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Chemical Name: Methyl chloroformate
Common Synonyms: Carbonochloridic acid, methyl ester
CAS Number: 79-22-1
Appearance: Clear, colorless to light yellow liquid with a sharp odor
Odor Threshold: Irritating, pungent smell instantly detectable by most
Main Hazards: Severe skin burns, irreversible eye damage, toxic by inhalation, fire risk
Physical Hazards: Highly flammable, can explode from heat, light, or friction
Health Warnings: Causes breathing distress, lung damage, nausea, and potential for fatal outcomes
Environmental Concerns: Toxic to aquatic life, persistent and bioaccumulative if released
Pictograms: Corrosive, toxic, flammable symbols required for any workplace use
Active Substance: Methyl chloroformate
Concentration: Generally used at purity above 98% in commercial containers
Impurities: Traces of phosgene, hydrochloric acid possible from degraded or impure batches
Stabilizers: May contain alcohol to reduce violent decomposition
Inhalation: Get into fresh air without delay, use supplemental oxygen if difficulty breathing
Skin Contact: Rinse thoroughly with lots of water, peel off contaminated clothing
Eye Contact: Hold eyelids open, gently flood with water for at least 15 minutes
Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting; rinse mouth with water, seek professional help without delay
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use foam, dry powder, or carbon dioxide
Unsuitable Media: Never use direct water jet, risk of spreading burning liquid
Fire Hazards: Burns fiercely releasing toxic gases, possible violent vapor clouds
Protective Gear for Firefighters: Chemical-resistant suits and self-contained breathing apparatus
Thermal Decomposition Products: Phosgene, hydrochloric acid fumes form rapidly with heat
Evacuation: Clear all unprotected personnel immediately
Containment Methods: Stop leak if safe, use sand or vermiculite to build barriers
Cleanup Techniques: Absorb with inert material, never use organic absorbents like sawdust
Ventilation: Open windows, use exhaust fans directed to outdoors
Decontamination: Wash liquid residues with dilute sodium carbonate solution, isolate contaminated area
Safe Handling Practices: Use only with local exhaust ventilation and closed systems
Preventive Measures: Wear gloves, splash goggles, and chemical aprons every time
Storage Conditions: Store in cool, dry, tightly sealed containers away from heat and light
Incompatibilities: Keep away from strong bases, water sources, amines, and oxidizers
Security: Secure storage to prevent accidental mixing with incompatible materials
Engineering Controls: Install chemical fume hood, explosion-proof equipment required
Respiratory Protection: Full-face or half-mask respirator with proper acidic gas cartridges
Skin Protection: Butyl rubber or Viton gloves, no latex as it degrades too fast
Eye Protection: Chemical splash goggles, full-face shield recommended
Hygiene: Change out of contaminated clothing right after use, never eat or drink in work area
Boiling Point: Around 71°C
Melting Point: -94°C
Vapor Pressure: High vapor pressure means fumes form easily, even at cool room temperatures
Solubility: Decomposes in water, produces heat and acidic fumes
Density: About 1.2 g/cm³
Flash Point: 10°C (nearly room temperature, so ignition risk is always present)
Appearance and Odor: Liquid, strong tear gas-like odor
Stability: Unstable with moisture, strong bases, or under light and heat
Hazardous Reactions: Violent with water, releases phosgene and hydrogen chloride
Decomposition: Fast breakdown above 40°C, in sunlight, or when mixed with wrong chemicals
Polymerization: Will not polymerize but can cause runaway reactions with nucleophiles
Acute Effects: Causes severe burning pain, blisters, eye destruction, and choking on contact
Inhalation Risks: Damages lungs; repeated exposure causes chronic bronchitis and reduced lung function
Cancer Concerns: Current data does not list as human carcinogen, but byproducts like phosgene are dangerous
Skin Absorption: Soaks through faster than many realize, triggers systemic toxicity quickly
Chronic Effects: Sensitization may occur, risk of permanent lung, skin, and eye injury after single exposure
Toxicity to Fish and Wildlife: Lethal to fish and many invertebrates in runoff or spills
Persistence: Chemical breaks down but releases acid byproducts harmful to environment
Bioaccumulation Risk: Not likely to build up in animal tissues, but breakdown products remain highly harmful
Transport in Soil and Water: Movement with runoff can seriously impact groundwater and surface water
Preferred Method: Incinerate in licensed hazardous waste facility equipped to scrub acidic gases
Small Amounts: Collect in labeled, secure container for specialist disposal
Container Decontamination: Triple rinse with sodium carbonate solution, then treat as hazardous waste
Never Pour: Never wash down the drain or evaporate to waste, as toxic byproducts threaten water supplies
UN Number: UN 1230 (assigned for similar toxic, flammable liquids)
Proper Shipping Name: Methyl chloroformate, flammable, toxic, corrosive
Packing Group: I (high danger)
Transport Restrictions: Not to be shipped with incompatible goods, must have hazard labels on all outer packaging
Precautions: Emergency response plans and spill kits needed in vehicles, driver chemical training crucial
OSHA Status: Currently regulated as a toxic, corrosive, flammable substance
EPA Listing: Noted as a hazardous air pollutant; listed for water discharge control
EU Regulation: Subject to REACH, labeled Toxic, Corrosive, Dangerous for the Environment
Personal Knowledge: Never treat as routine—rules protect real people, not just paperwork
