General Description
A clear colorless liquid. Flash point 28°F. Density about the same as water. Vapors heavier than air. May irritate skin, eyes, and mucous membranes. Used for flavoring and as a solvent.
Reactivity Profile
METHYL PROPIONATE(554-12-1) reacts 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 with caustic solutions. Flammable hydrogen is generated with alkali metals and hydrides.
Air & Water Reactions
Highly flammable. Soluble in water.
Hazard
Flammable, dangerous fire risk, explosivelimits in air 2.5–13%.
Health Hazard
May cause toxic effects if inhaled or absorbed through skin. Inhalation or contact with material may irritate or burn skin and eyes. Fire will produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. Vapors may cause dizziness or suffocation. Runoff from fire control or dilution water may cause pollution.
Potential Exposure
Used as a solvent; and in making
paints, lacquers, and varnishes. Also used in flavorings and
fragrances
Fire Hazard
HIGHLY FLAMMABLE: Will be easily ignited by heat, sparks or flames. Vapors may form explosive mixtures with air. Vapors may travel to source of ignition and flash back. Most vapors are heavier than air. They will spread along ground and collect in low or confined areas (sewers, basements, tanks). Vapor explosion hazard indoors, outdoors or in sewers. Runoff to sewer may create fire or explosion hazard. Containers may explode when heated. Many liquids are lighter than water.
First aid
If this chemical gets into the eyes, remove any
contact lenses at once and irrigate immediately for at least
15 minutes, occasionally lifting upper and lower lids. Seek
medical attention immediately. If this chemical contacts the
skin, remove contaminated clothing and wash immediately
with soap and water. Seek medical attention immediately.
If this chemical has been inhaled, remove from exposure,
begin rescue breathing (using universal precautions, including resuscitation mask) if breathing has stopped and CPR
if heart action has stopped. Transfer promptly to a medical
facility. When this chemical has been swallowed, get medical attention. Give large quantities of water and induce
vomiting. Do not make an unconscious person vomit.
Shipping
UN1248 Methyl propionate, Hazard Class: 3;
Labels: 3-Flammable liquid.
Incompatibilities
May form explosive mixture with air.
Incompatible with oxidizers (chlorates, nitrates, peroxides,
permanganates, perchlorates, chlorine, bromine, fluorine,
etc.); contact may cause fires or explosions. Keep away
from alkaline materials, strong bases, strong acids,
oxoacids, epoxides. Keep away from heat and moisture.
Chemical Properties
colourless liquid
Chemical Properties
Methyl propionate has a fruity odor reminiscent of rum with a
sweet flavor suggestive of black currant. May be prepared by direct
esterification of the acid with methanol in the presence of concentrated
H2S04.
Chemical Properties
Methyl propionate has a fruity odor reminiscent of rum. It has a sweet flavor suggestive of black currant
Chemical Properties
Methyl propionate is colorless liquid with
a sweet, fruity, rum-like odor.
Occurrence
Reported found in guava, honey, melon, pineapple, raspberry, blackberry, strawberry, cheddar cheese, cooked
beef, coffee, soy protein, durian (Durio zibethinus), starfruit, plum brandy, cherimoya, kiwifruit, naranjilla, mussels and rooibus tea
(Aspalathus linearis)
Uses
In organic synthesis.
Uses
Methyl propionate is used as a solvent for cellulose nitrate and lacquers, and as a raw material for the production of paints, varnishes and other chemicals such as methyl methacrylate.
Due to its fruity smell and taste, it is also used in fragrances and flavoring.
Definition
ChEBI: Methyl propionate is a carboxylic ester.
Preparation
Methyl propionate can be prepared by esterification of propionic acid with methanol. Industrially, it is prepared by the reaction of ethylene with carbon monoxide and methanol in the presence of nickel carbonyl.
Production Methods
Methyl propionate is produced by the direct esterification of
propionic acid with methanol in the presence of concentrated
sulfuric acid .
Aroma threshold values
Detection: 100 ppb to 8.8 ppm
Flammability and Explosibility
Flammable
Synthesis
By direct esterification of the acid with methanol in the presence of concentrated H2SO4
storage
Color Code—Red: Flammability Hazard: Store ina flammable liquid storage area or approved cabinet awayfrom ignition sources and corrosive and reactive materials.Prior to working with methyl propionate you should betrained on its proper handling and storage. Before enteringconfined space where this chemical may be present, checkto make sure that an explosive concentration does not exist.Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, well-ventilatedarea away from oxidizers, strong acids, strong bases. Wherepossible, automatically pump liquid from drums or otherstorage containers to process containers. Drums must beequipped with self-closing valves, pressure vacuum bungs,and flame arresters. Use only nonsparking tools and equipment, especially when opening and closing containers ofthis chemical. Wherever this chemical is used, handled,manufactured, or stored, use explosion-proof electricalequipment and fittings.
Purification Methods
Wash the ester with saturated aqueous NaCl, then dry it with Na2CO3 and distil it from P2O5. (This removes any free acid and alcohol.) It has also been dried with anhydrous CuSO4. [Beilstein 2 IV 104.]
