Butyl formate
Agent Name
Butyl formate
Alternative Name
Formic acid, butyl ester
CAS Number
592-84-7
Formula
C5-H10-O2
Major Category
Solvents
Synonyms
Butyl methanoate; Butylester kyseliny mravenci [Czech]; Formic acid, butyl ester; n-Butyl formate; n-Butyl methanoate; [ChemIDplus] UN1128
Category
Esters (<C12)
Description
Colorless liquid; [ICSC]
Sources/Uses
Used as flavoring agent or adjuvant; [FDA]
Comments
Readily forms explosive mixtures with air; An eye and respiratory tract irritant; May cause CNS effects; [ICSC] May cause smarting and reddening of skin if spilled and allowed to remain on clothes; High vapor concentrations may cause mild smarting of eyes and respiratory system and have a narcotic effect; [CHRIS] Acute inhalation of 10,418 ppm in humans causes eye irritation, muscle contraction or spasticity, and lung changes; [RTECS] Safe when used as a flavoring agent in food; [JECFA] An eye and respiratory tract irritant; [Alfa Aesar MSDS]
Biomedical References
Exposure Assessment
Vapor Pressure
28.9 mm Hg
Lethal Concentration
LCLo (cat) = 10,418 ppm/70min
Explanatory Notes
VP from ChemIDplus;
NFPA
may ignite at ambient temp
Adverse Effects
Neurotoxin
Acute solvent syndrome
Diseases, Processes, and Activities Linked to This Agent
Diseases
Occupational diseases associated with exposure to this agent: