl formate is an ester formed when ethanol (an alcohol) reacts with formic acid (a carboxylic acid). It is also known as ethyl methanoate because formic acid is also known as methanoic acid. Ethyl formate has the characteristic smell of rum and is also partially responsible for the flavor of raspberries.[2] It occurs naturally in the body of ants and in the stingers of bees. [3]

Exposure

Ethyl methanoate is generally recognized as safe by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.[4]

According to the U.S Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), ethyl formate can irritate eyes, skin, mucous membranes, and the respiratory system of humans and other animals; it is also a central nervous system depressant.[5] In industry, it is used as a solvent for cellulose nitrate, cellulose acetate, oils, and greases. It can be used as a substitute for acetone; workers may also be exposed to it under the following circumstances:[5]

OSHA considers a time-weighted average of 100 parts per million (300 milligrams per cubic meter) over an eight-hour period as the permissible exposure limit. The U.S. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) also considers a time-weighted average of 100 ppm over an eight-hour period as the recommended exposure limit.[6]

In space

Astronomers have identified ethyl formate in dust clouds in an area of the Milky Way galaxy called Sagittarius B2. The astronomers, from the Max Planck Institute for Radio Astronomy in Bonn, Germany, used the 30 metre IRAM radiotelescope in Spain to analyse the spectra of radiation emitted from hot regions near a new star. It is among 50 molecules identified by the astronomers.[2]

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 1.8 "NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards #0278". National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 Sample, Ian (21 April 2009). "Galaxy's centre tastes of raspberries and smells of rum, say astronomers". The Guardian. Retrieved 2009-04-21.
  3. ↑ http://www.chemicalland21.com/industrialchem/organic/ETHYL%20FORMATE.htm
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 "Alternative fumigants: Ethyl Formate". University of California. Retrieved 2009-04-25.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 "Occupational Safety and Health Guideline for Ethyl Formate". OSHA. Retrieved 2009-04-25.
  6. ↑ CDC - NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards.