Chemical Datasheet
SODIUM METHYLATE |
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Chemical Identifiers
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The
Chemical Identifier fields
include common identification numbers, the
NFPA diamond
U.S. Department of Transportation hazard labels, and a general
description of the chemical. The information in CAMEO Chemicals comes
from a variety of
data sources.
| CAS Number | UN/NA Number | DOT Hazard Label | USCG CHRIS Code |
|---|---|---|---|
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| NIOSH Pocket Guide | International Chem Safety Card | ||
| none | |||
NFPA 704
data unavailable
General Description
Sodium methylate is a white amorphous powder. It reacts with water to form sodium hydroxide, a corrosive material, and methyl alcohol, a flammable liquid. The heat from this reaction may be sufficient to ignite surrounding combustible material or the sodium methylate itself if the water is present in only small amounts. It is used to process edible fats and oils, and to make other chemicals.
Hazards
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The
Hazard fields
include
special hazard alerts
air and water
reactions, fire hazards, health hazards, a reactivity profile, and
details about
reactive groups assignments
and
potentially incompatible absorbents.
The information in CAMEO Chemicals comes from a variety of
data sources.
Reactivity Alerts
- Strong Reducing Agent
- Water-Reactive
- Pyrophoric
Air & Water Reactions
Ignites in moist air [Wischmeyer 1966]. with moist air, autoignition is possible; strong reducing agent; reacts with light metals forming H2 gas, with fire and explosion hazards; reacts violently with water to form methanol and sodium hydroxide, and with acids, causing hazard of methanol ignition [Handling Chemicals Safely 1980 p. 850].
Fire Hazard
Behavior in Fire: Contact with water or foam applied to adjacent fires will produce flammable methanol. (USCG, 1999)
Health Hazard
Inhalation of dust causes severe irritation of nose and throat. Contact with eyes or skin causes severe irritation and burns. Ingestion causes irritation of mouth and stomach. (USCG, 1999)
Reactivity Profile
SODIUM METHYLATE is a strong base. Reacts with light metals forming H2 gas, with fire and explosion hazards. Too rapid addition of sodium methylate to a mixture of chloroform and methanol initiated an uncontrolled exothermic reaction between the chloroform and the methylate that caused a violent explosion [MCA Case History 693 1961]. Sodium methoxide is incompatible with 4-chloronitrobenzene and fluorinated cyclopropenyl methyl ethers, such as perfluoromethoxycyclopropene. The reactions are vigorous and may initiate ignition [Bretherick, 5th Ed., 1995].
Belongs to the Following Reactive Group(s)
Potentially Incompatible Absorbents
Use caution: Liquids with this reactive group classification have been known to react with the absorbents listed below. More info about absorbents, including situations to watch out for...
- Cellulose-Based Absorbents
- Mineral-Based & Clay-Based Absorbents
Response Recommendations
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The
Response Recommendation fields
include isolation and evacuation distances, as well as recommendations for
firefighting, non-fire response, protective clothing, and first aid. The
information in CAMEO Chemicals comes from a variety of
data sources.
Isolation and Evacuation
Excerpt from ERG Guide 138 [Substances - Water-Reactive (Emitting Flammable Gases)]:
IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE: Isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters (75 feet) for solids.
SPILL: Increase the immediate precautionary measure distance, in the downwind direction, as necessary.
FIRE: If tank, rail car or tank truck is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions. (ERG, 2020)
IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE: Isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters (75 feet) for solids.
SPILL: Increase the immediate precautionary measure distance, in the downwind direction, as necessary.
FIRE: If tank, rail car or tank truck is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions. (ERG, 2020)
Firefighting
Excerpt from ERG Guide 138 [Substances - Water-Reactive (Emitting Flammable Gases)]:
DO NOT USE WATER OR FOAM.
SMALL FIRE: Dry chemical, soda ash, lime or sand.
LARGE FIRE: DRY sand, dry chemical, soda ash or lime or withdraw from area and let fire burn. If it can be done safely, move undamaged containers away from the area around the fire.
FIRE INVOLVING METALS OR POWDERS (ALUMINUM, LITHIUM, MAGNESIUM, ETC.): Use dry chemical, DRY sand, sodium chloride powder, graphite powder or class D extinguishers; in addition, for Lithium you may use Lith-X® powder or copper powder. Also, see ERG Guide 170.
FIRE INVOLVING TANKS OR CAR/TRAILER LOADS: Fight fire from maximum distance or use unmanned master stream devices or monitor nozzles. Do not get water inside containers. Cool containers with flooding quantities of water until well after fire is out. Withdraw immediately in case of rising sound from venting safety devices or discoloration of tank. ALWAYS stay away from tanks engulfed in fire. (ERG, 2020)
DO NOT USE WATER OR FOAM.
SMALL FIRE: Dry chemical, soda ash, lime or sand.
LARGE FIRE: DRY sand, dry chemical, soda ash or lime or withdraw from area and let fire burn. If it can be done safely, move undamaged containers away from the area around the fire.
FIRE INVOLVING METALS OR POWDERS (ALUMINUM, LITHIUM, MAGNESIUM, ETC.): Use dry chemical, DRY sand, sodium chloride powder, graphite powder or class D extinguishers; in addition, for Lithium you may use Lith-X® powder or copper powder. Also, see ERG Guide 170.
FIRE INVOLVING TANKS OR CAR/TRAILER LOADS: Fight fire from maximum distance or use unmanned master stream devices or monitor nozzles. Do not get water inside containers. Cool containers with flooding quantities of water until well after fire is out. Withdraw immediately in case of rising sound from venting safety devices or discoloration of tank. ALWAYS stay away from tanks engulfed in fire. (ERG, 2020)
Non-Fire Response
Excerpt from ERG Guide 138 [Substances - Water-Reactive (Emitting Flammable Gases)]:
ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames) from immediate area. Do not touch or walk through spilled material. Stop leak if you can do it without risk. Use water spray to reduce vapors or divert vapor cloud drift. Avoid allowing water runoff to contact spilled material. DO NOT GET WATER on spilled substance or inside containers.
SMALL SPILL: Cover with DRY earth, DRY sand or other non-combustible material followed with plastic sheet to minimize spreading or contact with rain. Dike for later disposal; do not apply water unless directed to do so.
POWDER SPILL: Cover powder spill with plastic sheet or tarp to minimize spreading and keep powder dry. DO NOT CLEAN-UP OR DISPOSE OF, EXCEPT UNDER SUPERVISION OF A SPECIALIST. (ERG, 2020)
ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames) from immediate area. Do not touch or walk through spilled material. Stop leak if you can do it without risk. Use water spray to reduce vapors or divert vapor cloud drift. Avoid allowing water runoff to contact spilled material. DO NOT GET WATER on spilled substance or inside containers.
SMALL SPILL: Cover with DRY earth, DRY sand or other non-combustible material followed with plastic sheet to minimize spreading or contact with rain. Dike for later disposal; do not apply water unless directed to do so.
POWDER SPILL: Cover powder spill with plastic sheet or tarp to minimize spreading and keep powder dry. DO NOT CLEAN-UP OR DISPOSE OF, EXCEPT UNDER SUPERVISION OF A SPECIALIST. (ERG, 2020)
Protective Clothing
Self-contained breathing apparatus; rubber gloves and apron; goggles or face shield. (USCG, 1999)
DuPont Tychem® Suit Fabrics
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Tychem® Fabric Legend
| QS = Tychem 2000 SFR |
| QC = Tychem 2000 |
| SL = Tychem 4000 |
| C3 = Tychem 5000 |
| TF = Tychem 6000 |
| TP = Tychem 6000 FR |
| RC = Tychem RESPONDER® CSM |
| TK = Tychem 10000 |
| RF = Tychem 10000 FR |
Testing Details
The fabric permeation data was generated for DuPont by a third party
laboratory. Permeation data for industrial chemicals is obtained per
ASTM F739. Normalized breakthrough times (the time at which the
permeation rate exceeds 0.1 μg/cm2/min) are reported in minutes. All
chemicals have been tested between approximately 20°C and 27°C unless
otherwise stated. All chemicals have been tested at a concentration of
greater than 95% unless otherwise stated.
Chemical warfare agents (Lewisite, Sarin, Soman, Sulfur Mustard, Tabun
and VX Nerve Agent) have been tested at 22°C and 50% relative humidity
per military standard MIL-STD-282. "Breakthrough time" for chemical
warfare agents is defined as the time when the cumulative mass which
permeated through the fabric exceeds the limit in MIL-STD-282 [either
1.25 or 4.0 μg/cm2].
A Caution from DuPont
This information is based upon technical data that DuPont believes to
be reliable on the date issued. It is subject to revision as additional
knowledge and experience are gained. The information reflects
laboratory performance of fabrics, not complete garments, under
controlled conditions. It is intended for informational use by persons
having technical skill for evaluation under their specific end-use
conditions, at their own discretion and risk. It is the user's
responsibility to determine the level of toxicity and the proper
personal protective equipment needed. Anyone intending to use this
information should first verify that the garment selected is suitable
for the intended use. In many cases, seams and closures have shorter
breakthrough times and higher permeation rates than the fabric. If
fabric becomes torn,abraded or punctured, or if seams or closures fail,
or if attached gloves, visors, etc. are damaged, end user should
discontinue use of garment to avoid potential exposure to chemical.
Since conditions of use are outside our control, DuPont makes no
warranties, express or implied, including, without limitation, no
warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular use and
assume no liability in connection with any use of this information.
This information is not intended as a license to operate under or a
recommendation to infringe any patent, trademark or technical
information of DuPont or others covering any material or its use.
| Chemical | CAS Number | State | QS | QC | SL | C3 | TF | TP | RC | TK | RF |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sodium methylate (50% in Methanol) | 124-41-4 | Liquid | >480 | >480 | >480 |
> indicates greater than.
Special Warning from DuPont: Tychem® and Tyvek® fabrics should not be used around heat, flames, sparks or in potentially flammable or explosive environments. Only...
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...Tychem® ThermoPro, Tychem® Reflector® and Tychem® TK styles 600T/601T
(with aluminized outer suit) garments are designed and tested to help
reduce burn injury during escape from a flash fire. Users of Tychem®
ThermoPro, Tychem® Reflector® and Tychem® TK styles 600T/601T (with
aluminized outer suit) garments should not knowingly enter an explosive
environment. Tychem® garments with attached socks must be worn inside
protective outer footwear and are not suitable as outer footwear. These
attached socks do not have adequate durability or slip resistance to be
worn as the outer foot covering.
(DuPont, 2023)
First Aid
Get medical attention at once following all exposures to this compound.
INHALATION: remove victim from contamination and keep him quiet and warm. Rest is essential. Hot tea or coffee may be given as a stimulant if patient is conscious. If breathing has apparently ceased, give artificial respiration. If available, oxygen should be administered by experienced personnel.
EYES: wash well with water, then with 3% boric acid solution and additional water washes.
SKIN: wash well with water, then with dilute vinegar.
INGESTION: if victim is conscious, induce vomiting by administering a glassful of warm water containing a teaspoon full of salt; repeat until vomit is clear, then give two teaspoons of baking soda every 15 min.; keep victim's eyes covered until all visual and retinal changes have disappeared; alert physician to possibility of methyl alcohol poisoning. (USCG, 1999)
INHALATION: remove victim from contamination and keep him quiet and warm. Rest is essential. Hot tea or coffee may be given as a stimulant if patient is conscious. If breathing has apparently ceased, give artificial respiration. If available, oxygen should be administered by experienced personnel.
EYES: wash well with water, then with 3% boric acid solution and additional water washes.
SKIN: wash well with water, then with dilute vinegar.
INGESTION: if victim is conscious, induce vomiting by administering a glassful of warm water containing a teaspoon full of salt; repeat until vomit is clear, then give two teaspoons of baking soda every 15 min.; keep victim's eyes covered until all visual and retinal changes have disappeared; alert physician to possibility of methyl alcohol poisoning. (USCG, 1999)
Physical Properties
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The
Physical Property fields
include properties such as vapor pressure and
boiling point, as well as explosive limits and
toxic exposure thresholds
The information in CAMEO Chemicals comes from a variety of
data sources.
Note: For Vapor Density and Specific Gravity, comparing the value to 1.0 can tell you if the chemical will likely sink/rise in air or sink/float in fresh water (respectively). Short phrases have been added to those values below as an aid. However, make sure to also consider the circumstances of a release. The Vapor Density comparisons are only valid when the gas escaping is at the same temperature as the surrounding air itself. If the chemical is escaping from a container where it was pressurized or refrigerated, it may first escape and behave as a heavy gas and sink in the air (even if it has a Vapor Density value less than 1). Also, the Specific Gravity comparisons are for fresh water (density 1.0 g/mL). If your spill is in salt water (density about 1.027 g/mL), you need to adjust the point of comparison. There are some chemicals that will sink in fresh water and float in salt water.
Note: For Vapor Density and Specific Gravity, comparing the value to 1.0 can tell you if the chemical will likely sink/rise in air or sink/float in fresh water (respectively). Short phrases have been added to those values below as an aid. However, make sure to also consider the circumstances of a release. The Vapor Density comparisons are only valid when the gas escaping is at the same temperature as the surrounding air itself. If the chemical is escaping from a container where it was pressurized or refrigerated, it may first escape and behave as a heavy gas and sink in the air (even if it has a Vapor Density value less than 1). Also, the Specific Gravity comparisons are for fresh water (density 1.0 g/mL). If your spill is in salt water (density about 1.027 g/mL), you need to adjust the point of comparison. There are some chemicals that will sink in fresh water and float in salt water.
| Chemical Formula: |
|
Flash Point: data unavailable
Lower Explosive Limit (LEL): data unavailable
Upper Explosive Limit (UEL): data unavailable
Autoignition Temperature: data unavailable
Melting Point: data unavailable
Vapor Pressure: data unavailable
Vapor Density (Relative to Air): data unavailable
Specific Gravity:
greater than 1
at 68°F
(USCG, 1999)
Boiling Point: data unavailable
Molecular Weight:
54
(USCG, 1999)
Water Solubility: data unavailable
Ionization Energy/Potential: data unavailable
IDLH: data unavailable
AEGLs (Acute Exposure Guideline Levels)
No AEGL information available.ERPGs (Emergency Response Planning Guidelines)
No ERPG information available.PACs (Protective Action Criteria)
| Chemical | PAC-1 | PAC-2 | PAC-3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sodium methylate (124-41-4) | 6.1 mg/m3 | 67 mg/m3 | 400 mg/m3 |
(DOE, 2018)
Regulatory Information
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The
Regulatory Information fields
include information from
the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Title III Consolidated List of
Lists,
the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency's Chemical Facility
Anti-Terrorism Standards,
and the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration's
Process Safety Management of Highly Hazardous Chemicals Standard List
(see more about these
data sources).
EPA Consolidated List of Lists
| Regulatory Name | CAS Number/ 313 Category Code |
EPCRA 302 EHS TPQ |
EPCRA 304 EHS RQ |
CERCLA RQ | EPCRA 313 TRI |
RCRA Code |
CAA 112(r) RMP TQ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sodium methylate | 124-41-4 | 1000 pounds |
(EPA List of Lists, 2022)
CISA Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS)
No regulatory information available.OSHA Process Safety Management (PSM) Standard List
No regulatory information available.Alternate Chemical Names
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This section provides a listing of alternate names for this chemical,
including trade names and synonyms.
- FELDALAT NM
- METHOXYSODIUM
- SODIUM METHANOLATE
- SODIUM METHOXIDE
- SODIUM METHYLATE
- SODIUM METHYLATE, DRY
- SODIUM METHYLATE, [DRY]
Web site owner:
Office of Response and Restoration
,
National Ocean Service,
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
USA.gov.
CAMEO Chemicals version 3.0.0.