Methyl formate
CAS 107-31-3
EC 203-481-7
Formula C2H4O2
MW 60.05 g/mol
Catalysts & Catalyst Precursors Food & NutritionPharmaceuticals & Healthcare Preservation & BiocideFlavoring & AcidulantCatalysispH Regulation & BufferingSolvent & Carrier
Description
Methyl formate (CAS 107-31-3, EC 203-481-7, formula C2H4O2) is a short-chain formate ester also known by the refrigerant designation R-611 and the trade name Greenmate. It carries no assigned E-code and is identified in shorthand as HCO2CH3 or HCOOCH3.
In pharmaceutical manufacturing, methyl formate acts as a reaction solvent and catalyst carrier in synthesis steps requiring a low-boiling, polar medium. In food and beverage processing, it functions as a flavoring agent and antimicrobial, where its formate ion release lowers local pH to inhibit microbial growth and contributes characteristic aroma profiles.
Methyl formate is available in technical and food-grade specifications, with quality benchmarks referenced against FCC standards where applicable. It falls under REACH regulation and is classified under HS code 2915 13 00 for EU trade purposes. Standard packaging includes drums and IBC containers, with documentation available upon request.
In pharmaceutical manufacturing, methyl formate acts as a reaction solvent and catalyst carrier in synthesis steps requiring a low-boiling, polar medium. In food and beverage processing, it functions as a flavoring agent and antimicrobial, where its formate ion release lowers local pH to inhibit microbial growth and contributes characteristic aroma profiles.
Methyl formate is available in technical and food-grade specifications, with quality benchmarks referenced against FCC standards where applicable. It falls under REACH regulation and is classified under HS code 2915 13 00 for EU trade purposes. Standard packaging includes drums and IBC containers, with documentation available upon request.
Physical Properties
| Melting Point | -99.8 °C |
| Boiling Point | 31.5 °C |
| Density | 0.987 g/cm³ @ Temp: 15 °C |
| Flash Point | −16 °F |
| Appearance | Methyl formate is a colorless liquid with a pleasant odor. |
| Color | Clear colorless |
| Odor | Pleasant; agreeable. |
| Form | Liquid |
| Water Solubility | 300 G/L (20 ºC) |
| Vapor Pressure | 32.91 psi ( 55 °C) |
| Refractive Index | n 20/D 1.343(lit.) |
| pH | 4-5 (200g/l, H2O, 20℃) |
| Log P | -0.21 at 25℃ |
Safety & Handling (Learn More)
Danger GHS02 GHS07 GHS06 GHS08
H
H224H301H302H311H315H316H319H331H332H335H336H370H371H373H301+H311+H331
P
P210P233P240P241P242P243P260P261P262P264P270P271P280P316P317P319P321P330P405P501P264+P265P301+P316P301+P317P302+P352P304+P340P308+P316P332+P317P337+P317P361+P364P362+P364P370+P378P403+P233P403+P235P303+P361+P353P305+P351+P338
Trade & Regulatory
| HS Code | 2915 13 00 |
| UN Number | 1243 |
| ADR Class | 3 |
| Packing Group | I |
| Storage Class | 3 - Flammable liquids |
| WGK (Germany) | 1 |
Other Names
R-611HCO2CH3R 611HCOOCH3GreenmateMethyl methanoateformiatedemethyle
Related Products
Raw Materials
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