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Ethyl Formate

CAS Number: 109‑94‑4

Synonyms: Ethyl formate; Formic acid ethyl ester; Ethyl methanoate; Formic ester

Chemical Formula:C₃H₆O₂

Product Introduction

Colorless ester liquid with fruity (rum or raspberry-like) odor. Used as a solvent for cellulose derivatives, as a flavoring agent, and for fumigation as an alternative to methyl bromide Often provided as a USP reference standard.

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Physical & Chemical Properties

Property	Value
Appearance	Colorless liquid
Odor	Fruity, rum‑like
Density @ 20 °C	0.917–0.921 g/mL
Melting Point	−80 °C
Boiling Point	54 °C
Flash Point	−4 °F (~−20 °C)
Vapor Pressure @ 20 °C	~200 mm Hg
Refractive Index (n₂₀ᴅ)	~1.359
Solubility (water @20 °C)	~9–11 g/100 mL
Molecular Weight	74.08 g/mol
TLV–TWA (ACGIH/NIOSH/OSHA)	100 ppm (300 mg/m³)
Vapor Density	~2.5–3× air
Explosive Limits	2.8–16% in air

Applications

Solvent for cellulose nitrate/acetate, greases, oils; substitute for acetone.
Flavoring agent in foods (naturally occuring; GRAS), tobacco fumigation.
Reference standard per USP.
Safety Note:Flammable; respiratory irritant; vapors heavier than air with risk of flashback.