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Impurities and reference standards

Ethyl formate

Also known as Areginal, Formic acid, ethyl ester, Ethyl methanoate

CAS 109-94-4Formula C3H6O2Molar mass 74.08 g/molEC 203-721-0
GHS signal word: Danger. Pictograms: Flammable, Harmful or irritant 41 suppliers listed
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Ethyl formate chemical structure, C3H6O2, CAS 109-94-4
2D chemical structure

Key facts

What buyers check first

All properties
Appearance
Mobile liquid
Melting point
-80.5 °C
Boiling point
54.5 °C
Density
Relative density (water = 1): 0.92
Flash point
-20 °C
HS code
291513
Category
Impurities and reference standards
UN number
UN 1190
Illustrative photo, 200 litre steel drums of liquid in a chemical plant
Typical packagingIllustrative packaging image, not the actual product

What is Ethyl formate?

Plain description, key identifiers and synonyms

Ethyl formate is a formate ester resulting from the formal condensation of formic acid with ethanol. It has a role as a fumigant and a plant metabolite. It is an ethyl ester and a formate ester.

Ethyl formate is an ester of ethanol and formic acid.

Identifiers

Registry numbers, names and line notations, tap to copy

IUPAC name
ethyl formate
CAS number
109-94-4 CAS number cross-checked
EC number
203-721-0
Molecular formula
C3H6O2
UNII
0K3E2L5553
MDL number
MFCD00003294
INCI name
ETHYL FORMATE
InChIKey
WBJINCZRORDGAQ-UHFFFAOYSA-N
InChI
InChI=1S/C3H6O2/c1-2-5-3-4/h3H,2H2,1H3
SMILES (canonical and isomeric)
CCOC=O

Synonyms

  • Areginal
  • Formic acid, ethyl ester
  • Ethyl methanoate
  • Ethyl formic ester
  • Aethylformiat
  • Formic ether
  • Ethylformiaat
  • Mrowczan etylu
  • Carboxylic acid oxaethane
  • Ethyle (formiate d')
  • Etile (formiato di)
  • Ethyl ester of formic acid
  • Ethylester kyseliny mravenci
  • Formic acid ethyl ester
  • Ethylformic ester
  • ethylformiat
  • Etile(formiato di)
  • Ethyle(formiate d')
  • Rizatriptan impurity 17
  • Ethyl formate (natural)
  • Formic acid-ethyl ester
  • ethyl format
  • formiato de etilo
  • EtOCHO
  • HCOOEt
Show all 29 synonyms
  • HCO2Et
  • Ethyl formate, 97%
  • HCOOC2H5
  • Ethoxycarbonyl group

Physical and chemical properties

Measured values and descriptors computed from the structure

Physical and chemical properties

Measured values, check the supplier specification for your grade

Appearance
Mobile liquidexp.
Odour
Fruity odor.exp.
Taste
SLIGHTLY BITTER TASTEexp.
Melting point
-80.5 °Cexp.
Boiling point
54.5 °Cexp.
Density
Relative density (water = 1): 0.92exp.
Flash point
-20 °Cexp.
Autoignition temperature
455 °Cexp.
Solubility
SOLUBILITY IN WATER: 9 PARTS/100 @ 18 °C, MISCIBLE WITH BENZENEexp.
Vapour pressure
245 mm Hg at 25 °C (calc from exper determined coefficients)exp.

Values vary by grade. Ask suppliers for the COA or TDS of the batch you buy.

Computed descriptors

Calculated from the structure, useful for screening and formulation

Molecular weight
74.08 g/molcalc.
Exact mass
74.0368 Dacalc.
LogP (octanol/water)
0.18calc.
Topological polar surface area
26.3 Ųcalc.
Hydrogen bond donors
0calc.
Hydrogen bond acceptors
2calc.
Rotatable bonds
2calc.
Heavy atoms
5calc.
Rings
0calc.
Aromatic rings
0calc.
Fraction sp3 carbons
0.67calc.
Formal charge
0calc.
Stereocentres
0calc.
Lipinski rule of five
Passes (0 violations)calc.

Calculated for screening. Confirm critical figures with the supplier.

Safety and hazards

GHS classification summary, not a safety data sheet

GHS signal word
Danger
GHS02: Flammable
Flammable
GHS07: Harmful or irritant
Harmful or irritant
320NFPA 704 rating

Hazard statements

  • H225Highly flammable liquid and vapour.
  • H302Harmful if swallowed.
  • H319Causes serious eye irritation.
  • H332Harmful if inhaled.
  • H335May cause respiratory irritation.
Precautionary statements (25)
  • P210Keep away from heat, hot surfaces, sparks, open flames and other ignition sources. No smoking.
  • P233Keep container tightly closed.
  • P240Ground and bond container and receiving equipment.
  • P241Use explosion-proof electrical, ventilating and lighting equipment.
  • P242Use non-sparking tools.
  • P243Take action to prevent static discharges.
  • P261Avoid breathing dust, fume, gas, mist, vapours or spray.
  • P264Wash skin thoroughly after handling.
  • P264 + P265Wash skin thoroughly after handling. Do not touch eyes.
  • P270Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product.
  • P271Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.
  • P280Wear protective gloves, protective clothing, eye protection and face protection.
  • P301 + P317If swallowed: Get medical help.
  • P303 + P361 + P353If on skin (or hair): Take off immediately all contaminated clothing. Rinse skin with water or shower.
  • P304 + P340If inhaled: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing.
  • P305 + P351 + P338If in eyes: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.
  • P317Get medical help.
  • P319Get medical help if you feel unwell.
  • P330Rinse mouth.
  • P337 + P317If eye irritation persists: Get medical help.
  • P370 + P378In case of fire: Use appropriate media to extinguish.
  • P403 + P233Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep container tightly closed.
  • P403 + P235Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep cool.
  • P405Store locked up.
  • P501Dispose of contents and container in accordance with local regulations.
UN number
UN 1190
Transport hazard class
3
Packing group
II

GHS classification summary, not a safety data sheet (SDS). Classifications can differ by supplier, grade and concentration. Always check the supplier's SDS.

Full safety data and first aid

Ethyl formate suppliers

Sponsored listings first, then the documented ranking: membership, verification, replies, completeness, freshness and ratings

All 41 suppliers
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Suppliers marked Unclaimed profile have not claimed their profile yet. They are not verified by CompoundList, their offers are price on request and details may have changed, so please confirm them with the supplier. Company representatives can claim a profile with a business email on the company's own website domain. Our team verifies each claim and sends the result by email.

Where suppliers are based

41 suppliers in 8 countries

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Ethyl formate price

Indicative price range per kg from live supplier offers

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Uses and applications

What the substance is used for, by industry and function

In lacquer industry, in artificial silk manufacture as solvent for cellulose acetate, in manufacture of safety glass, in shoe industry as solvent for celluloid.

Solvent for oils and greases.

Flavor for lemonade & essences, manufacture of artificial rum & arrac, solvent for nitrocellulose, fungicide and larvicide, in organic synthesis.

Acetone substitute, in synthetic resins.

Cosmetic ingredient, INCI name ETHYL FORMATE(perfuming)

Roles

  • eukaryotic metabolite
  • fumigant
  • metabolite
  • pesticide
  • plant metabolite

Functional uses

  • Flavouring and nutrient
  • Fragrance

Cosmetic functions

  • Perfuming

How it is made

Esterification of formic acid with ethyl alcohol in the presence of sulfuric acid

/It is/...prepared by esterification of ethyl alcohol and formic acid or by distillation of ethyl acetate & formic acid in presence of concn sulfuric acid.

Produced by carbonylation of ethanol with carbon monoxide...

Regulatory status

Inventories, regulations and trade controls that list this substance

Europe

  • EU harmonised classification (CLP Annex VI)
    Index no: 607-015-00-7

Health and food

  • EU cosmetic ingredient inventory

United States

  • TSCA inventory (USA)
    Status: Active in US commerce

HS code and trade data

Customs classification and reported world trade statistics

Global trade

World import and export statistics for the HS code Ethyl formate is traded under.

HS 2915.13Indicative HS code

Esters of formic acid

World exports in 2024
$35.7M
+18.4% vs 2023, imports $44.8M
2019 to 2024
Top exporters
  1. China21.7%
  2. India * partner reported17.9%
  3. United Kingdom15.7%
Top importers
  1. United States27.1%
  2. Saudi Arabia13.4%
  3. Brazil5.1%

* Partner reported figures, a lower bound.

Reported customs values in USD, not prices.Full trade data

The HS code shown for Ethyl formate is indicative (it was assigned by structure rules). Confirm the classification with your customs broker before shipping.

Frequently asked questions

Quick answers about Ethyl formate, based on the data on this page

What is Ethyl formate?

Ethyl formate is a formate ester resulting from the formal condensation of formic acid with ethanol. It has a role as a fumigant and a plant metabolite. It is an ethyl ester and a formate ester.

What is the CAS number of Ethyl formate?

The CAS registry number of Ethyl formate is 109-94-4.

What is the molecular formula and weight of Ethyl formate?

The molecular formula of Ethyl formate is C3H6O2 and its molar mass is 74.08 g/mol.

What is Ethyl formate used for?

In lacquer industry, in artificial silk manufacture as solvent for cellulose acetate, in manufacture of safety glass, in shoe industry as solvent for celluloid. Solvent for oils and greases.

Is Ethyl formate hazardous?

Ethyl formate carries the GHS signal word "Danger". Main hazards: highly flammable liquid and vapour, harmful if swallowed, causes serious eye irritation. This summary is not an SDS, always read the supplier safety data sheet.

What is the HS code of Ethyl formate?

Ethyl formate is usually classified under HS code 291513 (Esters of formic acid). This is indicative, confirm it with your customs broker before shipping.

Where can I buy Ethyl formate?

CompoundList lists 41 suppliers of Ethyl formate in China, India, United States, Australia and 4 more. Send one free request to get and compare quotes. Your contact details stay private until you accept a quote.

Where can I buy Ethyl formate in India?

10 suppliers in India list Ethyl formate on CompoundList. Filter the suppliers list by country and send a request to compare prices, grades and delivery times.

What is the price of Ethyl formate?

Suppliers quote Ethyl formate on request because prices depend on grade, purity, quantity and destination. A free request on CompoundList gets you several quotes to compare.

Guides for buyers

Practical guides that help when you source, ship or handle Ethyl formate

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Data last updated 7 Oct 2026. Details may have changed, please confirm them with the supplier. Report an error on this page
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