Solubility of methyl formate in water

Methyl formate is a colorless, low-viscosity liquid with a pleasant odor; it hydrolyzes easily in humid air. Its solubility in water at 20 degrees Celsius is 30 mL/100 mL. It is miscible with ethanol, is flammable, and its explosive range is 59%–20%. The median lethal dose (oral, in rabbits) is 1620 mg/kg; it is also irritating. Density 0.968, melting point -100 degrees, boiling point 32 degrees, flash point -20 degrees,

Chinese name: Methyl formate English name: methyl formate Alternative Chinese name: Methyl formic acid CAS No.: 107-31-3 Molecular formula: C2H4O2 (HCOOCH3) Molecular weight: 60.05 Physical and chemical properties Main component: Pure substance Appearance and characteristics: Colorless liquid with an aromatic odor. 　　Melting point (°C): -99.8 Boiling point (°C): 32.0 Relative density (water=1): 0.98 Relative vapor density (air=1): 2.07 Saturated vapor pressure (kPa): 53.32 (16°C) Heat of combustion (kJ/mol): 978.7 Critical temperature (°C): 214 Critical pressure (MPa): 6.00 Flash point (°C): -32 Ignition temperature (°C): 449 Upper explosive limit (% V/V): 32.0 Lower explosive limit (% V/V): 4.5 Solubility: Soluble in water, ethanol, ether, methanol. 　　Primary uses: Used in organic synthesis, as a solvent for acetate fiber, and as an analytical reagent. 　　Uses: Methyl formate is an extremely important intermediate in carbon-1 chemistry, with a wide range of applications; it can be used directly as a fumigant and fungicide for treating tobacco, dried fruits, grains, and more ； It is also commonly used as a solvent for nitrocellulose and cellulose acetate ； In the pharmaceutical industry, it is commonly used as a raw material for the synthesis of drugs such as methylpyrimidine sulfonate, methoxypyrimidine sulfonate, and the antitussive drug dextromethorphan. 　　Brief description of the process principle: Methanol is preheated, vaporized, and superheated before undergoing a dehydrogenation reaction on a specialized catalyst. The reaction products are cooled and condensed; methyl formate is then absorbed using low-temperature methanol, followed by gas-liquid separation. The liquid product is refined to yield the final product. To reflect the circulation of methanol in the system, the gaseous product hydrogen (85% concentration) is taken out of the system for other uses. Due to the use of high-performance dehydrogenation catalysts, this process achieves a one-pass conversion rate of methanol of ≥30%, a selectivity for methyl formate of ≥85%, and a catalyst life in industrial plants of over 2.5 years. 　　Laboratory preparation: The hydroxyl group (-OH) in formic acid reacts with the hydrogen atom (-H) on the hydroxyl group in methanol; the elimination of one molecule of water (H2O) results in the formation of methyl formate (HCOOCH3). 　　The reaction equation is:
HCOOH + CH3OH → HCOOCH3 + H2O

**Reaction characteristics**
Since the molecular formula of methyl formate contains an aldehyde group, it can undergo the silver mirror reaction; it can also react with freshly prepared copper hydroxide to produce a brick-red precipitate.

**Product specifications:**
- Appearance: Colorless, pure liquid
- Purity: ≥ 99.5%
- Water content: ≤ 0.05%
- Color intensity: ≤ 10

**Main consumption rates (per ton):**
- Methanol: 1.3 tons
- By-product hydrogen (85% purity): 800 Nm3
- Steam: 3.5 tons
- Cooling water: 4 tons
- Electricity: 200 KWh
- Coal: 220 kg

**Waste treatment:**
The by-product hydrogen can be used directly as fuel or purified via pressure swing adsorption for use as a hydrogenation feedstock. 　　Harm to the environment I. Health hazards Routes of exposure: inhalation, ingestion, dermal absorption. 　　Health hazards: This product has ** and irritating effects. When people are exposed to a certain concentration of this substance, significant irritation occurs ； Repeated exposure can lead to spasms or even death. 　　II. Toxicological data and environmental behavior Acute toxicity: LD50 = 1622 mg/kg (oral, in rabbits) Subacute and chronic toxicity: When cats were exposed to an inhalation concentration of 2300 mg/m3 for 25 hours, they developed ataxia; they died within 2–3 hours due to pulmonary edema ； Guinea pigs died after inhaling 25 g/m3 for 3–4 hours ； The minimum lethal dose when administered orally to humans is 500 mg/kg. 　　Hazardous properties: Highly flammable; its vapors can form explosive mixtures with air. In contact with open flames, high temperatures, or oxidizing agents, it poses a risk of fire and explosion. In a fire, heated containers pose a risk of explosion. Its vapor is heavier than air, allowing it to spread over considerable distances at lower levels; it can also catch fire and reignite when exposed to an open flame. 　　Combustion (decomposition) products: carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide. 　　3. On-site emergency monitoring methods:
4. Laboratory monitoring methods:
Direct injection gas chromatography method (WS/T166-1999, Air in workplaces)
For air samples: The samples are collected using activated carbon tubes and then analyzed by gas chromatography.
For gas chromatography, refer to the “Manual of Analytical Chemistry” (Volume 4, Chromatographic Analysis), published by the Chemical Industry Press.
5. Environmental standards:
In the former Soviet Union, the maximum allowable concentration of harmful substances in workshop air is 250 mg/m3. The olfactory threshold concentration in air is 66–72 ppm.
6. Emergency response measures:
I. Emergency response to leaks
Evacuate people from the area affected by the leak to a safe zone immediately, and isolate the area to strictly control access. Cut off the source of fire. It is recommended that emergency responders wear self-contained positive-pressure breathing apparatus and fire protection clothing. Seal the source of leakage as much as possible. Prevent entry into confined spaces such as sewers and drainage ditches. Minor leaks: Absorb or adsorb them using sand or other non-flammable materials. It can also be rinsed with a large amount of water; the diluted wash water is then discharged into the wastewater system. Large-scale leakage: Build dikes or dig pits to contain it ； Cover with foam to reduce vapor hazards. Transfer to a tank truck or specialized collector using an explosion-proof pump, and recycle it or transport it to a waste disposal facility for disposal. 　　Waste disposal method: Incineration. 　　II. Protective Measures Respiratory protection: When the concentration of the substance in the air exceeds safe levels, a self-priming filter-type gas mask (half-mask) should be worn. It is recommended to wear an air respirator during emergency rescue or evacuation. 　　Eye protection: Wear chemical safety goggles. 　　Body protection: Wear anti-static work clothes. 　　Hand protection: Wear latex gloves. 　　Others: Smoking is strictly prohibited at the work site. After work, take a shower and change clothes. Pay attention to personal hygiene. 　　III. First aid measures Skin contact: Remove the contaminated clothing and thoroughly wash the skin with soapy water and clean water. 　　Eye contact: Lift the eyelids and rinse with flowing water or saline. Seek medical attention. 　　Inhalation: Quickly move to a place with fresh air. Keep the airways clear. If there is difficulty breathing, administer oxygen. If breathing stops, perform artificial respiration immediately. Seek medical attention. 　　Ingestion: Drink plenty of warm water, induce vomiting, and seek medical attention. 　　Fire extinguishing method: Move the container away from the fire as much as possible to an open area. Water spray is used to keep the containers at the fire site cool until the fire is extinguished. If a container in a fire has changed color or noises are coming from its safety pressure relief device, it must be evacuated immediately. Extinguishing agents: alcohol-resistant foam, dry powder, carbon dioxide, sand. Using water to put out the fire is ineffective.