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Chemical Name: Methyl Butyrate
Other Names: Methyl butanoate
Chemical Formula: C5H10O2
Appearance: Clear, colorless liquid
Odor: Fruity, resembles apples or pineapple
Uses: Flavoring agent, fragrance component, solvent in laboratories, and additive in manufacturing
CAS Number: 623-42-7
GHS Classification: Flammable liquid, Eye irritant
Main Hazards: Highly flammable, vapor can form explosive mixtures with air, irritates eyes and skin, inhalation causes headaches or dizziness
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin or eye contact
Potential Health Effects: Burning eyes, coughing, skin redness, central nervous system effects at high vapor concentrations
Main Component: Methyl Butyrate, typically present at greater than 98% purity
Impurities: Trace solvents or manufacturing byproducts at less than 2%
Inhalation: Move affected person to fresh air, keep at rest, seek medical advice if symptoms persist
Skin Contact: Wash thoroughly with soap and water, remove contaminated clothing
Eye Contact: Rinse quickly with plenty of water for several minutes, avoid rubbing eyes, seek medical advice if irritation continues
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, drink water in small sips, avoid inducing vomiting, seek medical help if feeling unwell
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Carbon dioxide, foam, dry chemical powder
Specific Hazards: Vapors heavier than air accumulate in low places, combustion may produce carbon monoxide or dioxide
Protective Equipment: Use full protective clothing and self-contained breathing apparatus if tackling large fires
Precautions: Remove containers from fire area, cool exposed containers with water spray
Personal Precautions: Eliminate ignition sources, ventilate area, avoid breathing vapors
Environmental Precautions: Prevent spill from reaching soil, drains, or waterways
Cleanup Methods: Small spills absorb with inert material like sand, larger spills barricade and contain before cleanup, ventilate and wash area after removal
Handling: Work in well-ventilated areas, use spark-proof tools, avoid direct contact, no smoking
Storage: Store tightly closed in cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from heat or flame, keep separate from oxidizers or acids, ground and bond containers during transfer
Exposure Limits: No specific OSHA or ACGIH values, follow good industrial hygiene practices
Engineering Controls: Ventilation or exhaust hoods prevent vapor buildup
Personal Protection: Chemical goggles, gloves made from nitrile or neoprene, lab coat or apron
Respiratory Protection: Use NIOSH-approved respirators in high vapor conditions
Boiling Point: Around 102°C
Melting Point: Near -85°C
Flash Point: Approximately 12°C
Vapor Pressure: Significant at room temperature
Solubility: Slightly soluble in water, mixes with most organic solvents
Density: About 0.89 g/cm³
Chemical Stability: Stable under normal use and storage
Reactivity: Avoid strong oxidizers, acids or bases; heat can cause decomposition
Hazardous Decomposition Products: May emit carbon oxides if overheated or burned
Acute Effects: High vapor concentrations can cause headaches, dizziness, or confusion
Skin Contact: Prolonged or repeated skin contact may lead to dryness or mild irritation
Eye Contact: Direct eye contact causes burning or watering
Ingestion: Rare cases might see stomach upset but no severe effects if not consumed in large amounts
Chronic Effects: No evidence of long-term hazards in workplace settings when handled with proper care
Persistence and Degradability: Methyl butyrate breaks down fairly quickly in the environment
Bioaccumulation: Low potential based on rapid breakdown and low water solubility
Toxicity to Aquatic Life: Toxic in concentrated spills, unlikely to cause harm in typical use quantities
Waste Disposal Methods: Give to licensed chemical disposal contractors, do not pour down drains
Container Disposal: Empty containers need thorough washing before recycling or disposal, never reuse for food or drink storage
UN Number: 1239
Hazard Class: 3, Flammable Liquid
Packing Group: III
Labels: Ensure correct labeling and placarding, use approved containers for shipping, keep away from unauthorized personnel
Regulation: Methyl butyrate falls under chemical safety regulations for flammable liquids in workplaces and during transit
Safety Requirements: Employers should provide training, maintain up-to-date hazard communication, and comply with storage and handling rules as per local chemical safety governance
Public Safety: Spill reporting and emergency procedures required in case of significant release, handlers expected to observe all community right-to-know regulations to prevent misuse
