Methyl formate

 ( Formate Esters ) 

Methyl formate, also called methyl methanoate, is the methyl ester of formic acid. It has the chemical formula . The simplest example of a carboxylate ester, it is a colourless liquid with an ethereal odour, high vapor pressure, and low surface tension. It is a precursor to many other compounds of commercial interest.Werner Reutemann and Heinz Kieczka "Formic Acid" in Ullmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry 2002, Wiley-VCH, Weinheim.

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Production In the laboratory, methyl formate can be produced by the condensation reaction of methanol and formic acid, as follows:

Industrial methyl formate, however, is usually produced by the combination of methanol and carbon monoxide (carbonylation) in the presence of a strong base, such as sodium methoxide:

This process, practiced commercially by BASF among other companies gives 96% selectivity toward methyl formate. The catalyst for this process is sensitive to water, which can be present in the carbon monoxide feedstock, which is commonly derived from synthesis gas. Very dry carbon monoxide is, therefore, essential.W. Couteau, J. Ramioulle, US Patent US4216339

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Uses

Methyl formate is used primarily to manufacture formamide, dimethylformamide, and formic acid. These compounds are precursors or building blocks for many useful derivatives.

Because of its high vapor pressure, it is used for quick-drying finishes and as a blowing agent for some polyurethane foam applications (for example Ecomate ® manufactured by Foam Supplies Inc.) and as a replacement for CFCs, , and HFCs. Methyl formate has near zero ozone depletion potential and zero global warming potential and a short atmospheric life of 3 days.

(2025). 9781895198997, ChemTec Publishing. ISBN 9781895198997

It is also used as an insecticide.

A historical use of methyl formate, which sometimes brings it attention, was in refrigeration. Before the introduction of less-toxic refrigerants, methyl formate was used as an alternative to sulfur dioxide in domestic refrigerators, such as some models of the famous GE Monitor Top.

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External links

• NIST Chemistry WebBook: Methyl formate
• ChemicalLand21.com entry on METHYL FORMATE
• CDC - NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards

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