Trimethyl orthoformate
CAS 149-73-5
EC 205-745-7
Formula C4H10O3
MW 106.12 g/mol
Catalysts & Catalyst Precursors Food & NutritionPharmaceuticals & HealthcareBiotechnology & Life Sciences CatalysisFlavoring & AcidulantPreservation & BiocideSolvent & Carrier
Description
Trimethyl orthoformate (CAS 149-73-5), also known as trimethoxymethane, methyl orthoformate, and abbreviated TMOF, is a colorless liquid ester of orthoformic acid with the formula CH(OCH3)3. It carries no assigned E-code and is commercially identified under EC number 205-745-7.
In pharmaceutical synthesis, TMOF acts as a methoxylating and protecting-group reagent, transferring methoxy groups under mild acid catalysis to shield reactive intermediates during multi-step synthesis. In food and flavor applications, it functions as a precursor to formate esters, contributing specific aldehyde-adjacent notes, while its antimicrobial activity derives from controlled hydrolysis releasing methanol and formic acid under aqueous conditions.
TMOF is available in technical and high-purity grades meeting FCC and pharmaceutical-grade specifications, with REACH compliance documented for EU supply. Standard packaging includes drums and IBC containers, with documentation supporting food-contact and GMP-regulated manufacturing environments. HS code 29159080 applies for EU import and export classification.
In pharmaceutical synthesis, TMOF acts as a methoxylating and protecting-group reagent, transferring methoxy groups under mild acid catalysis to shield reactive intermediates during multi-step synthesis. In food and flavor applications, it functions as a precursor to formate esters, contributing specific aldehyde-adjacent notes, while its antimicrobial activity derives from controlled hydrolysis releasing methanol and formic acid under aqueous conditions.
TMOF is available in technical and high-purity grades meeting FCC and pharmaceutical-grade specifications, with REACH compliance documented for EU supply. Standard packaging includes drums and IBC containers, with documentation supporting food-contact and GMP-regulated manufacturing environments. HS code 29159080 applies for EU import and export classification.
Physical Properties
| Melting Point | 15 °C |
| Boiling Point | 100.6 °C @ Press: 760 Torr |
| Density | 0.9676 g/cm³ @ Temp: 20 °C |
| Flash Point | 60 °F |
| Appearance | Colorless liquid |
| Color | Clear colorless |
| Form | Liquid |
| Water Solubility | 10 g/L (hydrolysis) |
| Vapor Pressure | 23.5 mm Hg ( 20 °C) |
| Refractive Index | n 20/D 1.379(lit.) |
| Log P | -0.03-0.09 at 20℃ |
Safety & Handling (Learn More)
Danger GHS02 GHS07
H
H225H319H332H335
P
P210P233P240P241P242P243P261P271P280P317P319P405P501P264+P265P304+P340P337+P317P370+P378P403+P233P403+P235P303+P361+P353P305+P351+P338
Trade & Regulatory
| HS Code | 29159080 |
| UN Number | 3272 |
| ADR Class | 3 |
| Packing Group | II |
| Storage Class | 3 - Flammable liquids |
| WGK (Germany) | 1 |
Other Names
Trimethoxymethanemethyl orthoformateOFMTMOFCH(OCH3)3Perma-Flo OFMethoxymethylalTRIMETHYL-O-FORMATE
Related Products
Raw Materials
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