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Name: Methyl Acetate
Chemical Formula: C3H6O2
Common Uses: Solvent in paints, coatings, adhesives, and nail polish removers
Synonyms: Acetic acid methyl ester, acetic acid, methyl ester
Odor: Fruity, mild, somewhat like glue
Main Hazards: Highly flammable liquid and vapor, can irritate eyes and respiratory tract, may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or headache due to inhalation
Warning Signs: Rapid evaporation increases risk in poorly ventilated areas, spilled material forms explosive vapor/air mixtures
Risk Phrases: Harmful if inhaled, irritating to eyes, flammable, can form hazardous peroxide compounds over time
Main Component: Methyl acetate 99% or higher
CAS Number: 79-20-9
Impurities: Trace methanol or acetic acid may be present depending on source
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, wash skin thoroughly with water and mild soap
Eye Contact: Rinse eyes carefully with lukewarm water for several minutes, keep eyelids open
Inhalation: Move person outdoors, seek fresh air, loosen tight clothing
Ingestion: Rinse mouth out gently, do not induce vomiting, seek medical attention
Medical Attention: Contact poison control for persistent symptoms
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical powder, carbon dioxide, sand
Unsuitable Media: Direct jets of water can spread the fire
Fire Hazards: Vapors can travel and ignite from a distance, containers can explode under fire
Protective Gear: Firefighters wear self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective suit during emergency
Personal Precautions: Evacuate area, remove any ignition sources, provide ventilation
Environmental Precautions: Contain spillage, keep material out of drains and waterways
Cleanup Methods: Use inert absorbents like vermiculite or sand, scoop up material into closed container for disposal
Avoid: Sparks, smoking, and open flames near spill
Handling: Work in well-ventilated areas, ground and bond containers during transfer, minimize vapor build-up
Storage: Keep in a cool, dry, fireproof place, tightly closed containers, away from strong acids, oxidizers
Special Instructions: Lock containers when not in use, store away from food and drink
Recommended Ventilation: Local exhaust or general dilution ventilation to prevent exposure above limits
Respiratory Protection: Use approved respirators if ventilation is poor
Skin Protection: Chemical-resistant gloves, long sleeve clothing, shoes
Eye Protection: Safety goggles or face shield
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands before eating, drinking, or smoking after using this material
Exposure Limits: OSHA and ACGIH set Threshold Limit Value (TLV) around 200 ppm (parts per million)
Appearance: Colorless liquid
Boiling Point: Near 57°C (134°F)
Melting Point: Near -98°C
Vapor Pressure: Relatively high, leading to rapid evaporation
Specific Gravity: About 0.93
Solubility: Freely soluble in ethanol, benzene, ether, slightly soluble in water
Flash Point: Roughly -10°C (closed cup)
Odor Threshold: Weak; most people recognize it at low concentrations
Chemical Stability: Remains stable under recommended conditions
Reactivity: May react violently with strong acids, alkalis, oxidizing agents
Hazardous Byproducts: Can produce carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and irritating fumes during fire
Special Hazards: Vapors may form explosive mixtures with air, avoid static discharge
Routes of Exposure: Skin contact, inhalation, eye contact, ingestion
Acute Effects: Drowsiness, dizziness, mild depression of central nervous system, strong eye irritation, headaches
Chronic Effects: Prolonged exposure may cause liver or kidney injury, but evidence in humans is limited
Sensitization: Rare
LD50 (oral-rat): Estimates run around 6,000–7,000 mg/kg
Long-Term Data: More research needed for chronic low-dose exposure
Mobility: Vapors and liquid evaporate quickly, possible groundwater contamination
Aquatic Toxicity: Low to moderate risk if concentrated doses enter waterways
Persistence: Breaks down in air relatively fast, little risk of long-term bioaccumulation
Degradability: Readily biodegradable under normal conditions
Waste Handling: Collect residues and absorbents in secure, labelled container
Disposal: Incinerate under controlled conditions at licensed facility
Avoid Release: Do not pour down drains, keep away from surface water and soil
RCRA Status: Considered hazardous waste under US EPA rules, handle in compliance with local, state, federal regulations
Transport Hazards: Flammable liquid, regulated under DOT and international rules
Packing Group: II (medium hazard)
Label Required: Flammable Liquid (red diamond with flame symbol)
Special Precautions: Protect from heat, keep away from sources of ignition, ground containers during transport
Occupational Exposure Standards: Listed by OSHA, ACGIH
Chemical Inventory: Present on TSCA, EINECS
Hazard Classification: Flammable Liquid, Category 2 under GHS
Label Information: Signal word “Danger” for high fire and acute health hazard
SARA/Right-To-Know: Reported under certain emergency planning or community right-to-know acts in the US
