Methyl Acetate: Taking a Practical Look at Material Safety and Responsibility

Identification

Chemical name: Methyl Acetate
Other names: Acetic Acid Methyl Ester
Formula: C3H6O2
CAS number: 79-20-9
Appearance: Clear, colorless liquid
Odor: Fruity, sweet scent
Solubility: Miscible with organic solvents; moderate solubility in water

Hazard Identification

Main hazards: Highly flammable liquid and vapor; can irritate eyes, skin, and respiratory tract
GHS classification: Flammable liquid (Category 2); Serious eye irritation (Category 2A); Specific target organ toxicity (single exposure) (Category 3), narcotic effects
Pictograms: Flame, exclamation mark
Precautionary statements: Keep away from heat, sparks, open flames; use explosion-proof equipment; avoid breathing vapors or mist; keep container closed when not in use; maintain good ventilation

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Methyl Acetate: 99% or higher by weight
Impurities: Possible trace levels of methanol and acetic acid

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move to fresh air; seek medical attention if symptoms like headache, dizziness, or nausea persist
Skin contact: Remove contaminated clothing; wash skin with soap and water; seek attention for persistent irritation
Eye contact: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes; remove contact lenses if present; get medical help if irritation continues
Ingestion: Rinse mouth; never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person; seek immediate medical advice

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable extinguishing media: Foam, dry chemical, carbon dioxide; avoid water jets
Special hazards: Vapors may travel and ignite at remote points; forms explosive mixtures with air
Protective equipment: Self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective clothing for major fires
Advice for firefighters: Cool containers with water spray to prevent pressure buildup; evacuate area if needed

Accidental Release Measures

Personal protection: Eliminate ignition sources; ventilate area; use appropriate personal protective equipment
Environmental precautions: Prevent runoff into drains or water sources
Cleanup: Contain with inert material like sand; collect in properly labeled containers for disposal

Handling and Storage

Handling: Avoid inhalation, ingestion, or skin and eye contact; wear suitable gloves and goggles
Storage: Store in a cool, well-ventilated area away from heat and open flame; use tightly sealed containers; keep away from incompatible materials like oxidizers and bases

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Engineering controls: Use explosion-proof ventilation in work areas; local exhaust recommended
Personal protection: Chemical-resistant gloves, splash-proof goggles, flame-retardant clothing
Respiratory protection: Use approved respirators if vapor concentration exceeds exposure limits
Exposure limit (OSHA PEL): 200 ppm (TWA)

Physical and Chemical Properties

Boiling point: About 57°C (134°F)
Melting point: -98°C
Flash point: -10°C (closed cup)
Vapor pressure: 173 mmHg at 20°C
Density: Approx. 0.93 g/cm³ at 20°C
Vapor density: 2.1 (air = 1)
Evaporation rate: Fast (compared to n-butyl acetate)
Viscosity: Low

Stability and Reactivity

Stability: Stable under normal handling conditions
Reactivity: Can react with strong acids, alkalis, and oxidizing agents
Hazardous decomposition: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, acrid fumes under fire conditions

Toxicological Information

Acute effects: May cause headache, drowsiness, or dizziness from inhalation; can cause irritation to eyes and respiratory tract
Chronic effects: High concentrations can affect central nervous system; repeated skin contact may result in dermatitis
LD50 (oral, rat): Around 6000 mg/kg
Symptoms of overexposure: Nausea, vomiting, coughing, difficulty breathing, loss of coordination

Ecological Information

Aquatic toxicity: Harmful to aquatic life, especially at high concentrations
Persistence and degradability: Readily biodegradable under aerobic conditions
Bioaccumulation potential: Low, due to its volatility and rapid breakdown

Disposal Considerations

Waste treatment: Incinerate in a chemical incinerator equipped with an afterburner and scrubber
Environmental release: Never dispose to local drains, waterways, or open land
Container disposal: Remove all residue, then dispose of containers according to regulations

Transport Information

UN number: 1231
Proper shipping name: Methyl Acetate
Hazard class: 3 (Flammable Liquid)
Packing group: II
Transport precautions: Store upright, away from heat sources and direct sunlight; ensure good ventilation during transport

Regulatory Information

OSHA: Listed as hazardous due to flammability and health effects
EPA: Regulated under the Clean Air Act as a volatile organic compound
SARA Title III: Subject to reporting under certain circumstances
Right-to-know laws: Listed on major state lists due to potential health risks