Methyl propionate

Description

Methyl propionate, also known as methyl propanoate, is a chemical compound with the molecular formula C₄H₈O₂. It is a volatile ester with a sweet, fruity, rum-like odor.

Chemical properties

colourless liquid

Chemical properties

Methyl propionate is colorless liquid with a sweet, fruity, rum-like odor.

Chemical properties

Methyl propionate has a fruity odor reminiscent of rum with a sweet flavor suggestive of black currant. May be prepared by direct esterification of the acid with methanol in the presence of concentrated H2S04.

Chemical properties

Methyl propionate has a fruity odor reminiscent of rum. It has a sweet flavor suggestive of black currant

Occurrence

Reported found in guava, honey, melon, pineapple, raspberry, blackberry, strawberry, cheddar cheese, cooked beef, coffee, soy protein, durian (Durio zibethinus), starfruit, plum brandy, cherimoya, kiwifruit, naranjilla, mussels and rooibus tea (Aspalathus linearis)

The Uses of Methyl propionate

Methyl propionate is used as a solvent for cellulose nitrate and lacquers, and as a raw material for the production of paints, varnishes and other chemicals such as methyl methacrylate.
Due to its fruity smell and taste, it is also used in fragrances and flavoring.

The Uses of Methyl propionate

It is commonly used in organic synthesis. It undergoes vapor-phase aldol condensation with formaldehyde to form methyl methacrylate.

What are the applications of Application

Methyl propionate is a volatile odorant

Preparation

Methyl propionate can be prepared by esterification of propionic acid with methanol. Industrially, it is prepared by the reaction of ethylene with carbon monoxide and methanol in the presence of nickel carbonyl.

Production Methods

Methyl propionate is produced by the direct esterification of propionic acid with methanol in the presence of concentrated sulfuric acid .

Definition

ChEBI: Methyl propionate is a carboxylic ester.

Aroma threshold values

Detection: 100 ppb to 8.8 ppm

General Description

A clear colorless liquid. Flash point 28°F. Density about the same as water. Vapors heavier than air. May irritate skin, eyes, and mucous membranes. Used for flavoring and as a solvent.

Air & Water Reactions

Highly flammable. Soluble in water.

Reactivity Profile

Methyl propionate reacts with acids to liberate heat along with alcohols and acids. Strong oxidizing acids may cause a vigorous reaction that is sufficiently exothermic to ignite the reaction products. Heat is also generated by the interaction with caustic solutions. Flammable hydrogen is generated with alkali metals and hydrides.

Hazard

Flammable, dangerous fire risk, explosivelimits in air 2.5–13%.

Health Hazard

May cause toxic effects if inhaled or absorbed through skin. Inhalation or contact with material may irritate or burn skin and eyes. Fire will produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. Vapors may cause dizziness or suffocation. Runoff from fire control or dilution water may cause pollution.

Fire Hazard

HIGHLY FLAMMABLE: Will be easily ignited by heat, sparks or flames. Vapors may form explosive mixtures with air. Vapors may travel to source of ignition and flash back. Most vapors are heavier than air. They will spread along ground and collect in low or confined areas (sewers, basements, tanks). Vapor explosion hazard indoors, outdoors or in sewers. Runoff to sewer may create fire or explosion hazard. Containers may explode when heated. Many liquids are lighter than water.

Flammability and Explosibility

Flammable

Safety Profile

Moderately toxic by ingestion. Mildly toxic by inhalation. A skin irritant. A very dangerous fire hazard when exposed to heat, flame, or oxidizers. Explosive in the form of vapor when exposed to heat or flame. To fight fire, use foam, CO2, dry chemical. When heated to decomposition it emits acrid smoke and irritating fumes.

Synthesis

By direct esterification of the acid with methanol in the presence of concentrated H2SO4

Potential Exposure

Used as a solvent; and in making paints, lacquers, and varnishes. Also used in flavorings and fragrances

First aid

If this chemical gets into the eyes, remove anycontact lenses at once and irrigate immediately for at least15 min, occasionally lifting upper and lower lids. Seekmedical attention immediately. If this chemical contactsthe skin, remove contaminated clothing and wash immediately with soap and water. Seek medical attention immediately. If this chemical has been inhaled, remove fromexposure, begin rescue breathing (using universal precautions, including resuscitation mask) if breathing hasstopped and CPR if heart action has stopped. Transferpromptly to a medical facility. When this chemical hasbeen swallowed, get medical attention. Give large quantities of water and induce vomiting. Do not make an unconscious person vomit.

storage

Color Code—Red: Flammability Hazard: Store ina flammable liquid storage area or approved cabinet awayfrom ignition sources and corrosive and reactive materials.Prior to working with methyl propionate you should betrained on its proper handling and storage. Before enteringconfined space where this chemical may be present, checkto make sure that an explosive concentration does not exist.Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, well-ventilatedarea away from oxidizers, strong acids, strong bases. Wherepossible, automatically pump liquid from drums or otherstorage containers to process containers. Drums must beequipped with self-closing valves, pressure vacuum bungs,and flame arresters. Use only nonsparking tools and equipment, especially when opening and closing containers ofthis chemical. Wherever this chemical is used, handled,manufactured, or stored, use explosion-proof electricalequipment and fittings.

Shipping

UN1248 Methyl propionate, Hazard Class: 3; Labels: 3-Flammable liquid.

Purification Methods

Wash the ester with saturated aqueous NaCl, then dry it with Na2CO3 and distil it from P2O5. (This removes any free acid and alcohol.) It has also been dried with anhydrous CuSO4. [Beilstein 2 IV 104.]

Incompatibilities

May form explosive mixture with air. Incompatible with oxidizers (chlorates, nitrates, peroxides, permanganates, perchlorates, chlorine, bromine, fluorine, etc.); contact may cause fires or explosions. Keep away from alkaline materials, strong bases, strong acids, oxoacids, epoxides. Keep away from heat and moisture.