| Formula / Notation | C3H6O2 |
|---|---|
| CAS Number | 109-94-4 |
| Molecular Weight | 74.08 |
| Melting Point | -110 °F (USCG, 1999) |
| Boiling Point | 129.6 °F at 760 mmHg (USCG, 1999) |
| Density | 0.922 at 68 °F (USCG, 1999) - Less dense than water; will float |
| Solubility | 9 % at 64 °F (NIOSH, 2024) |
| Appearance | Ethyl formate appears as a clear colorless liquid with a pleasant odor. Flash point -4 °F. Less dense than water. Vapors heavier than air. |
| Also Known As | 109-94-4; Areginal; Formic acid, ethyl ester; Ethyl methanoate; Ethyl formic ester; Aethylformiat; Formic ether; Ethylformiaat; Mrowczan etylu; Carboxylic acid oxaethane |
| Category | Organic Compounds |
What is Ethyl formate?
Ethyl formate is a formate ester resulting from the formal condensation of formic acid with ethanol. It has a role as a fumigant and a plant metabolite. It is an ethyl ester and a formate ester.
Formula & Notation
IUPAC Name: ethyl formate
Other Names / Synonyms: 109-94-4; Areginal; Formic acid, ethyl ester; Ethyl methanoate; Ethyl formic ester; Aethylformiat; Formic ether; Ethylformiaat; Mrowczan etylu; Carboxylic acid oxaethane
Properties & Characteristics
Physical Data
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Melting Point | -110 °F (USCG, 1999) |
| Boiling Point | 129.6 °F at 760 mmHg (USCG, 1999) |
| Density | 0.922 at 68 °F (USCG, 1999) - Less dense than water; will float |
| Molecular Weight | 74.08 |
| Solubility | 9 % at 64 °F (NIOSH, 2024) |
| Appearance | Ethyl formate appears as a clear colorless liquid with a pleasant odor. Flash point -4 °F. Less dense than water. Vapors heavier than air. |
Uses & Applications
Safety Information
Always consult the SDS/MSDS before handling any chemical. This information is for educational purposes only.
Key Facts
Frequently Asked Questions
Ethyl formate is a formate ester resulting from the formal condensation of formic acid with ethanol. It has a role as a fumigant and a plant metabolite. It is an ethyl ester and a formate ester.
Used as an industrial feedstock, solvent, pharmaceutical intermediate, flavoring agent, or chemical building block.
Flammable or irritant. Many organic compounds are flammable liquids or vapours. Keep away from ignition sources. Consult SDS for specific hazard data.
The formula or notation for Ethyl formate is: C3H6O2