| Description |
Methyl propionate is an organic compound belonging to the family of carboxylic acid esters, which is commonly applied as a solvent for cellulose nitrate and lacquers. It also serves as a raw material in organic synthesis for manufacturing paints, varnishes and other chemical productions such as methyl methacrylate. Besides, the fruity smell and taste of methyl propanoate results in its usage of fragrances and flavoring agents.
Methyl propanoate can be synthesized by esterifying propionic acid with methanol. In the field of industry, it is produced by the reaction of ethylene with carbon monoxide and methanol in the presence of nickel carbonyl. |
| References |
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Methyl_propionate
https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/11124#section=Top
https://www.alfa.com/zh-cn/catalog/A14944/ |
| Chemical Properties |
colourless liquid |
| Uses |
In organic synthesis. |
| 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. |
| Air & Water Reactions |
Highly flammable. Soluble in water. |
| Reactivity Profile |
Methyl propionate 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Safety Profile |
Moderately toxic by ingestion. Mildly toxic by inhalation. A skin irritant. A very dangerous fire hazard when exposed to heat, flame, or oxidizers. Explosive in the form of vapor when exposed to heat or flame. To fight fire, use foam, CO2, dry chemical. When heated to decomposition it emits acrid smoke and irritating fumes. |
| 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.] |
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