Product

This product is no longer available

loading

Share to:
linkedin sharing button
facebook sharing button
whatsapp sharing button
line sharing button
kakao sharing button
wechat sharing button
sharethis sharing button

Methyl Formate丨CAS 107-31-3丨C2H4O2

CAS: 107-31-3
Chemical Formula: C2H4O2

Methyl formate (C2H4O2) is a colorless, highly volatile liquid with a pleasant odor, widely used in chemical synthesis, coatings, pharmaceuticals, and agrochemicals. Due to its excellent solubility and reactivity, methyl formate is an important intermediate in many chemical reactions, and its chemical formula C2H4O2 is well-known to many industrial users.
Availability:

Methyl Formate Basic Properties

SynonymsMETHANOIC ACID-METHYL ESTER;METHYL FORMATE;Formiate de methyle;HCOOCH3;Methyl ester of formic acid
Molecular FormulaC2H4O2
AppearanceTransparent colorless liquid
Molecular Weight60.05
Melting Point-100 °C
Boiling Point32-34 °C(lit.)
Density0.974 g/mL at 20 °C(lit.)
Vapor Pressure32.91 psi ( 55 °C)
Refractive Indexn20/D 1.343(lit.)
Flash Point−16 °F
Storage ConditionsFlammables area
SolubilitySoluble in water, ethanol, ether, and methanol
Purity≧98%
Package Information100g, 500g, 1kg, or customized

Methyl Formate Key Features

High reactivity

Methyl formate has a low boiling point and high vapor pressure, giving it ideal activation properties in esterification, reduction, and addition reactions, making it a preferred raw material for fast reaction systems in many organic synthesis processes.

Excellent solvent compatibility

It is highly miscible with alcohols, ketones, and ethers, making it an important low-boiling-point solvent for resin, coating, and adhesive systems, improving dissolution efficiency and accelerating drying speed.

Relatively environmentally friendly

Methyl formate has a well-defined degradation pathway in the environment, with the main products being methanol and formic acid, making it more environmentally friendly than many chlorinated solvents.

Easy to store and transport

Although it is flammable, it has good stability at room temperature and pressure and can be stored properly, making it convenient for small and medium-sized chemical enterprises to manage storage and transportation.

Methyl Formate Main Applications

Synthesis of chemical intermediates

Methyl formate is an important raw material for the production of methanol derivatives, formic acid derivatives, alkyl formates, methyl carbamates, and other compounds, and its usage in the fine chemical industry is steadily increasing.

Pharmaceutical industry

It is used as a solvent or raw material in the synthesis of drug intermediates, such as a low-boiling-point reaction medium in certain esterification steps and condensation reactions, and to reduce the degradation of heat-sensitive substances.

Synthesis of agrochemical products

It is used in the synthesis of pesticide technicals and adjuvants, especially in the preparation of small molecule ester compounds.

Coatings and resin systems

As a low-boiling-point organic solvent, C2H4O2 can accelerate drying and improve resin solubility in coating systems, and is suitable for PU, acrylic resins, and some specialty adhesive systems.

Precautions

  1. Methyl formate has a low flash point and evaporates very easily, forming flammable vapors. Therefore, it must be kept away from open flames, sparks, and high-temperature equipment, and the warehouse must be equipped with an explosion-proof ventilation system.

  2. Due to its rapid evaporation, the product should be stored in a well-sealed metal container, avoiding exposure to moisture that could cause hydrolysis and the generation of formic acid.

  3. It may react violently with strong oxidants; contact with strong alkalis will promote hydrolysis, which can affect the purity and stability of the product. Therefore, it must be avoided to store it together with oxidants and strong alkalis.

  4. If skin comes into contact with methyl formate, rinse immediately with plenty of water and use mild soap if necessary; if irritation persists, seek medical attention promptly.

  5. Its vapors can irritate the respiratory system at high concentrations, so it should be used in a well-ventilated environment, and an organic vapor protective mask should be worn when necessary.

  6. UN-compatible packaging must be used during transportation, and it must meet relevant certification requirements such as UN 1243.

FAQ

1. What is methyl formate?

Methyl formate is a simple carboxylic acid ester organic compound. At room temperature and pressure, it is a colorless, volatile liquid with a pleasant ester aroma. It is an important intermediate and solvent in the chemical industry, typically used as a raw material for the synthesis of formic acid, formamide, and other fine chemicals.


2. Is methyl formate completely soluble in water?

No, it is partially miscible with water, approximately 300 g/L (20 ºC). It readily hydrolyzes in aqueous systems; therefore, direct use in high-water-content reaction systems is not recommended.


3. Is methyl formate suitable for high-temperature reactions?

No, methyl formate has a boiling point of only 32-34 °C (lit.). High-temperature reaction conditions will cause it to volatilize significantly and pose a fire risk. It should be used in a closed, low-temperature reaction system.


4. How to determine if methyl formate has undergone hydrolysis?

If exposed to a humid environment for an extended period, a slightly pungent formic acid odor may be detected. The acid value or GC purity should be tested to confirm.


Wolfa professionally supplies Methyl Formate, supporting small-batch sampling and large-volume procurement needs. Packaging options include ordinary glass bottles, glass ampoules, metal ampoules, etc.


For product analysis reports (such as COA) or procurement consulting, please feel free to contact us at jomin@wolfabio.com at any time.

Reliable Sourcing | Custom Synthesis | Consistent Quality for R&D and Scale-Up

CONTACT US

 Phone:+86 18050950397
 Email:jomin@wolfabio.com
 WeChat:+86 18050950397
  WhatsApp:+86 18359103607
Address: 3901 Sansheng Tuscany, Nanyu Town, Minhou County, Fuzhou City, Fujian Province

QUICK LINKS

PRODUCTS CATEGORY

SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER

Copyright © 2025 WOLFA All Rights Reserved
Leave a Message