Methyl formate

Methyl formate
Names
IUPAC name
methyl methanoate
Other names
R-611
Identifiers
107-31-3 Yes
ChEBI CHEBI:77699 
ChEMBL ChEMBL295026 Yes
ChemSpider 7577 Yes
Jmol-3D images Image
PubChem 7865
Properties
Molecular formula
 C2H4O2
Molar mass 60.05 g·mol−1
Appearance Colorless liquid
Density 0.98 g/cm³
Melting point −100 °C (−148 °F; 173 K)
Boiling point 32 °C (90 °F; 305 K)
Hazards
MSDS Oxford MSDS
EU classification Highly flammable (F+); Harmful (Xn)
Except where noted otherwise, data is given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C (77 °F), 100 kPa)
  verify (what is: Yes/?)
Infobox references

Methyl formate, also called methyl methanoate, is the methyl ester of formic acid. The simplest example of an ester, it is a colorless liquid with an ethereal odour, high vapor pressure, and low surface tension. It is a precursor to many other compounds of commercial interest.[1]

Production

In the laboratory, methyl formate can be produced by the condensation reaction of methanol and formic acid, as follows:

HCOOH + CH3OH → HCOOCH3 + H2O

Industrial methyl formate, however, is usually produced by the combination of methanol and carbon monoxide (carbonylation) in the presence of a strong base, such as sodium methoxide:[2]

CH3OH + CO → HCO2CH3

This process, practiced commercially by BASF among other companies gives 96% selectivity toward methyl formate. The catalyst for this process is sensitive to water, which can be present in the carbon monoxide feedstock, which is commonly derived from synthesis gas. Very dry carbon monoxide is, therefore, essential.[3]

Uses

Methyl formate is used primarily to manufacture formamide, dimethylformamide, and formic acid. These compounds are precursors or building blocks for many useful derivatives.

Because of its high vapor pressure, it is used for quick-drying finishes and as a blowing agent, patented by Foam Supplies, Inc. under the Ecomate trade name, for a wide range of polyurethane foam applications and as a replacement for CFCs, HCFCs, and HFCs. Methyl formate has zero ozone depletion potential, zero global warming potential and zero volatile organic compounds.[4] It is also used as an insecticide.

A historical use of methyl formate, which sometimes brings it attention, was in refrigeration. Before the introduction of less-toxic refrigerants, methyl formate was used as an alternative to sulfur dioxide in domestic refrigerators, such as some models of the famous GE Monitor Top.

References

  1. ↑ Werner Reutemann and Heinz Kieczka "Formic Acid" in Ullmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry 2002, Wiley-VCH, Weinheim. doi:10.1002/14356007.a12_013
  2. ↑ Process Economics Reports, Review 88-1-1, Process Economics Program, SRI Consulting, California, 1999
  3. ↑ W. Couteau, J. Ramioulle, US Patent US4216339
  4. ↑ United Nations Environment Program Rigid and Flexible Foams Technical Options Committee 2006 Assessment report. http://ozone.unep.org/teap/Reports/FTOC/ftoc_assessment_report06.pdf

External links