Methyl formate

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Methyl formate
Structural formula of methyl formate
Ball-and-stick model of the methyl formate molecule
Names
IUPAC name
methyl methanoate
Other names
R-611
Identifiers
107-31-3 YesY
ChEBI CHEBI:77699 N
ChEMBL ChEMBL295026 YesY
ChemSpider 7577 YesY
Jmol 3D model Interactive image
PubChem 7865
  • InChI=1S/C2H4O2/c1-4-2-3/h2H,1H3 YesY
    Key: TZIHFWKZFHZASV-UHFFFAOYSA-N YesY
  • InChI=1/C2H4O2/c1-4-2-3/h2H,1H3
    Key: TZIHFWKZFHZASV-UHFFFAOYAI
  • O=COC
Properties
C2H4O2
Molar mass 60.05 g·mol−1
Appearance Colorless liquid
Odor pleasant[1]
Density 0.98 g/cm3
Melting point −100 °C (−148 °F; 173 K)
Boiling point 32 °C (90 °F; 305 K)
30% (20°C)[1]
Vapor pressure 476 mmHg (20°C)[1]
Vapor pressure {{{value}}}
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
N verify (what is YesYN ?)
Infobox references

Methyl formate, also called methyl methanoate, is the methyl ester of formic acid. The simplest example of an ester, it is a colorless liquid with an ethereal odour, high vapor pressure, and low surface tension. It is a precursor to many other compounds of commercial interest.[2]

In some cases people have found that the pleasant smell is of lemons or lemonade.

Production

In the laboratory, methyl formate can be produced by the condensation reaction of methanol and formic acid, as follows:

HCOOH + CH3OH → HCOOCH3 + H2O

Industrial methyl formate, however, is usually produced by the combination of methanol and carbon monoxide (carbonylation) in the presence of a strong base, such as sodium methoxide:[3]

CH3OH + CO → HCO2CH3

This process, practiced commercially by BASF among other companies gives 96% selectivity toward methyl formate. The catalyst for this process is sensitive to water, which can be present in the carbon monoxide feedstock, which is commonly derived from synthesis gas. Very dry carbon monoxide is, therefore, essential.[4]

Uses

Methyl formate is used primarily to manufacture formamide, dimethylformamide, and formic acid. These compounds are precursors or building blocks for many useful derivatives.

Because of its high vapor pressure, it is used for quick-drying finishes and as a blowing agent, patented by Foam Supplies, Inc. under the Ecomate trade name, for a wide range of polyurethane foam applications and as a replacement for CFCs, HCFCs, and HFCs. Methyl formate has zero ozone depletion potential and zero global warming potential. It is also used as an insecticide.

A historical use of methyl formate, which sometimes brings it attention, was in refrigeration. Before the introduction of less-toxic refrigerants, methyl formate was used as an alternative to sulfur dioxide in domestic refrigerators, such as some models of the famous GE Monitor Top.

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named PGCH
  2. Werner Reutemann and Heinz Kieczka "Formic Acid" in Ullmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry 2002, Wiley-VCH, Weinheim. doi:10.1002/14356007.a12_013
  3. Process Economics Reports, Review 88-1-1, Process Economics Program, SRI Consulting, California, 1999
  4. W. Couteau, J. Ramioulle, US Patent US4216339

External links