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).

Click on the icon to switch between Metric and Imperial units.

Table of Methyl Formate Properties
Physical Properties
Metric
Molar Mass60.05 g/mol
Density974 kg/m3
Dynamic Viscosity0.34 mPa·s
Surface Tension25 mN/m
Thermal PropertiesMetric
Melting Point-99.8 °C
Boiling Point31.8 °C
Thermal Conductivity (25°C)0.187 W/m·K
Vapor Pressure63.4 kPa
Critical ConstantsMetric
Critical Temperature (Tc)214 °C
Critical Pressure (Pc)6.01 MPa
Critical Molar Volume (Vc)172 cm3/mol
Electrical PropertiesMetric
Relative Permittivity (εr) (15°C)9.2
Optical PropertiesMetric
Refractive Index (589 nm)1.342
Hazardous DataMetric
Flash Point-19 °C
Autoignition Temperature449 °C
Lower Flammability Limit4.5%
Upper Flammability Limit23%
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)

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.