Product Name: Methyl Acetate
Synonyms: Acetic acid methyl ester, Methyl ethanoate
Chemical Formula: C3H6O2
CAS Number: 79-20-9
Company Name: Sinopec
Contact Information: Available through Sinopec main offices and regional branches
Recommended Use: Solvent in coatings, adhesives, inks, and chemical synthesis
Restrictions on Use: Industrial and professional use only
GHS Classification: Flammable liquid (Category 2), Eye Irritation (Category 2A), Specific Target Organ Toxicity—Single Exposure (Category 3; Narcotic effects)
Pictogram: Flame, Exclamation mark
Signal Word: Danger
Hazard Statements: Highly flammable liquid and vapor. Causes serious eye irritation. May cause drowsiness or dizziness.
Precautionary Statements: Keep away from heat, sparks, open flames. Wear eye and face protection. Use only outdoors or in well-ventilated area. Store locked up. In case of fire: Use alcohol-resistant foam, dry powder, or CO2 for extinguishing.
Chemical Name: Methyl acetate
Common Name: Methyl Acetate
Concentration: 99.5% or greater
CAS Number: 79-20-9
Impurities: Trace amounts of methanol and acetic acid may be present depending on manufacturing and storage, each below 0.5%
Additives: No hazardous additives under normal use
General Guidance: Remove victim from exposure. Get medical attention if symptoms persist.
Inhalation: Move person to fresh air. If breathing has stopped, give artificial respiration.
Skin Contact: Take off contaminated clothing. Wash skin thoroughly with soap and water.
Eye Contact: Rinse immediately with plenty of running water for at least 15 minutes. Remove contact lenses if present.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water. Seek medical advice immediately. Do not induce vomiting.
Most Important Symptoms: Headache, dizziness, mild respiratory tract irritation, redness or pain in eyes
Notes for Physicians: Symptomatic treatment.
Extinguishing Media: Use alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical, or carbon dioxide. Water mist can cool surfaces but may not extinguish the fire.
Hazards from Combustion: Emits carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and potentially irritating fumes.
Special Equipment: Wear full fire-fighting gear including self-contained breathing apparatus.
Advice for Firefighters: Move containers from fire area if safe. Always stay upwind of fire and use water spray for cooling exposed containers.
Personal Precautions: Use personal protective equipment. Remove all ignition sources. Provide adequate ventilation.
Environmental Precautions: Prevent entry into drains, sewers, basements, or confined areas.
Methods for Containment: Absorb with inert materials like sand or earth; transfer to suitable, labeled containers.
Cleanup Procedures: Wash area with large amounts of water after material is removed. Dispose of cleanup materials per local regulations.
Handling Practices: Use in well-ventilated areas. Avoid inhalation of vapors and contact with skin or eyes. Ground and bond containers when transferring.
Storage Requirements: Store in tightly closed original container in a dry, cool, well-ventilated location. Keep away from sunlight, heat, sources of ignition.
Storage Incompatibilities: Store away from oxidizers, acids, alkalis, and other incompatible materials. Keep away from moisture.
Occupational Exposure Limits: ACGIH TLV: 200 ppm (STEL: 250 ppm). Local standards might apply.
Engineering Controls: Use explosion-proof ventilation and equipment. Provide eyewash stations and showers close to work stations.
Personal Protective Equipment: Chemical-resistant gloves (such as butyl rubber or nitrile), splash goggles, flame-resistant workwear, and suitable respirators for high vapor concentrations.
Hygiene Measures: Do not eat, drink, or smoke during use. Wash hands after handling material.
Appearance: Clear, colorless liquid
Odor: Fruity, acetone-like
Odor Threshold: 60 ppm
pH: Not applicable
Melting Point/Freezing Point: -98 °C
Boiling Point/Range: 56.9 °C
Flash Point: -10 °C (closed cup)
Evaporation Rate: 5.1 (BuAc=1)
Flammability: Flammable liquid
Upper/Lower Flammability or Explosive Limits: 3.1% - 16% (v/v)
Vapor Pressure: 173 mmHg (20°C)
Vapor Density: 2.1 (air = 1)
Relative Density: 0.93 (20°C)
Solubility: Miscible with alcohols and ethers, moderate in water
Partition Coefficient (n-octanol/water): 0.18 log Kow
Auto-ignition Temperature: 454 °C
Decomposition Temperature: Not available
Viscosity: 0.4 mPa·s (20°C)
Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage and handling conditions.
Reactivity: Vapors may form explosive mixtures with air.
Hazardous Reactions: Reacts violently with strong oxidizers, acids, and bases.
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, acetic acid fumes
Conditions to Avoid: Heat, flames, sparks, static electricity, and incompatible substances.
Acute Toxicity: Oral LD50 (rat): 6,482 mg/kg. Inhalation LC50 (rat, 4 hours): ~16,000 ppm.
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin and eye contact, accidental ingestion.
Symptoms: Irritation, headache, drowsiness, dizziness, respiratory discomfort, visual disturbance
Chronic Effects: Prolonged or repeated exposure can cause defatting of the skin and dermatitis
Carcinogenicity: No known carcinogenic effects
Mutagenicity: No known genetic risks
Reproductive Toxicity: No specific data available for methyl acetate.
Aquatic Toxicity: LC50 (fish, 96hr): 320 mg/L; EC50 (daphnia, 48hr): 1,021 mg/L
Biodegradability: Readily biodegradable according to OECD criteria
Bioaccumulative Potential: Low (log Kow < 1)
Mobility in Soil: High mobility, potential to leach into groundwater
Other Information: Volatile organic compound (VOC), can contribute to local air pollution if released in large amounts
Disposal Methods: Incinerate at an approved facility. Small quantities can be absorbed with inert material and disposed of in compliance with local regulations.
Contaminated Packaging: Triple rinse and offer for recycling or reconditioning if available, otherwise dispose of as hazardous waste.
Other Disposal Considerations: Do not discharge to sewers or waterways. Follow all local, regional, and national environmental regulations.
UN Number: 1231
Proper Shipping Name: Methyl Acetate
Hazard Class: 3 (Flammable liquids)
Packing Group: II
Labels: Flammable liquid symbol required
Special Transport Precautions: Keep containers upright and tightly sealed. Protect shipments from heat and direct sunlight. Comply with international, national, and regional transport regulations.
International Regulations: Listed under United Nations hazardous chemical listings, REACH registration in the EU, and TSCA inventory in the USA
Local/Regional Regulations: Covered by China’s chemical control law; requirements apply for workplace labeling, exposure limits, and environmental release
Workplace Safety: Meets standards for flammable liquids as set out in Chinese GB laws and international code such as OSHA, EU CLP, and GHS
User Responsibilities: End users need to consult SDS and local rules for hazard communication, PPE, and emergency procedures. Training for all employees using or exposed to methyl acetate supports safe handling.
