Product Identification

Product Name

Methyl orthoformate

Synonyms

Methyl orthoformate
Trimethoxymethane

CAS

149-73-5

Formula

C4H10O3

Molecular Weight

106.12

EINECS

205-745-7

RTECS

RM6650000

RTECS Class

Primary Irritant

Merck

12,7012

Beilstein/Gmelin

969215

Beilstein Reference

4-02-00-00022

EC Class

highly flammable, irritant

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance

Colorless liquid. Pungent odor.

Solubility in water

Reacts

Melting Point

-53

Boiling Point

101

Vapor Pressure

7

Density

0.9691 g/cm3 (20 C)

Vapor Density

3.67

Refractive Index

1.381 (20 C)

First Aid Measures

Ingestion

If victim is conscious and alert, give 2-4 cupfuls of milk or water. Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. Get medical aid. Wash mouth out with water.

Inhalation

Remove from exposure to fresh air immediately. If not breathing, give artificial respiration. If breathing is difficult, give oxygen. Get medical aid if cough or other symptoms appear.

Skin

Flush skin with plenty of soap and water for at least 15 minutes while removing contaminated clothing and shoes. Get medical aid if irritation develops or persists. Wash clothing before reuse.

Eyes

Flush eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, occasionally lifting the upper and lower eyelids. Get medical aid.

Handling and Storage

Storage

Keep away from heat, sparks, and flame. Keep away from sources of ignition. Store in a tightly closed container. Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from incompatible substances. Flammables-area.

Handling

Wash thoroughly after handling. Ground and bond containers when transferring material. Use spark-proof tools and explosion proof equipment. Avoid contact with eyes, skin, and clothing. Empty containers retain product residue, (liquid and/or vapor), and can be dangerous. Take precautionary measures against static discharges. Keep container tightly closed. Avoid contact with heat, sparks and flame. Avoid ingestion and inhalation. Use only in a chemical fume hood. Do not pressurize, cut, weld, braze, solder, drill, grind, or expose empty containers to heat, sparks or open flames.

Hazards Identification

Ingestion

The toxicological properties of this substance have not been fully investigated. Expected to be a low ingestion hazard. Causes gastrointestinal tract irritation.

Inhalation

Causes respiratory tract irritation. The toxicological properties of this substance have not been fully investigated. Vapors may cause dizziness or suffocation.

Skin

Causes mild skin irritation. The toxicological properties of this material have not been fully investigated.

Eyes

Causes moderate eye irritation. The toxicological properties of this material have not been fully investigated.

Hazards

Vapors may form explosive mixtures with air. Vapors may travel to source of ignition and flash back. Most vapors are heavier than air. They will spread along ground and collect in low or confined areas (sewers, basements, tanks). Vapor explosion hazard indoors, outdoors or in sewers.

EC Risk Phrase

R 11 36

EC Safety Phrase

S 16 26 36

UN (DOT)

1993

Exposure Controls/Personal Protection

Personal Protection

Eyes: Wear chemical goggles. Wear appropriate protective eyeglasses or chemical safety goggles as described by OSHA's eye and face protection regulations in 29 CFR 1910.133 or European Standard EN166. Skin: Wear appropriate protective gloves to prevent skin exposure. Clothing: Wear a chemical apron. Wear appropriate protective clothing to prevent skin exposure.

Respirators

Follow the OSHA respirator regulations found in 29CFR 1910.134 or European Standard EN 149. Always use a NIOSH or European Standard EN 149 approved respirator when necessary.

Poison Class

2

Fire Fighting Measures

Flash Point

13

Autoignition

255

Fire Fighting

Wear a self-contained breathing apparatus in pressure-demand, MSHA/NIOSH (approved or equivalent), and full protective gear. Will burn if involved in a fire. Use water spray to keep fire-exposed containers cool. Containers may explode in the heat of a fire. Extinguishing media: For small fires, use dry chemical, carbon dioxide, water spray or alcohol-resistant foam. For large fires, use water spray, fog, or alcohol-resistant foam. Do NOT use water directly on fire. Use water spray to cool fire-exposed containers. Water may be ineffective. Do NOT use straight streams of water.

Upper exp. limit

44.6

Lower exp. limit

1.4

Fire Potential

HIGHLY FLAMMABLE: Will be easily ignited by heat, sparks or flames.

Accidental Release Measures

Small spills/leaks

Absorb spill with inert material, (e.g., dry sand or earth), then place into a chemical waste container. Remove all sources of ignition. Use a spark-proof tool. Provide ventilation. A vapor suppressing foam may be used to reduce vapors.

Stability and Reactivity

Disposal Code

1

Stability

Stable at room temperature in closed containers under normal storage and handling conditions.

Incompatibilities

Strong oxidizing agents.

Decomposition

Carbon monoxide, irritating and toxic fumes and gases, carbon dioxide.

Combustion Products

Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases.

Transport Information

UN Number

1993

Hazard Class

3

Packing Group

I; II; III

HS Code

2915 90 80