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Rodenticides, nematicides and other pesticides

Methyl formate

Also known as Formic acid, methyl ester, Methyl methanoate, Formic acid methyl ester

CAS 107-31-3Formula C2H4O2Molar mass 60.05 g/molEC 203-481-7
GHS signal word: Danger. Pictograms: Flammable, Harmful or irritant 49 suppliers listed
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Methyl formate chemical structure, C2H4O2, CAS 107-31-3
2D chemical structure

Key facts

What buyers check first

All properties
Appearance
Colorless liquid [Note: A gas above 89 degrees F]
Melting point
-99.8 °C
Boiling point
31.5 °C
Density
Relative density (water = 1): 0.97
Flash point
-19 °C
HS code
291513
Category
Rodenticides, nematicides and other pesticides
UN number
UN 1243
Illustrative photo, clear liquid in sealed glass ampoules on a laboratory bench
Typical packagingIllustrative packaging image, not the actual product

What is Methyl formate?

Plain description, key identifiers and synonyms

Methyl formate is a formate ester resulting from the formal condensation of formic acid with methanol. A low-boiling (31.5 C) colourless, flammable liquid, it has been used as a fumigant and larvicide for tobacco and food crops. It has a role as an insecticide, a fumigant, a polar aprotic solvent and a refrigerant. It is a volatile organic compound, a methyl ester and a formate ester. It is functionally related to a methanol.

Identifiers

Registry numbers, names and line notations, tap to copy

IUPAC name
methyl formate
CAS number
107-31-3 CAS number cross-checked
EC number
203-481-7
Molecular formula
C2H4O2
UNII
1MPH591FTG
MDL number
MFCD00003291
InChIKey
TZIHFWKZFHZASV-UHFFFAOYSA-N
InChI
InChI=1S/C2H4O2/c1-4-2-3/h2H,1H3
SMILES (canonical and isomeric)
COC=O

Synonyms

  • Formic acid, methyl ester
  • Methyl methanoate
  • Formic acid methyl ester
  • Methylformiat
  • Formiate de methyle
  • Methylformiaat
  • Mravencan methylnaty
  • methanoic acid methyl ester
  • Methylester kyseliny mravenci
  • Metil (formiato di)
  • Methyle (formiate de)
  • Methyl ester of formic acid
  • Methylformate
  • Hcooch3
  • Formic acid-methyl ester
  • Methyl formate, 97%, may cont. up to ca 3% methanol
  • Formic acid, methyl ester, Methanoic acid methyl ester, Methyl formate, Methyl methanoate, R 611
  • HCOOMe
  • MeOCHO
  • HCO2Me
  • Methyl formate, >=95%
  • carboxylic acid methyl ester
  • Long-chain alcohol wax ester
  • Methyl formate, anhydrous, 99%
  • Methyl formate, analytical standard
Show all 29 synonyms
  • Methyl formate, reagent grade, 97%
  • UN 1243
  • Methyl formate, spectrophotometric grade, 99%
  • Methyl formate [UN1243] [Flammable liquid]

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
Colorless liquid [Note: A gas above 89 degrees F]exp.
Odour
Agreeableexp.
Melting point
-99.8 °Cexp.
Boiling point
31.5 °Cexp.
Density
Relative density (water = 1): 0.97exp.
Flash point
-19 °Cexp.
Autoignition temperature
449 °Cexp.
Solubility
In water, 230,000 mg/L at 25 °Cexp.
Vapour pressure
585.7 mm Hg at 25 °C /Extrapolated/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
60.05 g/molcalc.
Exact mass
60.0211 Dacalc.
LogP (octanol/water)
-0.21calc.
Topological polar surface area
26.3 Ųcalc.
Hydrogen bond donors
0calc.
Hydrogen bond acceptors
2calc.
Rotatable bonds
1calc.
Heavy atoms
4calc.
Rings
0calc.
Aromatic rings
0calc.
Fraction sp3 carbons
0.5calc.
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
420NFPA 704 rating

Hazard statements

  • H224Extremely 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 1243
Transport hazard class
3
Packing group
I

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

Methyl formate suppliers

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All 49 suppliers
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Where suppliers are based

49 suppliers in 8 countries

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Methyl 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

High-boiling refrigerant for house appliances.

Solvent, intermediate for dimethylformamide.

Fumigant and larvicide for tobacco and food crops. Fire hazard is avoided by use with carbon dioxide.

Organic synthesis, cellulose acetate solvent.

Industrial uses: Processing aids not otherwise specified, Intermediate.

Consumer uses: Intermediate.

Roles

  • aprotic solvent
  • fumigant
  • insecticide
  • pesticide
  • polar aprotic solvent
  • polar solvent
  • refrigerant
  • solvent

Functional uses

  • Flavouring and nutrient
  • Solvent

How it is made

Reaction of methanol, carbon monoxide, and steam, over a charcoal or sodium methoxide catalyst at 200 degrees C and 200 atmospheres of pressure.

Methyl formate is produced by base-catalyzed carbonylation of methanol.

By heating methanol with sodium formate and hydrochloric acid with subsequent distillation.

Regulatory status

Inventories, regulations and trade controls that list this substance

Europe

  • EU harmonised classification (CLP Annex VI)
    Index no: 607-014-00-1

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 Methyl 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 Methyl formate is indicative (it was assigned by structure rules). Confirm the classification with your customs broker before shipping.

Frequently asked questions

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

What is Methyl formate?

Methyl formate is a formate ester resulting from the formal condensation of formic acid with methanol. A low-boiling (31.5 C) colourless, flammable liquid, it has been used as a fumigant and larvicide for tobacco and food crops. It has a role as an insecticide, a fumigant, a polar aprotic solvent and a refrigerant.

What is the CAS number of Methyl formate?

The CAS registry number of Methyl formate is 107-31-3.

What is the molecular formula and weight of Methyl formate?

The molecular formula of Methyl formate is C2H4O2 and its molar mass is 60.05 g/mol.

What is Methyl formate used for?

High-boiling refrigerant for house appliances. Solvent, intermediate for dimethylformamide. Fumigant and larvicide for tobacco and food crops. Fire hazard is avoided by use with carbon dioxide. Organic synthesis, cellulose acetate solvent. Industrial uses: Processing aids not otherwise specified, Intermediate.

Is Methyl formate hazardous?

Methyl formate carries the GHS signal word "Danger". Main hazards: extremely 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 Methyl formate?

Methyl 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 Methyl formate?

CompoundList lists 49 suppliers of Methyl formate in United States, China, India, Germany 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 Methyl formate in India?

9 suppliers in India list Methyl 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 Methyl formate?

Suppliers quote Methyl 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 Methyl 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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