Description
Allyl formate (CAS # 1838-59-1) is a clear, colorless liquid. It is
slightly soluble in water. It is reported to cause liver and kidney
injury in animals. The most common effect in humans
following occupational exposure to allyl formate exposure is
upper respiratory tract irritation.
Uses
Allyl formate is used as a solvent in spray lacquers, enamels, varnishes, and
latex paints and as an ingredient in paint thinners and strippers,
varnish removers, and herbicides. It is also used in liquid soaps,
cosmetics, industrial and household cleaners, and dry-cleaning
compounds.
Preparation
Allyl formate is produced by direct esteritication of Allyl alcohol with Formic acid under azeotropic conditions (water-carrier must be very low-boiling).
General Description
A colorless liquid. Soluble in water. Flash point between 5 and 67°F. Highly toxic by ingestion, inhalation and skin contact.
Air & Water Reactions
Highly flammable. Soluble in water.
Reactivity Profile
ALLYL 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.
Health Hazard
TOXIC; may be fatal if inhaled, ingested or absorbed through skin. Inhalation or contact with some of these materials will 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.
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 and poison 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.
Safety Profile
Poison by ingestion. Moderately toxic by inhalation. Very flammable and reactive. Dangerous fire hazard. See also ALLYL COMPOUNDS and ESTERS. When heated to decomposition it yields irritating smoke and fumes
Environmental Fate
Allyl formate is cleaved by nonspecific esterases to allyl alcohol,
which is then oxidized by alcohol dehydrogenases to the
reactive acrolein, which is responsible for the hepatotoxic
action. The toxicity of allyl alcohol via its metabolite acrolein is
dependent on the concentration of GSH. After depletion of
GSH, the reactive metabolite of allyl alcohol can bind to
essential sulfhydryl groups in the cellular macromolecules,
leading to structural and functional modifications, which can
be responsible for hepatic injury. Appearance of lipid peroxidation
signals events that follow toxication mechanisms
initiated by acrolein, and subsequent and continued lipid
peroxidation could be merely the consequence of the cell
death.
Solubility in organics
soluble in alcohol and oils.
