Properties of Methyl Formate (C2H4O2)
Methyl formate is a chemical compound with the molecular formula C2H4O2. It is an ester formed by the reaction between methanol and formic acid. Methyl formate is a colorless, flammable liquid with a sweet, fruity odor and is used in various industrial applications, including as a solvent and as a precursor in the production of other chemicals.
The following table provides a comprehensive list of methyl formate properties in both SI and US customary/Imperial units at normal temperature and pressure (NTP).
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Physical Properties | Metric |
---|---|
Molar Mass | 60.05 g/mol |
Density | 974 kg/m3 |
Dynamic Viscosity | 0.34 mPa·s |
Surface Tension | 25 mN/m |
Thermal Properties | Metric |
Melting Point | -99.8 °C |
Boiling Point | 31.8 °C |
Thermal Conductivity (25°C) | 0.187 W/m·K |
Vapor Pressure | 63.4 kPa |
Critical Constants | Metric |
Critical Temperature (Tc) | 214 °C |
Critical Pressure (Pc) | 6.01 MPa |
Critical Molar Volume (Vc) | 172 cm3/mol |
Electrical Properties | Metric |
Relative Permittivity (εr) (15°C) | 9.2 |
Optical Properties | Metric |
Refractive Index (589 nm) | 1.342 |
Hazardous Data | Metric |
Flash Point | -19 °C |
Autoignition Temperature | 449 °C |
Lower Flammability Limit | 4.5% |
Upper Flammability Limit | 23% |
NFPA Rating (Health) | 2 |
NFPA Rating (Fire) | 4 |
NFPA Rating (Reactivity) | 0 |
Unless stated otherwise, all values are taken at room temperature (approximately 20°C or 68°F) and 1 atm pressure. (1 atm = 101,325 Pa)
Related Pages
References: 1) Cardarelli, François. Materials Handbook: A Concise Desktop Reference. Switzerland: Springer International Publishing, 2018. 2) CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics, 97th Edition. United Kingdom: CRC Press, 2016-2017. 3) Yaws, Carl L. The Yaws Handbook of Physical Properties for Hydrocarbons and Chemicals. Netherlands: Elsevier Science, 2015. 4) Fire Protection Guide to Hazardous Materials, 14th Edition. United States: National Fire Protection Association, 2010.