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Chemical Datasheet
Chemical Identifiers
CAS Number |
UN/NA Number |
DOT Hazard Label |
USCG CHRIS Code |
- 79-22-1
|
|
- Poison Inhalation Hazard
- Flammable Liquid
- Corrosive
|
|
NIOSH Pocket Guide |
International Chem Safety Card |
none
|
|
NFPA 704
data unavailable
General Description
A colorless liquid with a pungent odor. Flash point 54°F. Corrosive to metals and tissue. Vapors heavier than air. Very toxic by inhalation. Used to make other chemicals and insecticides.
Hazards
Reactivity Alerts
- Highly Flammable
- Water-Reactive
Air & Water Reactions
Highly flammable. Gives off hydrochloric acid fumes in contact with moist air. Slightly soluble in water and decomposed by water to hydrochloric acid with evolution of heat.
Fire Hazard
This chemical is very dangerous when exposed to heat sources, sparks, flame, or oxidizers. It will react with water or steam to produce toxic and corrosive fumes. Vapors may travel to a source of ignition and flash back. Withdraw immediately in case of rising sound from venting safety device or any discoloration of tank due to fire. Toxic fumes of phosgene are produced when the material is heated to decomposition. Heat or steam should be avoided. (EPA, 1998)
Health Hazard
Methyl chloroformate is highly toxic upon inhalation and upon ingestion. A concentration of 1 mg/liter (190 ppm) has been lethal in 10 minutes. It is corrosive and irritating to skin. (EPA, 1998)
Reactivity Profile
METHYL CHLOROFORMATE is incompatible with water, strong oxidizing agents, alcohols, bases (including amines). Decomposes slowly in water to yield methanol, HCl, and CO2; reaction can be hazardous if water is hot. Attacks many metals especially in humid atmosphere [Handling Chemicals Safely 1980. p. 476]. May react vigorously or explosively if mixed with diisopropyl ether or other ethers in the presence of trace amounts of metal salts [J. Haz. Mat., 1981, 4, 291].
Belongs to the Following Reactive Group(s)
- Acyl Halides, Sulfonyl Halides, and Chloroformates
Potentially Incompatible Absorbents
Use caution: Liquids with this reactive group classification have been
known to react with the
absorbents
listed below.
- Cellulose-Based Absorbents
- Mineral-Based & Clay-Based Absorbents
- Dirt/Earth
Response Recommendations
Isolation and Evacuation
Excerpt from ERG Guide 155 [Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Flammable / Water-Sensitive)]:
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: See ERG Table 1 - Initial Isolation and Protective Action Distances on the UN/NA 1238 datasheet.
FIRE: If tank, rail tank car or highway tank 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, 2024)
Firefighting
Isolate for 1/2 mile in all directions if tank car or truck is involved in fire. Wear positive pressure breathing apparatus and special protective clothing.
For small fires, use dry chemical, carbon dioxide, water spray, and foam. For large fires, use water spray, fog, or foam. Move container from fire area if it can be done without risk. Cool containers exposed to flames with water. (EPA, 1998)
Non-Fire Response
Excerpt from ERG Guide 155 [Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Flammable / Water-Sensitive)]:
ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames) from immediate area. All equipment used when handling the product must be grounded. Do not touch damaged containers or spilled material unless wearing appropriate protective clothing. Stop leak if you can do it without risk. A vapor-suppressing foam may be used to reduce vapors. FOR CHLOROSILANES, use alcohol-resistant foam to reduce vapors. DO NOT GET WATER on spilled substance or inside containers. Use water spray to reduce vapors or divert vapor cloud drift. Avoid allowing water runoff to contact spilled material. Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas.
SMALL SPILL: Cover with DRY earth, DRY sand or other non-combustible material followed with plastic sheet to minimize spreading or contact with rain. Use clean, non-sparking tools to collect material and place it into loosely covered plastic containers for later disposal. (ERG, 2024)
Protective Clothing
For emergency situations, wear a positive pressure, pressure-demand, full facepiece self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) or pressure- demand supplied air respirator with escape SCBA and a fully-encapsulating, chemical resistant suit. (EPA, 1998)
DuPont Tychem® Suit Fabrics
Normalized Breakthrough Times (in Minutes)
Chemical |
CAS Number |
State |
QS |
QC |
SL |
C3 |
TF |
TP |
RC |
TK |
RF |
Methyl chloro formate |
79-22-1 |
Liquid |
|
|
|
|
204*/308 |
204*/308 |
>480 |
>480 |
>480 |
Special Warning from DuPont: Tychem® and Tyvek® fabrics should not be
used around heat, flames, sparks or in potentially flammable or
explosive environments. Only...
(DuPont, 2024)
First Aid
Warning: Methyl chloroformate is very irritating and corrosive to the skin, eyes, and mucous membranes. Inhalation exposure for 10 minutes has caused human fatalities at concentrations of 190 ppm. Caution is advised.
Signs and Symptoms of Methyl Chloroformate Exposure: Signs and symptoms of acute exposure to methyl chloroformate may include irritation of the skin, eyes, and mucous membranes and may result in respiratory irritation and pulmonary edema. Although the onset of symptoms may be delayed, irritation of the lung and eyes may persist after cessation of exposure. After 2 to 3 breaths, initial irritation may be followed by massive upper and lower respiratory tract symptoms after 36 hours. Esophageal or GI tract irritation or burns may be seen. Chronic exposure may result in dermal hypersensitivity.
Emergency Life-Support Procedures: Acute exposure to methyl chloroformate may require decontamination and life support for the victims. Emergency personnel should wear protective clothing appropriate to the type and degree of contamination. Air-purifying or supplied-air respiratory equipment should also be worn, as necessary. Rescue vehicles should carry supplies such as plastic sheeting and disposable plastic bags to assist in preventing spread of contamination.
Inhalation Exposure:1 Move victims to fresh air. Emergency personnel should avoid self-exposure to methyl chloroformate.
2. Evaluate vital signs including pulse and respiratory rate, and note any trauma. If no pulse is detected, provide CPR. If not breathing, provide artificial respiration. If breathing is labored, administer 100% humidified oxygen or other respiratory support.
3. Rush to a health care facility.
4. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for performance of other invasive procedures.
Dermal/Eye Exposure:
1. Remove victims from exposure. Emergency personnel should avoid self-exposure to methyl chloroformate.
2. Evaluate vital signs including pulse and respiratory rate, and note any trauma. If no pulse is detected, provide CPR. if not breathing, provide artificial respiration. If breathing is labored, administer 100% humidified oxygen or other respiratory support.
3. Remove and isolate contaminated clothing as soon as possible.
4. If eye exposure has occurred, eyes must be flushed with lukewarm water for at least 15 minutes.
5. Wash exposed skin areas extremely thoroughly with soap and water.
6. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for administration of an antidote or performance of other invasive procedures.
7. Rush to a health care facility.
Ingestion Exposure:
1. Evaluate vital signs including pulse and respiratory rate, and note any trauma. If no pulse is detected, provide CPR. if not breathing, provide artificial respiration. If breathing is labored, administer 100% humidified oxygen or other respiratory support.
2. DO NOT induce vomiting.
3. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for administration of an antidote or performance of other invasive procedures.
4. Give the victims water or milk: children up to 1 year old, 125 mL (5 oz or 1/2 cup); children 1 to 12 years old, 200 mL (6 oz or 3/4 cup); adults, 250 mL (8 oz or 1 cup). Water or milk should be given only if victims are conscious and alert.
5. Rush to a health care facility. (EPA, 1998)
Physical Properties
Flash Point:
54°F
(EPA, 1998)
Lower Explosive Limit (LEL):
6.7 %
(USCG, 1999)
Upper Explosive Limit (UEL): data unavailable
Autoignition Temperature: data unavailable
Melting Point:
less than -114°F
(USCG, 1999)
Vapor Pressure: data unavailable
Vapor Density (Relative to Air):
3.26
(EPA, 1998)
- Heavier than air; will sink
Specific Gravity:
1.223
at 68°F
(EPA, 1998)
- Denser than water; will sink
Boiling Point:
160°F
at 760 mmHg
(EPA, 1998)
Molecular Weight:
94.5
(EPA, 1998)
Water Solubility: data unavailable
Ionization Energy/Potential: data unavailable
IDLH: data unavailable
AEGLs (Acute Exposure Guideline Levels)
Final AEGLs for Methyl chloroformate (79-22-1)
Exposure Period |
AEGL-1 |
AEGL-2 |
AEGL-3 |
10 minutes |
NR |
4 ppm |
12 ppm |
30 minutes |
NR |
2.8 ppm |
8.5 ppm |
60 minutes |
NR |
2.2 ppm |
6.7 ppm |
4 hours |
NR |
1.4 ppm |
4.2 ppm |
8 hours |
NR |
0.7 ppm |
2.1 ppm |
(NAC/NRC, 2024)
ERPGs (Emergency Response Planning Guidelines)
Chemical |
ERPG-1 |
ERPG-2 |
ERPG-3 |
Methyl Chloroformate (79-22-1)
|
NA |
2 ppm |
5 ppm |
(AIHA, 2022)
PACs (Protective Action Criteria)
Chemical |
PAC-1 |
PAC-2 |
PAC-3 |
Methyl chloroformate; (Methyl chlorocarbonate) (79-22-1)
|
0.6 ppm |
2.2 ppm |
6.7 ppm |
(DOE, 2024)
Regulatory Information
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 |
Carbonochloridic acid, methylester |
79-22-1 |
500 pounds |
1000 pounds |
1000 pounds |
X |
U156 |
5000 pounds |
Methyl chlorocarbonate |
79-22-1 |
500 pounds |
1000 pounds |
1000 pounds |
313 |
U156 |
5000 pounds |
Methyl chloroformate |
79-22-1 |
500 pounds |
1000 pounds |
1000 pounds |
X |
U156 |
5000 pounds |
(EPA List of Lists, 2024)
CISA Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS)
|
RELEASE |
THEFT |
SABOTAGE |
Chemical of Interest |
CAS Number |
Min Conc |
STQ |
Security Issue |
Min Conc |
STQ |
Security Issue |
Min Conc |
STQ |
Security Issue |
Methyl chloroformate; [Carbonochloridic acid, methyl ester] |
79-22-1 |
1.00 % |
10000 pounds |
flammable |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(CISA, 2007)
OSHA Process Safety Management (PSM) Standard List
Chemical Name |
CAS Number |
Threshold Quantity (TQ) |
Methyl Chloroformate |
79-22-1 |
500 pounds |
(OSHA, 2019)
Alternate Chemical Names
- CARBONOCHLORIDIC ACID, METHYL ESTER
- CARBONOCHLORIDIC ACID, METHYLESTER
- CHLOROCARBONIC ACID METHYL ESTER
- CHLOROCARBONIC ACID, METHYL ESTER
- CHLOROFORMIC ACID METHYL ESTER
- CHLOROFORMIC ACID, METHYL ESTER
- FORMIC ACID, CHLORO-, METHYL ESTER
- K-STOFF
- METHOXYCARBONYL CHLORIDE
- METHYL CARBONOCHLORIDATE
- METHYL CHLOROCARBONATE
- METHYL CHLOROFORMATE
- TL 438