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METHYL CHLOROFORMATE

6.1 - Poison Inhalation Hazard 3 - Flammable liquid 8 - Corrosive
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The Chemical Identifier fields include common identification numbers, the NFPA diamond U.S. Department of Transportation hazard labels, and a general description of the chemical. The information in CAMEO Chemicals comes from a variety of data sources.
CAS Number UN/NA Number
  • 79-22-1   (METHYL CHLOROFORMATE)
DOT Hazard Label USCG CHRIS Code
  • Poison Inhalation Hazard
  • Flammable Liquid
  • Corrosive
NIOSH Pocket Guide International Chem Safety Card
none
NFPA 704
data unavailable
General Description
A colorless liquid with a pungent odor. Flash point 54°F. Corrosive to metals and tissue. Vapors heavier than air. Very toxic by inhalation. Used to make other chemicals and insecticides.

The Hazard fields include special hazard alerts air and water reactions, fire hazards, health hazards, a reactivity profile, and details about reactive groups assignments and potentially incompatible absorbents. The information in CAMEO Chemicals comes from a variety of data sources.
Reactivity Alerts
  • Highly Flammable
  • Water-Reactive
Air & Water Reactions
Highly flammable. Gives off hydrochloric acid fumes in contact with moist air. Slightly soluble in water and decomposed by water to hydrochloric acid with evolution of heat.
Fire Hazard
This chemical is very dangerous when exposed to heat sources, sparks, flame, or oxidizers. It will react with water or steam to produce toxic and corrosive fumes. Vapors may travel to a source of ignition and flash back. Withdraw immediately in case of rising sound from venting safety device or any discoloration of tank due to fire. Toxic fumes of phosgene are produced when the material is heated to decomposition. Heat or steam should be avoided. (EPA, 1998)
Health Hazard
Methyl chloroformate is highly toxic upon inhalation and upon ingestion. A concentration of 1 mg/liter (190 ppm) has been lethal in 10 minutes. It is corrosive and irritating to skin. (EPA, 1998)
Reactivity Profile
METHYL CHLOROFORMATE is incompatible with water, strong oxidizing agents, alcohols, bases (including amines). Decomposes slowly in water to yield methanol, HCl, and CO2; reaction can be hazardous if water is hot. Attacks many metals especially in humid atmosphere [Handling Chemicals Safely 1980. p. 476]. May react vigorously or explosively if mixed with diisopropyl ether or other ethers in the presence of trace amounts of metal salts [J. Haz. Mat., 1981, 4, 291].
Belongs to the Following Reactive Group(s)
Potentially Incompatible Absorbents

Use caution: Liquids with this reactive group classification have been known to react with the absorbents listed below. More info about absorbents, including situations to watch out for...

  • Cellulose-Based Absorbents
  • Mineral-Based & Clay-Based Absorbents
  • Dirt/Earth

The Response Recommendation fields include isolation and evacuation distances, as well as recommendations for firefighting, non-fire response, protective clothing, and first aid. The information in CAMEO Chemicals comes from a variety of data sources.
Isolation and Evacuation
Excerpt from ERG Guide 155 [Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Flammable / Water-Sensitive)]:

IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE: Isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters (75 feet) for solids.

SPILL: See ERG Table 1 - Initial Isolation and Protective Action Distances on the UN/NA 1238 datasheet.

FIRE: If tank, rail tank car or highway tank is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions. (ERG, 2024)
Firefighting
Isolate for 1/2 mile in all directions if tank car or truck is involved in fire. Wear positive pressure breathing apparatus and special protective clothing.

For small fires, use dry chemical, carbon dioxide, water spray, and foam. For large fires, use water spray, fog, or foam. Move container from fire area if it can be done without risk. Cool containers exposed to flames with water. (EPA, 1998)
Non-Fire Response
Excerpt from ERG Guide 155 [Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Flammable / Water-Sensitive)]:

ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames) from immediate area. All equipment used when handling the product must be grounded. Do not touch damaged containers or spilled material unless wearing appropriate protective clothing. Stop leak if you can do it without risk. A vapor-suppressing foam may be used to reduce vapors. FOR CHLOROSILANES, use alcohol-resistant foam to reduce vapors. DO NOT GET WATER on spilled substance or inside containers. Use water spray to reduce vapors or divert vapor cloud drift. Avoid allowing water runoff to contact spilled material. Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas.

SMALL SPILL: Cover with DRY earth, DRY sand or other non-combustible material followed with plastic sheet to minimize spreading or contact with rain. Use clean, non-sparking tools to collect material and place it into loosely covered plastic containers for later disposal. (ERG, 2024)
Protective Clothing
For emergency situations, wear a positive pressure, pressure-demand, full facepiece self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) or pressure- demand supplied air respirator with escape SCBA and a fully-encapsulating, chemical resistant suit. (EPA, 1998)
DuPont Tychem® Suit Fabrics
Tychem® Fabric Legend
QS = Tychem 2000 SFR
QC = Tychem 2000
SL = Tychem 4000
C3 = Tychem 5000
TF = Tychem 6000
TP = Tychem 6000 FR
RC = Tychem RESPONDER® CSM
TK = Tychem 10000
RF = Tychem 10000 FR
Testing Details
The fabric permeation data was generated for DuPont by a third party laboratory. Permeation data for industrial chemicals is obtained per ASTM F739. Normalized breakthrough times (the time at which the permeation rate exceeds 0.1 μg/cm2/min) are reported in minutes. All chemicals have been tested between approximately 20°C and 27°C unless otherwise stated. All chemicals have been tested at a concentration of greater than 95% unless otherwise stated.
Chemical warfare agents (Lewisite, Sarin, Soman, Sulfur Mustard, Tabun and VX Nerve Agent) have been tested at 22°C and 50% relative humidity per military standard MIL-STD-282. "Breakthrough time" for chemical warfare agents is defined as the time when the cumulative mass which permeated through the fabric exceeds the limit in MIL-STD-282 [either 1.25 or 4.0 μg/cm2].
A Caution from DuPont
This information is based upon technical data that DuPont believes to be reliable on the date issued. It is subject to revision as additional knowledge and experience are gained. The information reflects laboratory performance of fabrics, not complete garments, under controlled conditions. It is intended for informational use by persons having technical skill for evaluation under their specific end-use conditions, at their own discretion and risk. It is the user's responsibility to determine the level of toxicity and the proper personal protective equipment needed. Anyone intending to use this information should first verify that the garment selected is suitable for the intended use. In many cases, seams and closures have shorter breakthrough times and higher permeation rates than the fabric. If fabric becomes torn,abraded or punctured, or if seams or closures fail, or if attached gloves, visors, etc. are damaged, end user should discontinue use of garment to avoid potential exposure to chemical. Since conditions of use are outside our control, DuPont makes no warranties, express or implied, including, without limitation, no warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular use and assume no liability in connection with any use of this information. This information is not intended as a license to operate under or a recommendation to infringe any patent, trademark or technical information of DuPont or others covering any material or its use.
Normalized Breakthrough Times (in Minutes)
Chemical CAS Number State QS QC SL C3 TF TP RC TK RF
Methyl chloro formate 79-22-1 Liquid 204*/308 204*/308 >480 >480 >480
> indicates greater than.
* indicates based on lowest single value.

Special Warning from DuPont: Tychem® and Tyvek® fabrics should not be used around heat, flames, sparks or in potentially flammable or explosive environments. Only...

...Tychem® ThermoPro, Tychem® Reflector® and Tychem® TK styles 600T/601T (with aluminized outer suit) garments are designed and tested to help reduce burn injury during escape from a flash fire. Users of Tychem® ThermoPro, Tychem® Reflector® and Tychem® TK styles 600T/601T (with aluminized outer suit) garments should not knowingly enter an explosive environment. Tychem® garments with attached socks must be worn inside protective outer footwear and are not suitable as outer footwear. These attached socks do not have adequate durability or slip resistance to be worn as the outer foot covering.

(DuPont, 2024)

First Aid
Warning: Methyl chloroformate is very irritating and corrosive to the skin, eyes, and mucous membranes. Inhalation exposure for 10 minutes has caused human fatalities at concentrations of 190 ppm. Caution is advised.

Signs and Symptoms of Methyl Chloroformate Exposure: Signs and symptoms of acute exposure to methyl chloroformate may include irritation of the skin, eyes, and mucous membranes and may result in respiratory irritation and pulmonary edema. Although the onset of symptoms may be delayed, irritation of the lung and eyes may persist after cessation of exposure. After 2 to 3 breaths, initial irritation may be followed by massive upper and lower respiratory tract symptoms after 36 hours. Esophageal or GI tract irritation or burns may be seen. Chronic exposure may result in dermal hypersensitivity.

Emergency Life-Support Procedures: Acute exposure to methyl chloroformate may require decontamination and life support for the victims. Emergency personnel should wear protective clothing appropriate to the type and degree of contamination. Air-purifying or supplied-air respiratory equipment should also be worn, as necessary. Rescue vehicles should carry supplies such as plastic sheeting and disposable plastic bags to assist in preventing spread of contamination.

Inhalation Exposure:1 Move victims to fresh air. Emergency personnel should avoid self-exposure to methyl chloroformate.
2. Evaluate vital signs including pulse and respiratory rate, and note any trauma. If no pulse is detected, provide CPR. If not breathing, provide artificial respiration. If breathing is labored, administer 100% humidified oxygen or other respiratory support.
3. Rush to a health care facility.
4. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for performance of other invasive procedures.

Dermal/Eye Exposure:
1. Remove victims from exposure. Emergency personnel should avoid self-exposure to methyl chloroformate.
2. Evaluate vital signs including pulse and respiratory rate, and note any trauma. If no pulse is detected, provide CPR. if not breathing, provide artificial respiration. If breathing is labored, administer 100% humidified oxygen or other respiratory support.
3. Remove and isolate contaminated clothing as soon as possible.
4. If eye exposure has occurred, eyes must be flushed with lukewarm water for at least 15 minutes.
5. Wash exposed skin areas extremely thoroughly with soap and water.
6. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for administration of an antidote or performance of other invasive procedures.
7. Rush to a health care facility.

Ingestion Exposure:
1. Evaluate vital signs including pulse and respiratory rate, and note any trauma. If no pulse is detected, provide CPR. if not breathing, provide artificial respiration. If breathing is labored, administer 100% humidified oxygen or other respiratory support.
2. DO NOT induce vomiting.
3. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for administration of an antidote or performance of other invasive procedures.
4. Give the victims water or milk: children up to 1 year old, 125 mL (5 oz or 1/2 cup); children 1 to 12 years old, 200 mL (6 oz or 3/4 cup); adults, 250 mL (8 oz or 1 cup). Water or milk should be given only if victims are conscious and alert.
5. Rush to a health care facility. (EPA, 1998)

The Physical Property fields include properties such as vapor pressure and boiling point, as well as explosive limits and toxic exposure thresholds The information in CAMEO Chemicals comes from a variety of data sources.

Note: For Vapor Density and Specific Gravity, comparing the value to 1.0 can tell you if the chemical will likely sink/rise in air or sink/float in fresh water (respectively). Short phrases have been added to those values below as an aid. However, make sure to also consider the circumstances of a release. The Vapor Density comparisons are only valid when the gas escaping is at the same temperature as the surrounding air itself. If the chemical is escaping from a container where it was pressurized or refrigerated, it may first escape and behave as a heavy gas and sink in the air (even if it has a Vapor Density value less than 1). Also, the Specific Gravity comparisons are for fresh water (density 1.0 g/mL). If your spill is in salt water (density about 1.027 g/mL), you need to adjust the point of comparison. There are some chemicals that will sink in fresh water and float in salt water.
Chemical Formula:
  • C2H3ClO2
Flash Point: 54°F (EPA, 1998)
Lower Explosive Limit (LEL): 6.7 % (USCG, 1999)
Upper Explosive Limit (UEL): data unavailable
Autoignition Temperature: data unavailable
Melting Point: less than -114°F (USCG, 1999)
Vapor Pressure: data unavailable
Vapor Density (Relative to Air): 3.26 (EPA, 1998) - Heavier than air; will sink
Specific Gravity: 1.223 at 68°F (EPA, 1998) - Denser than water; will sink
Boiling Point: 160°F at 760 mmHg (EPA, 1998)
Molecular Weight: 94.5 (EPA, 1998)
Water Solubility: data unavailable
Ionization Energy/Potential: data unavailable
IDLH: data unavailable

AEGLs (Acute Exposure Guideline Levels)

Final AEGLs for Methyl chloroformate (79-22-1)
Exposure Period AEGL-1 AEGL-2 AEGL-3
10 minutes NR 4 ppm 12 ppm
30 minutes NR 2.8 ppm 8.5 ppm
60 minutes NR 2.2 ppm 6.7 ppm
4 hours NR 1.4 ppm 4.2 ppm
8 hours NR 0.7 ppm 2.1 ppm
NR = Not recommended. Absence of an AEGL-1 value does not imply that exposure below the AEGL-2 value is without adverse effects.
(NAC/NRC, 2024)

ERPGs (Emergency Response Planning Guidelines)

Chemical ERPG-1 ERPG-2 ERPG-3
Methyl Chloroformate (79-22-1) NA 2 ppm 5 ppm
NA = not appropriate.
(AIHA, 2022)

PACs (Protective Action Criteria)

Chemical PAC-1 PAC-2 PAC-3
Methyl chloroformate; (Methyl chlorocarbonate) (79-22-1) 0.6 ppm 2.2 ppm 6.7 ppm
(DOE, 2024)

The Regulatory Information fields include information from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Title III Consolidated List of Lists, the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency's Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards, and the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration's Process Safety Management of Highly Hazardous Chemicals Standard List (see more about these data sources).

EPA Consolidated List of Lists

Regulatory Name CAS Number/
313 Category Code
EPCRA 302
EHS TPQ
EPCRA 304
EHS RQ
CERCLA RQ EPCRA 313
TRI
RCRA
Code
CAA 112(r)
RMP TQ
Carbonochloridic acid, methylester 79-22-1 500 pounds 1000 pounds 1000 pounds X U156 5000 pounds
Methyl chlorocarbonate 79-22-1 500 pounds 1000 pounds 1000 pounds 313 U156 5000 pounds
Methyl chloroformate 79-22-1 500 pounds 1000 pounds 1000 pounds X U156 5000 pounds

(EPA List of Lists, 2024)

CISA Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS)

RELEASE THEFT SABOTAGE
Chemical of Interest CAS Number Min Conc STQ Security
Issue
Min Conc STQ Security
Issue
Min Conc STQ Security
Issue
Methyl chloroformate; [Carbonochloridic acid, methyl ester] 79-22-1 1.00 % 10000 pounds flammable

(CISA, 2007)

OSHA Process Safety Management (PSM) Standard List

Chemical Name CAS Number Threshold Quantity (TQ)
Methyl Chloroformate 79-22-1 500 pounds

(OSHA, 2019)

This section provides a listing of alternate names for this chemical, including trade names and synonyms.
  • CARBONOCHLORIDIC ACID, METHYL ESTER
  • CARBONOCHLORIDIC ACID, METHYLESTER
  • CHLOROCARBONIC ACID METHYL ESTER
  • CHLOROCARBONIC ACID, METHYL ESTER
  • CHLOROFORMIC ACID METHYL ESTER
  • CHLOROFORMIC ACID, METHYL ESTER
  • FORMIC ACID, CHLORO-, METHYL ESTER
  • K-STOFF
  • METHOXYCARBONYL CHLORIDE
  • METHYL CARBONOCHLORIDATE
  • METHYL CHLOROCARBONATE
  • METHYL CHLOROFORMATE
  • TL 438

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