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Ethyl formate

Synonyms & Trade Names
Ethyl ester of formic acid, Ethyl methanoate
CAS No.
109-94-4
RTECS No.
LQ8400000
DOT ID & Guide
1190 129
Formula
CH3CH2OCHO
Conversion
1 ppm = 3.03 mg/m3
IDLH
1500 ppm
See: 109944
Exposure Limits
NIOSH REL
: TWA 100 ppm (300 mg/m3)
OSHA PEL
: TWA 100 ppm (300 mg/m3)
Measurement Methods

NIOSH 1452;
OSHA 7
See: NMAM or OSHA Methods
Physical Description
Colorless liquid with a fruity odor.
MW:
74.1
BP:
130°F
FRZ:
-113°F		 Sol(64°F): 9%
VP:
200 mmHg
IP:
10.61 eV
Sp.Gr:
0.92
Fl.P:
-4°F
UEL:
16.0%
LEL:
2.8%
Class IB Flammable Liquid: Fl.P. below 73°F and BP at or above 100°F.
Incompatibilities & Reactivities
Nitrates; strong oxidizers, alkalis & acids [Note: Decomposes slowly in water to form ethyl alcohol and formic acid.]
Exposure Routes
inhalation, ingestion, skin and/or eye contact
Symptoms
irritation eyes, upper respiratory system; in animals: narcosis
Target Organs
Eyes, respiratory system, central nervous system
Personal Protection/Sanitation
(See protection codes)
Skin: Prevent skin contact
Eyes: Prevent eye contact
Wash skin: When contaminated
Remove: When wet (flammable)
Change: No recommendation
First Aid
(See procedures)
Eye: Irrigate immediately
Skin: Water flush immediately
Breathing: Respiratory support
Swallow: Medical attention immediately
Respirator Recommendations

NIOSH/OSHA

Up to 1500 ppm:
(APF = 25) Any supplied-air respirator operated in a continuous-flow mode£
(APF = 25) Any powered, air-purifying respirator with organic vapor cartridge(s)£
(APF = 50) Any chemical cartridge respirator with a full facepiece and organic vapor cartridge(s)
(APF = 50) Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator (gas mask) with a chin-style, front- or back-mounted organic vapor canister
(APF = 50) Any self-contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece
(APF = 50) Any supplied-air respirator with a full facepiece

Emergency or planned entry into unknown concentrations or IDLH conditions:
(APF = 10,000) Any self-contained breathing apparatus that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode
(APF = 10,000) Any supplied-air respirator that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode in combination with an auxiliary self-contained positive-pressure breathing apparatus

Escape:
(APF = 50) Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator (gas mask) with a chin-style, front- or back-mounted organic vapor canister
Any appropriate escape-type, self-contained breathing apparatus

Important additional information about respirator selection

See also: INTRODUCTION   See ICSC CARD: 0623
 

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