Methyl formate is used as a precursor to formamide, dimethylformamide and formic acid. It is used as a blowing agent and utilized for quick-drying finishes due to its high vapor pressure. It is used as a component of azeotrope to recover expensive solvents. Further, it is used as a propellant and an intermediate for optical brighteners and hydrocyanic acid.
This Thermo Scientific Chemicals brand product was originally part of the Alfa Aesar product portfolio. Some documentation and label information may refer to the legacy brand. The original Alfa Aesar product / item code or SKU reference has not changed as a part of the brand transition to Thermo Scientific Chemicals.
Applications
Methyl formate is used as a precursor to formamide, dimethylformamide and formic acid. It is used as a blowing agent and utilized for quick-drying finishes due to its high vapor pressure. It is used as a component of azeotrope to recover expensive solvents. Further, it is used as a propellant and an intermediate for optical brighteners and hydrocyanic acid.
Solubility
Miscible with water.
Notes
Incompatible with oxidizing agents.
RUO – Research Use Only
General References:
- Yalfani, M. S.; Lolli, G.; Müller, T. E.; Wolf, A.; Mleczko, L. Methyl N-Phenyl Carbamate Synthesis from Aniline and Methyl Formate: Carbon Recycling to Chemical Products. ChemSusChem 2015, 8 (3), 443-447.
- Wu, C.; Zhang, Z.; Zhu, Q.; Han, H.; Yang, Y.; Han, B. Highly efficient hydrogenation of carbon dioxide to methyl formate over supported gold catalysts. Green Chem. 2015, 17 (3), 1467-1472.