Propyl formate has a characteristic fruity (rum–plum) odor and a corresponding bittersweet flavor.
Reported found in plum, brandy, apple, black currant, and pineapple.
Propyl formate was used in the synthesis of the radicals - CH3CH2CHOCHO, CH3CHCH2OCHO, and CH2CH2CH2OCHO by TiCl3.H2O2 radical-generating method.
ChEBI: Propyl formate is a carboxylic ester.
By action of sulfuric acid on a mixture of propyl alcohol, formic acid and sodium formate; also by distilling propyl alcohol
with anhydrous formic acid in the presence of sodium formate.
Taste characteristics at 50 ppm: fruity, green and ethereal with a berry lift.
A clear colorless liquid with a pleasant odor. Flash point 27°F. Slightly soluble in water and less dense than water. Hence floats on water. Vapors are heavier than air.
Highly flammable. Slightly soluble in water.
PROPYL FORMATES are esters. React with acids to liberate heat along with propanols and formic acid. Strong oxidizing acids may cause a reaction that is sufficiently exothermic to ignite the reaction products. Heat is also generated by interaction with caustic solutions. Flammable hydrogen is generated by mixing with alkali metals and hydrides.
Flammable, dangerous fire risk.
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.
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.
Moderately toxic by
ingestion. An irritant to skin, eyes, and
mucous membranes. Narcotic in high
concentration. Dangerous fire hazard when
exposed to heat, flame, or oxidizers. Ignites
on contact with potassium-tert-butoxide.
Explosive in the form of vapor when
exposed to heat or flame. To fight fire, use
alcohol foam. When heated to
decomposition it emits acrid smoke and
irritating fumes. See also ESTERS.
Distil the formate, then wash it with saturated aqueous NaCl, and with saturated aqueous NaHCO3 in the presence of solid NaCl, dry it with MgSO4 and fractionally distil it. [Beilstein 2 IV 26.]
