ETHYL FORMATE

A clear colorless liquid with a pleasant odor. Flash point -4°F. Less dense than water. Vapors heavier than air.

• Highly Flammable

Highly flammable. Soluble in water. Slowly decomposed by water to formic acid, a corrosive material and ethyl alcohol, another flammable liquid.

Behavior in Fire: Vapor is heavier than air and may travel long distance to a source of ignition and flash back. (USCG, 1999)

Inhalation of vapor causes slight irritation of the eyes and rapidly increasing irritation of the nose. High concentrations cause deep narcosis within a few minutes followed by death within a few hours. Contact with liquid causes moderate irritation of eyes and mild irritation of skin. Ingestion causes irritation of mouth and stomach; may cause deep narcosis and death if not treated. (USCG, 1999)

ETHYL FORMATE is an ester. Esters react with acids to liberate heat along with alcohols and acids. Strong oxidizing acids may cause a vigorous reaction that is sufficiently exothermic to ignite the reaction products. Heat is also generated by the interaction of esters with caustic solutions. Flammable hydrogen is generated by mixing esters with alkali metals and hydrides. This compound is incompatible with the following: Nitrates; strong oxidizers, alkalis & acids [Note: Decomposes slowly in water to form ethyl alcohol and formic acid.] (NIOSH, 1997).

• Esters

Do not extinguish fire unless flow can be stopped. Use "alcohol" foam, dry chemical or carbon dioxide. Cool all affected containers with flooding quantities of water. Apply water from as far a distance as possible. Do not use water on material itself. (AAR, 2003)

Keep sparks, flames, and other sources of ignition away. Keep material out of water sources and sewers. Build dikes to contain flow as necessary. Attempt to stop leak if without undue personnel hazard. Use water spray to knock-down vapors. Do not use water on material itself. (AAR, 2003)

Skin: Wear appropriate personal protective clothing to prevent skin contact.

Eyes: Wear appropriate eye protection to prevent eye contact.

Wash skin: The worker should immediately wash the skin when it becomes contaminated.

Remove: Work clothing that becomes wet should be immediately removed due to its flammability hazard(i.e. for liquids with flash point < 100°F)

Change: No recommendation is made specifying the need for the worker to change clothing after the work shift. (NIOSH, 2003)

Eye: If this chemical contacts the eyes, immediately wash the eyes with large amounts of water, occasionally lifting the lower and upper lids. Get medical attention immediately. Contact lenses should not be worn when working with this chemical.

Skin: If this chemical contacts the skin, immediately flush the contaminated skin with water. If this chemical penetrates the clothing, immediately remove the clothing and flush the skin with water. Get medical attention promptly.

Breathing: If a person breathes large amounts of this chemical, move the exposed person to fresh air at once. If breathing has stopped, perform mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. Keep the affected person warm and at rest. Get medical attention as soon as possible.

Swallow: If this chemical has been swallowed, get medical attention immediately. (NIOSH, 2003)

• AREGINAL
• ETHYL ESTER OF FORMIC ACID
• ETHYL FORMIC ESTER
• ETHYL METHANOATE
• FORMIATE D'ÉTHYLE (DOT FRENCH)
• FORMIATO DE ETILO (DOT SPANISH)
• FORMIC ACID, ETHYL ESTER
• FORMIC ETHER
• METHANOIC ACID ETHYL ESTER