Methyl propionate

Synonyms

Methyl propionate (natural); Methyl propanoate; Methyl propylate; Methylester kyseliny propionove [Czech]; Propanoic acid, methyl ester; Propionate de methyle [French]; Propionic acid, methyl ester; [ChemIDplus] UN1248

Category

Esters (<C12)

Description

Colorless liquid; [Merck Index]

Sources/Uses

Found in a variety of fruits; Used in organic synthesis and as a fragrance and solvent (cellulose nitrate, cellulose derivatives, lacquers, paints, and varnishes); Also used as a chick beetle attractant; [HSDB]

Comments

Flammable liquid; [Hawley] A skin, eye, and respiratory tract irritant; [ICSC] Irritating to skin; Causes CNS depression and ataxia in animal experiments; [HSDB] May cause skin, eye, and mucous membrane irritation; [CAMEO] Safe when used as a flavoring agent; [JECFA]

Biomedical References

84 mm Hg

LC50 (mice) = 27,000 mg/m3

Explanatory Notes

VP from ChemIDplus;

may ignite at ambient temp

Acute solvent syndrome

Diseases

Occupational diseases associated with exposure to this agent:

• Encephalopathy, chronic solvent
• Solvents, acute toxic effect

Processes

Industrial Processes with risk of exposure:

• Painting (Solvents)