Methyl formate
From Free net encyclopedia
| {{{name|Methyl formate}}} | |
|---|---|
| Image:Methyl formate.png | |
| Chemical name | Methyl formate}}} |
| Chemical formula | C2H4O2}}} |
| Molecular mass | 60.05}}} g/mol |
| CAS number | 107-31-3}}}] |
| Density | 0.98}}} g/cm3 |
| Melting point | -100}}} °C |
| Boiling point | 32}}} °C |
| SMILES | O=COC}}} |
| Disclaimer and references | |
Methyl formate, also called methyl methanoate, is the methyl ester of formic acid. It is a clear liquid with an ethereal odor, high vapor pressure and low surface tension.
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Production
In the laboratory, methyl formate can be produced by the condensation reaction of methanol and formic acid, as follows:
Industrial methyl formate, however, is usually produced by the combination of methanol and carbon monoxide in the presence of a strong base:
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Uses
Methyl formate is used primarily to manufacture formamide, dimethylformamide, and formic acid. Because of its high vapor pressure, it dries very quickly and thus is used for quick-drying finishes. It is also used as an insecticide and to manufacture certain pharmaceuticals.
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