PROPYL FORMATE

Chemical properties

CLEAR COLORLESS LIQUID

Chemical properties

Propyl formate has a characteristic fruity (rum–plum) odor and a corresponding bittersweet flavor.

Occurrence

Reported found in plum, brandy, apple, black currant, and pineapple.

The Uses of PROPYL FORMATE

Propyl formate was used in the synthesis of the radicals - CH₃CH₂CHOCHO, CH₃CHCH₂OCHO, and CH₂CH₂CH₂OCHO by TiCl₃.H₂O₂ radical-generating method.

The Uses of PROPYL FORMATE

Flavoring.

Preparation

By action of sulfuric acid on a mixture of propyl alcohol, formic acid and sodium formate; also by distilling propyl alcohol with anhydrous formic acid in the presence of sodium formate.

Definition

ChEBI: Propyl formate is a carboxylic ester.

Taste threshold values

Taste characteristics at 50 ppm: fruity, green and ethereal with a berry lift.

General Description

A clear colorless liquid with a pleasant odor. Flash point 27°F. Slightly soluble in water and less dense than water. Hence floats on water. Vapors are heavier than air.

Air & Water Reactions

Highly flammable. Slightly soluble in water.

Reactivity Profile

PROPYL FORMATES are esters. React with acids to liberate heat along with propanols and formic acid. Strong oxidizing acids may cause a reaction that is sufficiently exothermic to ignite the reaction products. Heat is also generated by interaction with caustic solutions. Flammable hydrogen is generated by mixing with alkali metals and hydrides.

Hazard

Flammable, dangerous fire risk.

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.

Safety Profile

Moderately toxic by ingestion. An irritant to skin, eyes, and mucous membranes. Narcotic in high concentration. Dangerous fire hazard when exposed to heat, flame, or oxidizers. Ignites on contact with potassium-tert-butoxide. Explosive in the form of vapor when exposed to heat or flame. To fight fire, use alcohol foam. When heated to decomposition it emits acrid smoke and irritating fumes. See also ESTERS.

Purification Methods

Distil the formate, then wash it with saturated aqueous NaCl, and with saturated aqueous NaHCO3 in the presence of solid NaCl, dry it with MgSO4 and fractionally distil it. [Beilstein 2 IV 26.]