Methyl Acetate

http://toxnet.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/sis/search/f?./temp/~wbMDWB:1
METHYL ACETATE
CASRN: 79-20-9

Human Health Effects:

Human Toxicity Excerpts:

IRRITATING TO RESPIRATORY TRACT AND, IN HIGH CONCENTRATIONS ... /SRP: CNS DEPRESSANT/.
[Budavari, S. (ed.). The Merck Index - An Encyclopedia of Chemicals, Drugs, and Biologicals. Whitehouse Station, NJ: Merck and Co., Inc., 1996.1029]**PEER REVIEWED**

CASES OF SLIGHT POISONING UNDER INDUSTRIAL CONDITIONS ... WERE MANIFESTED BY HEADACHE, DROWSINESS, VERTIGO, EYE BURNS, LACRIMATION, PALPITATION, CONSTRICTED FEELING IN CHEST AND DYSPNEA. ONE CASE OF BLINDNESS HAS BEEN REPORTED.
[International Labour Office. Encyclopedia of Occupational Health and Safety. Vols. I&II. Geneva, Switzerland: International Labour Office, 1983.782]**PEER REVIEWED**

... OCULAR AND NERVOUS DISTURBANCES /HAVE BEEN REPORTED/ IN WORKERS EXPOSED TO ... VAPOR.
[American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists, Inc. Documentation of the Threshold Limit Values and Biological Exposure Indices. 6th ed. Volumes I, II, III. Cincinnati, OH: ACGIH, 1991.927]**PEER REVIEWED**

IN MAN 10000 PPM OR 30 MG/L FOR A SHORT TIME CAUSED IRRITATION WHICH PERSISTED AFTER EXPOSURE STOPPED. /FROM TABLE/
[Clayton, G.D., F.E. Clayton (eds.) Patty's Industrial Hygiene and Toxicology. Volumes 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F: Toxicology. 4th ed. New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons Inc., 1993-1994.2981]**PEER REVIEWED**

NO CASES OF IRRITATION OR SYSTEMIC INJURY HAVE BEEN REPORTED FROM INDUSTRIAL EXPOSURES AT OR BELOW 200 PPM.
[American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists, Inc. Documentation of the Threshold Limit Values and Biological Exposure Indices. 6th ed. Volumes I, II, III. Cincinnati, OH: ACGIH, 1991.927]**PEER REVIEWED**

Overexposure to methyl acetate may cause irritation of the nose, throat, and eyes. Headache, drowsiness, and unconsciousness are also possible. (Several cases of disturbance of vision have been reported from overexposure to this chemical.)
[Mackison, F. W., R. S. Stricoff, and L. J. Partridge, Jr. (eds.). NIOSH/OSHA - Occupational Health Guidelines for Chemical Hazards. DHHS(NIOSH) Publication No. 81-123 (3 VOLS). Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office, Jan. 1981.1]**PEER REVIEWED**

The vapor of methyl acetate is mildly irritating to the upper respiratory tract and in higher concentrations, to the eyes. Upon absorption, methyl acetate may be hydrolyzed with the liberation of methanol. The systemic effects, especially the chronic effects, may therefore be similar to those of methanol, and could include atrophy of the optic nerve.
[Mackison, F. W., R. S. Stricoff, and L. J. Partridge, Jr. (eds.). NIOSH/OSHA - Occupational Health Guidelines for Chemical Hazards. DHHS(NIOSH) Publication No. 81-123 (3 VOLS). Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office, Jan. 1981.1]**PEER REVIEWED**

In man, high concentrations of vapor cause irritation to the eyes and mucous membranes. Cases of slight poisoning under industrial conditions have been known. These were manifested by headache, drowsiness, vertigo, eye burns, lacrimation, palpitation, a constricted feeling in the chest and dyspnea. One case of blindness has been reported but no case of lethal poisoning.
[International Labour Office. Encyclopedia of Occupational Health and Safety. Vols. I&II. Geneva, Switzerland: International Labour Office, 1983.782]**PEER REVIEWED**

Skin, Eye and Respiratory Irritations:

Vapor is irritating to eyes, nose & throat. Liquid irritates eyes ...
[U.S. Coast Guard, Department of Transportation. CHRIS - Hazardous Chemical Data. Volume II. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office, 1984-5.]**PEER REVIEWED**

Populations at Special Risk:

Employees /with chronic respiratory, skin, liver, or kidney disease may be/ at increased risk from methyl acetate.
[Mackison, F. W., R. S. Stricoff, and L. J. Partridge, Jr. (eds.). NIOSH/OSHA - Occupational Health Guidelines for Chemical Hazards. DHHS(NIOSH) Publication No. 81-123 (3 VOLS). Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office, Jan. 1981.1]**PEER REVIEWED**

Probable Routes of Human Exposure:

NIOSH (NOES Survey 1981-83) has statistically estimated that 17,851 workers (4038 of these are female) are exposed to methyl acetate in the USA, 92% of which are exposed during the use of trade name compounds in which methyl acetate is contained(1). The probable routes of occupational exposure to methyl acetate are by inhalation and dermal contact during the production and use of this compound(SRC). The general public is likely to be exposed to methyl acetate by the ingestion of foods(2-6) or distilled alcoholic beverages in which it is contained(7,8). Limited monitoring data(9) indicate that the general population has the potential to be exposed to methyl acetate by the ingestion of contaminated drinking water(SRC).
[(1) NIOSH; National Occupational Exposure Survey (NOES) (1989) (2) Takeoka GR et al; J Agric Food Chem 36: 553-60 (1988) (3) Cadwallader KR, Xu Y; J Agric Food Chem 42: 782-84 (1994) (4) Rembold H et al; J Agric Food Chem 37: 659-62 (1989) (5) Shahidi F et al; CRC Crit Rev Food Sci Nature 24: 141-243 (1986) (6) Urbach G; J Chrom 404: 163-74 (1987) (7) Terheide R et al; pp. 249-81 in Anal Foods Beverages (Proc Symp), Chavalambous G Academic Press (1978) (8) Shimoda M et al; J Agric Food Chem 41: 1664-68 (1993) (9) USEPA; Preliminary Assessment of Suspected Carcinogens in Drinking Water, Interim Report to Congress (1975)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Body Burden:

Workers from a plastic button manufacturing site were exposed to methyl acetate with an overall exposure (measured in urine samples) of 9.7 ppm with a maximum exposure of 93.8 ppm(1).
[(1) Kawai T et al; Arch environ Contam Toxicol 28: 543-46 (1995)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Animal Toxicity Studies:

Non-Human Toxicity Excerpts:

CATS EXPOSED TO 53790 PPM (163 MG/L) FOR 14-18 MIN SHOWED IRRITATION, SALIVATION, DYSPNEA, CONVULSIONS IN 50%, CNS DEPRESSION, DEATH IN 1-9 MIN & PULMONARY EDEMA. 34980 PPM (106 MG/L) FOR 29-30 MIN PRODUCED IRRITATION, SALIVATION, DYSPNEA, CONVULSIONS IN 50%, CNS DEPRESSION & LATERAL EMPHYSEMA OR EDEMA. /FROM TABLE/
[Clayton, G.D., F.E. Clayton (eds.) Patty's Industrial Hygiene and Toxicology. Volumes 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F: Toxicology. 4th ed. New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons Inc., 1993-1994.2981]**PEER REVIEWED**

IN CATS 6600 PPM OR 20 MG/L FOR 6 HR/DAY FOR 8 DAYS PRODUCED WEIGHT LOSS, WEAKNESS, & SLOW RECOVERY. /FROM TABLE/
[Clayton, G.D., F.E. Clayton (eds.) Patty's Industrial Hygiene and Toxicology. Volumes 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F: Toxicology. 4th ed. New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons Inc., 1993-1994.2981]**PEER REVIEWED**

CATS EXPOSED TO 18480 PPM (56 MG/L) FOR 4 TO 4.5 HR SHOWED EYE IRRITATION, DYSPNEA, CNS DEPRESSION, & VOMITING & CONVULSIONS IN 50%; AT 9900 PPM (30 MG/L) FOR 10 HR, EYE IRRITATION, SALIVATION & SOMNOLENCE; 5000 PPM (15 MG/L) FOR 20 MIN, EYE IRRITATION & SALIVATION. /FROM TABLE/
[Clayton, G.D., F.E. Clayton (eds.) Patty's Industrial Hygiene and Toxicology. Volumes 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F: Toxicology. 4th ed. New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons Inc., 1993-1994.2981]**PEER REVIEWED**

ORALLY ADMIN HIGH CONCN OF ACETATES TO RABBITS APPEARED TO CAUSE LOSS OF COORDINATION IN DECR ORDER: ETHYL= ISOPROPYL > BUTYL > METHYL= ISOAMYL ACETATE. THIS MAY BE DUE TO RAPID HYDROLYSIS INTO ACETIC ACID & CORRESPONDING ALCOHOLS, CAUSING SIMULTANEOUS DECR OF BLOOD PCO2 & PO2.
[Clayton, G.D., F.E. Clayton (eds.) Patty's Industrial Hygiene and Toxicology. Volumes 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F: Toxicology. 4th ed. New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons Inc., 1993-1994.2976]**PEER REVIEWED**

A number of aprotic solvents /including methyl acetate/ which had previously been found to induce mitotic aneuploidy in yeast were tested for their effects on reassembly of twice recycle tubulin from pig brain. Some of the solvents which were strong aneuploidy inducing mutagens in yeast slowed down tubulin assembly in vitro at concentrations lower than those required for aneuploidy induction.
[Groeschel-Stewart U et al; Mutat Res 149 (3): 333-8 (1985)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Cats exposed at 5000 ppm methyl acetate experienced ocular irritation and salivation within 20 min; after inhaling 18,500 ppm, the cats showed dyspnea, convulsions, and narcosis with slow recovery; inhalation of 54,000 ppm was lethal within 1 to 9 min.
[American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists, Inc. Documentation of the Threshold Limit Values and Biological Exposure Indices. 6th ed. Volumes I, II, III. Cincinnati, OH: ACGIH, 1991.927]**PEER REVIEWED**

Non-Human Toxicity Values:

LD50 Rabbit oral 3.7 g/kg. /From table/
[Clayton, G.D., F.E. Clayton (eds.) Patty's Industrial Hygiene and Toxicology. Volumes 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F: Toxicology. 4th ed. New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons Inc., 1993-1994.2980]**PEER REVIEWED**

Ecotoxicity Values:

LC50 Pimephales promelas (fathead minnows) 399 mg/l/96 hr (confidence limit 378-422 mg/l). /Conditions of bioassay not specified/
[Geiger D.L., Poirier S.H., Brooke L.T., Call D.J., (eds). Acute Toxicities of Organic Chemicals to Fathead Minnows (Pimephales Promelas). Vol. II. Superior, Wisconsin: University of Wisconsin-Superior, 1985.50]**PEER REVIEWED**

EC50 Pimephales promelas (fathead minnows) 399 mg/l/96 hr (confidence limit 378-422 mg/l). Affected fish lost schooling behavior, swam near the surface, & had increased respiration. Equilibrium loss was not observed prior to death. /Conditions of bioassay not specified/
[Geiger D.L., Poirier S.H., Brooke L.T., Call D.J., (eds). Acute Toxicities of Organic Chemicals to Fathead Minnows (Pimephales Promelas). Vol. II. Superior, Wisconsin: University of Wisconsin-Superior, 1985.50]**PEER REVIEWED**

LC50 Pimephales promelas (fathead minnow) 320 mg/l/96 hr (confidence limit 295-348 mg/l.) /Conditions of bioassay not specified/
[Brooke, L.T., D.J. Call, D.T. Geiger and C.E. Northcott (eds.). Acute Toxicities of Organic Chemicals to Fathead Minnows (Pimephales Promelas). Superior, WI: Center for Lake Superior Environmental Studies Univ. of Wisconsin Superior, 1984.57-8]**PEER REVIEWED**

EC50 Pimephales promelas (fathead minnow) 320 mg/l/96 hr (confidence limit 295-348 mg/l). Hemorrhaging occurred along the flesh line above swim bladder in stressed & dead fish. Affected fish lost equilibrium prior to death. /Conditions of bioassay not specified/
[Brooke, L.T., D.J. Call, D.T. Geiger and C.E. Northcott (eds.). Acute Toxicities of Organic Chemicals to Fathead Minnows (Pimephales Promelas). Superior, WI: Center for Lake Superior Environmental Studies Univ. of Wisconsin Superior, 1984.57-8]**PEER REVIEWED**

Metabolism/Pharmacokinetics:

Metabolism/Metabolites:

... WITH HUMAN SUBJECTS /IT HAS BEEN SHOWN/ THAT METABOLIC HYDROLYSIS ... TO METHANOL & ACETIC ACID PROCEEDS DIRECTLY PROPORTIONAL TO EXPOSURE LEVEL.
[Clayton, G.D., F.E. Clayton (eds.) Patty's Industrial Hygiene and Toxicology. Volumes 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F: Toxicology. 4th ed. New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons Inc., 1993-1994.2977]**PEER REVIEWED**

IN NORMAL SUBJECTS (EXPOSED TO 200 PPM, 2 HR/EXPOSURE, TWICE/DAY FOR 3-4 DAYS) URINARY EXCRETION OF METHANOL INCR DURING 1ST EXPOSURE & REACHED MAX DURING 2ND EXPOSURE. MAX GENERALLY EXCEEDED 10 MG/L & THE METHANOL LEVEL WAS RESTORED TO NORMAL BY NEXT MORNING.
[TADA O ET AL; RODO KAGAKU 50 (4): 239-48 (1974)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Absorption, Distribution & Excretion:

BECAUSE OF ... RELATIVELY GOOD SOLUBILITY IN PLASMA, /ALIPHATIC ESTERS/ ... READILY PASS THROUGH ALVEOLI. THOSE WITH HIGHER WATER SOLUBILITY PRESUMABLY HAVE HIGHER BLOOD-AIR DISTRIBUTION COEFFICIENTS & REACH SATURATION MORE SLOWLY. ... PARTLY EXCRETED IN EXHALED AIR & URINE & PARTLY METABOLIZED. /ALIPHATIC ESTERS/
[Patty, F. (ed.). Industrial Hygiene and Toxicology: Volume II: Toxicology. 2nd ed. New York: Interscience Publishers, 1963.1851]**PEER REVIEWED**

ON EXPOSURE TO METHANOL OR METHYL ACETATE (200 PPM, 2 HR/EXPOSURE, TWICE/DAY FOR 3-4 DAYS), URINARY EXCRETION OF METHANOL INCR. URINARY METHANOL MAY SERVE AS INDICATOR FOR METHANOL & METHYL ACETATE EXPOSURE.
[TADA O ET AL; RODO KAGAKU 50 (4): 239-48 (1974)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Interactions:

Rats were exposed (at 10,000 ppm in ambient air) to a thinner containing toluene (52.8%), isopropyl alcohol (21.7%), methyl acetate (12.6%), ethyl acetate (3.4%), butyl acetate (3.2%), methyl isobutyl ketone (3.4%), & methanol (2.9%) in a plastic container for 10 min at 10 min intervals (2 times/day, 6 days/wk, for 12-14 mo). Body wt gain was suppressed compared to controls. Electron microscopic exam of slices of the cerebral cortex showed incr abnormal cristae of mitochondria in the neuron & axon & incr number of endoplasmic reticula & ribosomes & dilated Golgi apparatus in the neuron. Incr lysosomes & lipid materials were observed in neuron, suggesting a degenerative process.
[Hashimoto S et al; Kankyo Kagaku Kenkyusho Kenkyu Hokoku (Kinki Daigaku) 11: 217-23 (1983)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Pharmacology:

Interactions:

Rats were exposed (at 10,000 ppm in ambient air) to a thinner containing toluene (52.8%), isopropyl alcohol (21.7%), methyl acetate (12.6%), ethyl acetate (3.4%), butyl acetate (3.2%), methyl isobutyl ketone (3.4%), & methanol (2.9%) in a plastic container for 10 min at 10 min intervals (2 times/day, 6 days/wk, for 12-14 mo). Body wt gain was suppressed compared to controls. Electron microscopic exam of slices of the cerebral cortex showed incr abnormal cristae of mitochondria in the neuron & axon & incr number of endoplasmic reticula & ribosomes & dilated Golgi apparatus in the neuron. Incr lysosomes & lipid materials were observed in neuron, suggesting a degenerative process.
[Hashimoto S et al; Kankyo Kagaku Kenkyusho Kenkyu Hokoku (Kinki Daigaku) 11: 217-23 (1983)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Environmental Fate & Exposure:

Environmental Fate/Exposure Summary:

Methyl acetate's production and use mainly as a solvent and as a chemical intermediate may result in its release to the environment through various waste streams. It also naturally occurs in certain plants. If released to air, a vapor pressure of 216 mm Hg at 25 deg C indicates methyl acetate will exist solely as a vapor in the ambient atmosphere. Vapor-phase methyl acetate will be degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals; the half-life for this reaction in air is estimated to be 47 to 94 days. If released to soil, methyl acetate is expected to have very high mobility based upon an estimated Koc of 30. Volatilization from moist soil surfaces is expected to be an important fate process based upon a Henry's Law constant of 1.15X10-4 atm-cu m/mole. Volatilization from dry soils may occur based on the vapor pressure of this compound. Limited data suggest that methyl acetate is expected to biodegrade in both soil and water under both aerobic(5 day BOD from 26 to >95% biodegradation) and anaerobic (rate of biodegradation= 16.6 ppm C/day) conditions. Hydrolysis of methyl acetate in soil and water is not expected to be a significant process except in highly basic soils with a pH >9. If released into water, methyl acetate is not expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment in water based on the estimated Koc. Volatilization from water surfaces is expected to be an important fate process based on its Henry's Law constant. The half-life for volatilization from a model river and a model pond is 9 hr and 5 days, respectively. An estimated BCF of 0.8 suggests that the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low. Occupational exposure to methyl acetate may occur through inhalation and dermal contact with this compound at workplaces where methyl acetate is produced or used. The general public is likely to be exposed to methyl acetate through the ingestion of foods or alcoholic beverages containing this compound. (SRC)
**PEER REVIEWED**

Probable Routes of Human Exposure:

NIOSH (NOES Survey 1981-83) has statistically estimated that 17,851 workers (4038 of these are female) are exposed to methyl acetate in the USA, 92% of which are exposed during the use of trade name compounds in which methyl acetate is contained(1). The probable routes of occupational exposure to methyl acetate are by inhalation and dermal contact during the production and use of this compound(SRC). The general public is likely to be exposed to methyl acetate by the ingestion of foods(2-6) or distilled alcoholic beverages in which it is contained(7,8). Limited monitoring data(9) indicate that the general population has the potential to be exposed to methyl acetate by the ingestion of contaminated drinking water(SRC).
[(1) NIOSH; National Occupational Exposure Survey (NOES) (1989) (2) Takeoka GR et al; J Agric Food Chem 36: 553-60 (1988) (3) Cadwallader KR, Xu Y; J Agric Food Chem 42: 782-84 (1994) (4) Rembold H et al; J Agric Food Chem 37: 659-62 (1989) (5) Shahidi F et al; CRC Crit Rev Food Sci Nature 24: 141-243 (1986) (6) Urbach G; J Chrom 404: 163-74 (1987) (7) Terheide R et al; pp. 249-81 in Anal Foods Beverages (Proc Symp), Chavalambous G Academic Press (1978) (8) Shimoda M et al; J Agric Food Chem 41: 1664-68 (1993) (9) USEPA; Preliminary Assessment of Suspected Carcinogens in Drinking Water, Interim Report to Congress (1975)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Body Burden:

Workers from a plastic button manufacturing site were exposed to methyl acetate with an overall exposure (measured in urine samples) of 9.7 ppm with a maximum exposure of 93.8 ppm(1).
[(1) Kawai T et al; Arch environ Contam Toxicol 28: 543-46 (1995)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Natural Pollution Sources:

... IN ... GRAPE, BANANA, & CITRUS MAXIMA, & IN COFFEE; ALSO IDENTIFIED IN RUM ETHER.
[Fenaroli's Handbook of Flavor Ingredients. Volume 2. Edited, translated, and revised by T.E. Furia and N. Bellanca. 2nd ed. Cleveland: The Chemical Rubber Co., 1975.343]**PEER REVIEWED**

... IN MINT & FUNGUS.
[Clayton, G. D. and F. E. Clayton (eds.). Patty's Industrial Hygiene and Toxicology: Volume 2A, 2B, 2C: Toxicology. 3rd ed. New York: John Wiley Sons, 1981-1982.2271]**PEER REVIEWED**

Methyl acetate may be released to the environment from natural sources. It has been detected as a volatile constituent of nectarines(1) and Kiwi fruit flowers(2).
[(1) Takeoka GR et al; J Agric Food Chem 36: 553-60 (1988) (2) Tatsuka K et al; J Agric Food Chem 38: 2176-80 (1990)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Artificial Pollution Sources:

Methyl acetate's production and use as a solvent for cellulose nitrate, cellulose acetates, resins and oils, in the manufacture of artificial leathers, synthetic flavorings, and in organic synthesis(1,2), and as a chemical intermediate (3) may result in its release to the environment through various waste streams(SRC).
[(1) Elam EU; Kirk-Othmer Encycl Chem Tech 3rd Ed. NY,NY: John-Wiley 9: 311-37 (1978) (2) Lewis RJ Sr; Hawley's Condensed Chemical Dictionary 12th ed NY,NY: Van Nostrand Reinhold Co. p. 754 (1993) (3) Ashford RD; Ashford's Dictionary of Industrial Chemicals. London, England: Wavelength Publ Ltd p. 571 (1994)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Environmental Fate:

TERRESTRIAL FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 30(SRC), determined from a log Kow value(2) and a regression-derived equation(3), indicates that methyl acetate is expected to have very high mobility in soil(SRC). Volatilization of methyl acetate from moist soil surfaces is expected to be important(SRC) given a Henry's Law constant of 1.15X10-4 atm-cu m/mole(4). The potential for volatilization of methyl acetate from dry soil surfaces may exist based on a vapor pressure of 216 mm Hg(5). Limited data suggest that methyl acetate may biodegrade in soil under both aerobic(6,7), and anaerobic(8-10) conditions. Hydrolysis of methyl acetate in soil is not expected to be a significant process except in highly basic soils with a pH >9, as hydrolysis rate constants indicate that this process will be too slow to be environmentally significant under acidic, neutral, and slightly basic conditions(11,12,SRC).
[(1) Swann RL et al; Res Rev 85: 23 (1983) (2) Hansch C et al; Exploring QSAR, Hydrophobic, Electronic, and Steric Constants. ACS Prof Ref Book. Washington,DC: Amer Chem Soc (1995) (3) Lyman WJ et al; Handbook of Chemical Property Estimation Methods. Washington,DC: Amer Chem Soc pp. 4-9 (1990) (4) Buttery RG et al; J Agric Food Chem 17: 385-9 (1969) (5) Lyman WJ; p. 31 in Environmental Exposure From Chemicals Vol I, Neely WB, Blau GE (eds), Boca Raton,FL: CRC Press (1985) (6) Marion CV, Malaney GW; J Water Pollut Control Fed 35: 1269-84 (1963) (7) Heukelekian H, Rand MC; J Water Pollut Contr Assoc 29: 1040-53 (1955) (8) Speece RE; Env Sci Tech 17: 416A-27A (1983) (9) Chou WL et al; Biotech Bioeng Symp 8: 391-414 (1979) (10) Suflita JM, Mormile MR; Environ Sci Technol 27: 976-78 (1993) (11) Drossman H et al; Chemosphere 17: 1509-30 (1987) (12) Cai Q et al; Talanta 43: 699-705 (1996)]**PEER REVIEWED**

AQUATIC FATE: If released to water, methyl acetate is expected to volatilize to the atmosphere. Based on its Henry's Law constant, 1.15X10-4 atm cu-m/mole at 20 deg C(1), the half-life for volatilization from a model river and a model pond is 9 hr and 5 days, respectively(2,SRC). Limited data suggest that methyl acetate will biodegrade in aquatic systems under both aerobic(3,4), and anaerobic(5-7) conditions. Based on a classification scheme(8), an estimated Koc value of 30(SRC), determined from a log Kow value(9) and a regression-derived equation(2), indicates that methyl acetate is not expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment in water(SRC). Hydrolysis of methyl acetate in aquatic systems is not expected to be a significant process except under basic conditions of pH >9, as hydrolysis rate constants indicate that this process will be too slow to be environmentally significant under acidic, neutral, and slightly basic conditions(10,11,SRC). According to a classification scheme(12), an estimated BCF of 0.8(2,SRC), from a log Kow value(9), suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low(SRC).
[(1) Buttery RG et al; J Agric Food Chem 17: 385-9 (1969) (2) Lyman WJ et al; Handbook of Chemical Property Estimation Methods NY,NY: McGraw-Hill pp. 4-1 to 4-33, 5-1 to 5-30 and 15-1 to 15-34 (1982) (3) Marion CV, Malaney GW; J Water Pollut Control Fed 35: 1269-84 (1963) (4) Heukelekian H, Rand MC; J Water Pollut Contr Assoc 29: 1040-53 (1955) (5) Speece RE; Env Sci Tech 17: 416A-27A (1983) (6) Chou WL et al; Biotech Bioeng Symp 8: 391-414 (1979) (7) Suflita JM, Mormile MR; Environ Sci Technol 27: 976-78 (1993) (8) Swann RL et al; Res Rev 85: 23 (1983) (9) Hansch C et al; Exploring QSAR, Hydrophobic, Electronic, and Steric Constants. ACS Prof Ref Book. Washington,DC: Amer Chem Soc (1995) (10) Drossman H et al; Chemosphere 17: 1509-30 (1987) (11) Cai Q et al; Talanta 43: 699-705 (1996) (12) Franke C et al; Chemosphere 29: 1501-14 (1994)]**PEER REVIEWED**

ATMOSPHERIC FATE: According to a model of gas/particle partitioning of semivolatile organic compounds in the atmosphere(1), methyl acetate, which has a vapor pressure of 216 mm Hg at 25 deg C(2), is expected to exist solely as a vapor in the ambient atmosphere. Vapor-phase methyl acetate is degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals(3-6); the half-life for this reaction in air is estimated to range from 47 to 94 days(SRC). Laboratory experiments have indicated that methyl acetate has the potential to undergo atmospheric oxidations at a rate equal to 55% removal in 24 hr when irradiated at 250 nm(7) When irradiated at 360 nm, the rate increases to 90% removal after 6 hrs(5). The relatively high water solubility of methyl acetate, 2.435X10+5 mg/l at 20 deg C(8), suggests that this compound may be removed from the atmosphere by wet deposition(SRC).
[(1) Bidleman TF; Environ Sci Technol 22: 361-367 (1988) (2) Lyman WJ; p. 31 in Environmental Exposure From Chemicals Vol I, Neely WB, Blau GE(eds), Boca Raton,FL: CRC Press (1985) (3) Atkinson R; Int J Chem Kinet 19: 799-828 (1987) (4) Atkinson R et al; Adv Photochem 11:375-488 (1979) (5) Gusten H et al; J Atmos Chem 2: 83-96 (1984) (6) Wallington TJ et al; J Phys Chem 92: 5024-8 (1988) (7) Fujiki M et al; Simulation Studies of Degradation of Chemicals in the Environment. Chemical Res Report No. 1/1978. Environmental Agency of Japan, Office of Health Studies, Tokyo, Japan (1978) (8) Stephan H, Stephan T; Solubilities of Inorganic and Organic Compounds in Binary Systems. NY,NY: Pergamon 1: 1-79, 1604-43 (1963)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Environmental Biodegradation:

Pure cultures of Alcaligenes faecalis, isolated from activated sludge, were found to oxidize methyl acetate after a short lag period(1). A five day BOD for methyl acetate was given as 26% using a sewage seed(2). Greater than 95% degradation was reported for methyl acetate in a 5 day BOD test(3). Methyl acetate was listed as a compound which should be amenable to biological degradation in wastewater treatment by anaerobic biotechnology(4). Methyl acetate was found to undergo greater than 66% anaerobic biodegradation to methane in 90 days using an anaerobic digester seed acclimated to acetic acid(5). Methyl acetate, initially at 50 ppm C, was completely biodegraded in anaerobic aquifer slurries at a rate of 16.6 ppm C/day(6); an acclimation period ranging from 0 to 15 days was reported(6).
[(1) Marion CV, Malaney GW; J Water Pollut Control Fed 35: 1269-84 (1963) (2) Heukelekian H, Rand MC; J Water Pollut Contr Assoc 29: 1040-53 (1955) (3) Riemenschneider W; Ullmann's Encycl Indus Chem. NY,NY: VCH Publ A9: 578 (1987) (4) Speece RE; Env Sci Tech 17: 416A-27A (1983) (5) Chou WL et al; Biotech Bioeng Symp 8: 391-414 (1979) (6) Suflita JM, Mormile MR; Environ Sci Technol 27: 976-78 (1993)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Environmental Abiotic Degradation:

The rate constant for the vapor-phase reaction of methyl acetate with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals has been measured as 1.7-3.41X10-13 cu cm/molecule-sec(1,2,3,4). This corresponds to an atmospheric half-life ranging from 47 to 94 days(SRC) at an atmospheric concn of 5X10+5 hydroxyl radicals per cu cm(5). These values correspond to a removal rate of 0.06% per hr for this reaction(6). Laboratory irradiation of 10 ppm methyl acetate and air in a quartz vessel at 250 nm resulted in 55% removal by photo-oxidation after 24 hr(7). An identical experiment at 360 nm resulted in 90% removal after 6 hrs(7).
[(1) Atkinson R; Int J Chem Kinet 19: 799-828 (1987) (2) Atkinson R et al; Adv Photochem 11: 375-488 (1979) (3) Gusten H et al; J Atmos Chem 2: 83-96 (1984) (4) Wallington TJ et al; J Phys Chem 92: 5024-8 (1988) (5) Atkinson R; Chem Rev 85: 69-201 (1985) (6) Llyod AC; pp. 27-48 in Trophospheric Chemistry of Aldehydes. NBS-SP-577. (NTIS PB 299 439). Herron,AJ et al, ed. Washington,DC: Natl Bur Stand (1978) (7) Fujiki M et al; Simulation Studies of Degradation of Chemicals in the Environment. Chemical Res. Report No. 1/1978. Environmental Agency of Japan, Office of Health Studies, Tokyo, Japan (1978)]**PEER REVIEWED**

A second-order rate constant for the basic hydrolysis of methyl acetate in water at 25 deg C, 0.182 L/mole-s(1), corresponds to half-lives of 44 days, 4.4 days, and 10.6 hrs at pH 8, 9 and 10, respectively(SRC). A second order rate constant for the basic hydrolysis of methyl acetate in water at 25 deg C, 0.147 L/mole-sec(2), corresponds to half-lives of 54 days and 5.4 days at pH 8 and 9, respectively(SRC). In general, alkyl esters are resistant to hydrolysis under the acidic or neutral conditions(3).
[(1) Drossman H et al; Chemosphere 17: 1509-30 (1988) (2) Cai Q et al; Talanta 43: 699-705 (1996) (3) Elam EU; Kirk-Othmer Encycl Chem Tech 3rd Ed. NY,NY: John-Wiley 9: 311-37 (1978)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Environmental Bioconcentration:

An estimated BCF of 0.8 was calculated for methyl acetate(SRC), using a log Kow of 0.18(1) and a regression-derived equation(2). According to a classification scheme(3), this BCF suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low(SRC).
[(1) Hansch C et al; Exploring QSAR, Hydrophobic, Electronic, and Steric Constants. ACS Prof Ref Book. Washington,DC: Amer Chem Soc (1995) (2) Lyman WJ et al; Handbook of Chemical Property Estimation Methods. Washington,DC: Amer Chem Soc pp. 5-4, 5-10 (1990) (3) Franke C et al; Chemosphere 29: 1501-14 (1994)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Soil Adsorption/Mobility:

The Koc of methyl acetate is estimated as approximately 30(SRC), using a log Kow value of 0.18(1) and a regression-derived equation(2,SRC). According to a classification scheme(3), this estimated Koc value suggests that methyl acetate is expected to have very high mobility in soil(SRC).
[(1) Hansch C et al; Exploring QSAR, Hydrophobic, Electronic, and Steric Constants. ACS Prof Ref Book. Washington,DC: Amer Chem Soc (1995) (2) Lyman WJ et al; Handbook of Chemical Property Estimation Methods. Washington,DC: Amer Chem Soc pp. 4-9 (1990) (3) Swann RL et al; Res Rev 85: 23 (1983)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Volatilization from Water/Soil:

The Henry's Law constant for methyl acetate was measured as 5.11X10-4 atm cu-m/mole(1). This Henry's Law constant indicates that methyl acetate is expected to volatilize from water surfaces(2,SRC). Based on this Henry's Law constant, the estimated volatilization half-life from a model river (1 m deep, flowing 1 m/sec, wind velocity of 3 m/sec) is estimated as approximately 9 hours(2,SRC). The estimated volatilization half-life from a model lake (1 m deep, flowing 0.05 m/sec, wind velocity of 0.5 m/sec) is estimated as approximately 5 days(2,SRC). Methyl acetate's Henry's Law constant(1) indicates that volatilization from moist soil surfaces may occur(SRC). The potential for volatilization of methyl acetate from dry soil surfaces may exist(SRC) based on a vapor pressure of 216 mm Hg(3).
[(1) Buttery RG et al; J Agric Food Chem 17:385-9 (1969) (2) Lyman WJ et al; Handbook of Chemical Property Estimation Methods. Washington,DC: Amer Chem Soc pp. 15-1 to 15-29 (1990) (3) Ambrose D et al; J Chem Therm 13: 795-802 (1981)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Environmental Water Concentrations:

DRINKING WATER: Methyl acetate was detected, but not quantified, in the drinking water of Seattle, WA, in 1974(1).
[(1) USEPA; Preliminary Assessment of Suspected Carcinogens in Drinking Water, Interim Report to Congress (1975)]**PEER REVIEWED**

SURFACE WATER: Methyl acetate was qualitatively detected in a waste pond from an abandoned pesticide plant located on the Rocky Mountain Arsenal, CO, 1981(1).
[(1) Thoburn TW, Gunter BJ; Health Hazard Evaluation Report HETA 810176-968, Rocky Mt. Arsenal, Basin F, Commerce City, CO, NTIS PB-83-161257. Washington, DC (1981)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Effluent Concentrations:

Methyl acetate was detected as a trace organic constituent of the waste stream from industrial chemical processes, 1972-73(1). It was qualitatively identified in the effluent gas from refuse waste obtained from a food center in an experiment designed to determine the gases emitted from decaying waste matter at refuse sites, landfills, and trash transfer sites(2). Methyl acetate was measured in active compost blower exhaust at 144 ug/cu-m from a wastewater treatment sludge/wood chip compost pile(3). This compound was identified as a volatile organic found in kitchen waste, kitchen waste exudate, and stored food exudate samples(4), in 4 of 4 biodegradable waste samples (at 0.1 to 1 mg/cu m) and 5 of 7 mixed kitchen waste samples (at <0.1 mg/cu m)(5), and in garden waste exudate at unreported concns (6). Methyl acetate was detected as an emission from the production of RDX at the Holston Army Ammunition Plant, TN, date not provided, at an emission rate of 733 lbs/day(7).
[(1) Leenheer JA et al; Environ Sci Tech 10: 445-51 (1976) (2) Koe LC, Ng WJ; Water, Air Soil Pollut 33: 199-204 (1987) (3) Van Durme GP et al; Water Environ Res 64: 19-27 (1992) (4) Wilkins CK, Larsen K; J High Resol Chromatogr 18: 373-77 (1995) (5) Wilkins K; Chemosphere 29: 47-53 (1994) (6) Wilkins K, Larsen K; Chemosphere 32: 2049-2055 (1996) (7) Ryon MG et al; Database Assessment of the Health and Environmental Effects of Munitions Production Waste Products. Final Report. ORNL-6018 (NTIS DE84-016512) Oak Ridge Natl Labs, Oak Ridge, TN pp. 217 (1984)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Atmospheric Concentrations:

SOURCE DOMINATED: Methyl acetate was qualitatively detected in the air of the industrialized Kanawha Valley, WV, 1977(1). Methyl acetate was found in 4 air samples taken from 11 different auto paint shops in Spain at concns ranging from 12.1 to 80.0 mg/cu m(2). INDOOR AIR: Methyl acetate was emitted by a carpet with a PVC backing in an environmental chamber (0.8 ug/sq m-hr in a 24 hr period=specific emission rate)(3). RURAL/REMOTE: Methyl acetate was identified in forest air samples collected from the Eggegebirge in North Rhine-Westfalia, Germany, at unreported concns(4).
[(1) Erickson MD, Pellizzari ED; Analysis of Organic Air Pollutants in the Kanawha Valley, WV and the Shenandoah Valley, VA. USEPA-903/9-78-007 (1978) (2) Medinilla J; Espigar Hyg 32: 509-13 (1988) (3) Hodgson AT et al; in Proc Annu Meet - Air Waste Manage Assoc, 85th (Vol 5), 92/79.15, 19 pp. (1992) (4) Helmig D et al; Chemosphere 19: 1399-1412 (1989)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Food Survey Values:

Methyl acetate was reported in fresh grapefruit juice at a concn of 0.026 ppm(1), as a volatile component of floured chickpea seed at unreported concns(2), in chicken meat volatiles at unreported concns(3), as a volatile in Cabernet Sauvignon wine from Napa Valley, CA at unreported concns(4), and in cow milk at unreported concns(5).
[(1) Cadwallader KR, Xu Y; J Agric Food Chem 42: 782-84 (1994) (2) Rembold H et al; J Agric Food Chem 37: 659-62 (1989) (3) Shahidi F et al; CRC Crit Rev Food Sci Nature 24: 141-243 (1986) (4) Shimoda M et al; J Agric Food Chem 41: 1664-68 (1993) (5) Urbach G; J Chrom 404: 163-74 (1987)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Plant Concentrations:

Methyl acetate was reported in the volatile fraction from Kiwi fruit flowers at 0.57% of the total area(1).
[(1) Tatsuka K et al; J Agric Food Chem 38: 2176-80 (1990)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Other Environmental Concentrations:

Methyl acetate was identified as a solvent in a sample of printer's inks at a concn of 0.1% (W/W)(1).
[(1) Rastogi SC; Arch Environ Contam Toxicol 20: 543-47 (1991)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Environmental Standards & Regulations:

TSCA Requirements:

Section 8(a) of TSCA requires manufacturers of this chemical substance to report preliminary assessment information concerned with production, use, and exposure to EPA as cited in the preamble in 51 FR 41329.
[40 CFR 712.30 (7/1/97)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Pursuant to section 8(d) of TSCA, EPA promulgated a model Health and Safety Data Reporting Rule. The section 8(d) model rule requires manufacturers, importers, and processors of listed chemical substances and mixtures to submit to EPA copies and lists of unpublished health and safety studies. Methyl acetate is included on this list.
[40 CFR 716.120 (7/1/97)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Atmospheric Standards:

This action promulgates standards of performance for equipment leaks of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) in the Synthetic Organic Chemical Manufacturing Industry (SOCMI). The intended effect of these standards is to require all newly constructed, modified, and reconstructed SOCMI process units to use the best demonstrated system of continuous emission reduction for equipment leaks of VOC, considering costs, non air quality health and environmental impact and energy requirements. Methyl acetate is produced, as an intermediate or final product, by process units covered under this subpart.
[40 CFR 60.489 (7/1/97)]**PEER REVIEWED**

State Drinking Water Guidelines:

(FL) FLORIDA 5,000 ug/l
[USEPA/Office of Water; Federal-State Toxicology and Risk Analysis Committee (FSTRAC). Summary of State and Federal Drinking Water Standards and Guidelines (11/93)]**QC REVIEWED**

FDA Requirements:

Methyl acetate is an indirect food additive for use only as a component of adhesives.
[21 CFR 175.105 (4/1/97)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Methyl acetate is a food additive permitted for direct addition to food for human consumption as a synthetic flavoring substance and adjuvant in accordance with the following conditions: a) they are used in the minimum quantity required to produce their intended effect, and otherwise in accordance with all the principles of good manufacturing practice, and 2) they consist of one or more of the following, used alone or in combination with flavoring substances and adjuvants generally recognized as safe in food, prior-sanctioned for such use, or regulated by an appropriate section in this part.
[21 CFR 172.515 (4/1/97)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Chemical/Physical Properties:

Molecular Formula:

C3-H6-O2
**PEER REVIEWED**

Molecular Weight:

74.08
[Budavari, S. (ed.). The Merck Index - An Encyclopedia of Chemicals, Drugs, and Biologicals. Whitehouse Station, NJ: Merck and Co., Inc., 1996.1029]**PEER REVIEWED**

Color/Form:

COLORLESS, VOLATILE LIQUID
[Lewis, R.J., Sr (Ed.). Hawley's Condensed Chemical Dictionary. 12th ed. New York, NY: Van Nostrand Rheinhold Co., 1993754]**PEER REVIEWED**

Odor:

FRUITY ODOR
[Furia, T.E. (ed.). CRC Handbook of Food Additives. 2nd ed. Volume 2. Boca Raton, Florida: CRC Press, Inc., 1980.185]**PEER REVIEWED**

Fragrant, fruity odor.
[NIOSH. NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards. DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 94-116. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office, June 1994.196]**PEER REVIEWED**

Taste:

FLEETING, FRUITY TASTE
[Furia, T.E. (ed.). CRC Handbook of Food Additives. 2nd ed. Volume 2. Boca Raton, Florida: CRC Press, Inc., 1980.185]**PEER REVIEWED**

Boiling Point:

56.8 DEG C
[Lide, D.R. (ed.). CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics. 76th ed. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press Inc., 1995-1996.3-8]**PEER REVIEWED**

Melting Point:

-98 DEG C
[Lide, D.R. (ed.). CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics. 76th ed. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press Inc., 1995-1996.3-8]**PEER REVIEWED**

Critical Temperature & Pressure:

CRITICAL TEMPERATURE: 233.7 DEG C; CRITICAL PRESSURE: 45.3 ATM
[U.S. Coast Guard, Department of Transportation. CHRIS - Hazardous Chemical Data. Volume II. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office, 1984-5.]**PEER REVIEWED**

Density/Specific Gravity:

0.9342 at 20 deg C/4 deg C
[Lide, D.R. (ed.). CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics. 76th ed. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press Inc., 1995-1996.3-8]**PEER REVIEWED**

Heat of Combustion:

5,150 cal/g= 9,260 BTU/lb= 215X10+5 J/kg
[U.S. Coast Guard, Department of Transportation. CHRIS - Hazardous Chemical Data. Volume II. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office, 1984-5.]**PEER REVIEWED**

Heat of Vaporization:

97 cal/g= 174 BTU/lb= 4.1X10+5 J/kg
[U.S. Coast Guard, Department of Transportation. CHRIS - Hazardous Chemical Data. Volume II. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office, 1984-5.]**PEER REVIEWED**

Octanol/Water Partition Coefficient:

log Kow= 0.18
[Hansch, C., Leo, A., D. Hoekman. Exploring QSAR - Hydrophobic, Electronic, and Steric Constants. Washington, DC: American Chemical Society., 1995.6]**PEER REVIEWED**

Solubilities:

MISCIBLE WITH ALCOHOL, ETHER
[Budavari, S. (ed.). The Merck Index - An Encyclopedia of Chemicals, Drugs, and Biologicals. Whitehouse Station, NJ: Merck and Co., Inc., 1996.1029]**PEER REVIEWED**

SOL IN BENZENE, ACETONE, CHLOROFORM
[Weast, R.C. (ed.) Handbook of Chemistry and Physics. 69th ed. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press Inc., 1988-1989.C-48]**PEER REVIEWED**

Water solubility= 2.435X10+5 mg/l at 20 deg C
[Stephan H, Stephan T; Solubilities of Inorganic and Organic Compounds in Binary Systems. Stephen H et al. eds, NY, NY 1: 1-79, 1604-43 (1963)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Spectral Properties:

INDEX OF REFRACTION: 1.3614 AT 20 DEG C/D
[Lide, D.R. (ed.). CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics. 76th ed. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press Inc., 1995-1996.3-8]**PEER REVIEWED**

IR: 2228 (Sadtler Research Laboratories Prism Collection)
[Weast, R.C. and M.J. Astle. CRC Handbook of Data on Organic Compounds. Volumes I and II. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press Inc. 1985.V1 20]**PEER REVIEWED**

UV: 7-11 (Organic Electronic Spectral Data, Phillips et al, John Wiley & Sons, New York)
[Weast, R.C. and M.J. Astle. CRC Handbook of Data on Organic Compounds. Volumes I and II. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press Inc. 1985.V1 20]**PEER REVIEWED**

NMR: 10261 (Sadtler Research Laboratories Spectral Collection)
[Weast, R.C. and M.J. Astle. CRC Handbook of Data on Organic Compounds. Volumes I and II. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press Inc. 1985.V1 20]**PEER REVIEWED**

MASS: 81 (Atlas of Mass Spectral Data, John Wiley & Sons, New York)
[Weast, R.C. and M.J. Astle. CRC Handbook of Data on Organic Compounds. Volumes I and II. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press Inc. 1985.V1 20]**PEER REVIEWED**

Surface Tension:

24 dynes/cm= 0.024 N/m at 20 deg C
[U.S. Coast Guard, Department of Transportation. CHRIS - Hazardous Chemical Data. Volume II. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office, 1984-5.]**PEER REVIEWED**

Vapor Density:

2.8 (AIR= 1)
[International Labour Office. Encyclopedia of Occupational Health and Safety. Vols. I&II. Geneva, Switzerland: International Labour Office, 1983.781]**PEER REVIEWED**

Vapor Pressure:

Vapor pressure: 216.2 mm Hg at 25 deg C
[Ambrose D et al; J Chem Therm 13: 795-802 (1981)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Viscosity:

0.484, 0.381 & 0.320 cp at 0, 20 & 40 deg C, respectively
[Weast, R.C. (ed.). Handbook of Chemistry and Physics. 64th ed. Boca Raton, Florida: CRC Press Inc., 1983-84.F-41]**PEER REVIEWED**

Other Chemical/Physical Properties:

CONVERSION FACTORS: 3.02 MG/CU M IS EQUIVALENT TO 1 PPM
[Clayton, G.D., F.E. Clayton (eds.) Patty's Industrial Hygiene and Toxicology. Volumes 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F: Toxicology. 4th ed. New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons Inc., 1993-1994.2978]**PEER REVIEWED**

Liquid molar volume= 0.079823 cu m/kmol; IG Heat of Formation= -4.1190E+8 J/kmol
[Daubert, T.E., R.P. Danner. Physical and Thermodynamic Properties of Pure Chemicals Data Compilation. Washington, D.C.: Taylor and Francis, 1989.]**PEER REVIEWED**

Chemical Safety & Handling:

 

DOT Emergency Guidelines:

Fire or explosion: Highly flammable: Will be easily ignited by heat, sparks or flames. Vapors may form explosive mixtures with air. Vapors may travel to source of ignition and flash back. Most vapors are heavier than air. They will spread along ground and collect in low confined areas (sewers, basements, tanks). Vapor explosion hazard indoors, outdoors or in sewers. Those substances labeled "P" may polymerize explosively when heated or involved in a fire. Runoff to sewer may create fire or explosion hazard. Containers may explode when heated. Many liquids are lighter than water.
[U.S. Department of Transportation. 2000 Emergency Response Guidebook. RSPA P 5800.8 Edition. Washington, D.C: U.S. Government Printing Office, 2000,p. G-129]**QC REVIEWED**

Health: May cause toxic effects if inhaled or absorbed through skin. Inhalation or contact with material may irritate or burn skin and eyes. Fire will produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. Vapors may cause dizziness or suffocation. Runoff from fire control or dilution water may cause pollution.
[U.S. Department of Transportation. 2000 Emergency Response Guidebook. RSPA P 5800.8 Edition. Washington, D.C: U.S. Government Printing Office, 2000,p. G-129]**QC REVIEWED**

Public safety: Call Emergency Response Telephone Number. ... Isolate spill or leak area immediately for at least 50 to lOO meters (160 to 330 feet) in all directions. Keep unauthorized personnel away. Stay upwind. Keep out of low areas. Ventilate closed spaces before entering.
[U.S. Department of Transportation. 2000 Emergency Response Guidebook. RSPA P 5800.8 Edition. Washington, D.C: U.S. Government Printing Office, 2000,p. G-129]**QC REVIEWED**

Protective clothing: Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). Structural firefighters' protective clothing will only provide limited protection.
[U.S. Department of Transportation. 2000 Emergency Response Guidebook. RSPA P 5800.8 Edition. Washington, D.C: U.S. Government Printing Office, 2000,p. G-129]**QC REVIEWED**

Evacuation: ... Fire: If tank, rail car or tank truck 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.
[U.S. Department of Transportation. 2000 Emergency Response Guidebook. RSPA P 5800.8 Edition. Washington, D.C: U.S. Government Printing Office, 2000,p. G-129]**QC REVIEWED**

Fire: Caution: All these products have a very low flash point: Use of water spray when fighting fire may be inefficient. Small fires: Dry chemical, CO2, water spray or alcohol-resistant foam. Do not use dry chemical extinguishers to control fires involving nitromethane or nitroethane. Large fires: Water spray, fog or alcohol-resistant foam. Do not use straight streams. Move containers from fire area if you can do it without risk. Fire involving tanks or car/trailer loads: Fight fire from maximum distance or use unmanned hose holders or monitor nozzles. Cool containers with flooding quantities of water until well after fire is out. Withdraw immediately in case of rising sound from venting safety devices or discoloration of tank. Always stay away from tanks engulfed in fire. For massive fire, use unmanned hose holders or monitor nozzles; if this is impossible, withdraw from area and let fire burn.
[U.S. Department of Transportation. 2000 Emergency Response Guidebook. RSPA P 5800.8 Edition. Washington, D.C: U.S. Government Printing Office, 2000,p. G-129]**QC REVIEWED**

Spill or leak: Eliminate all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames in immediate area). All equipment used when handling the product must be grounded. Do not touch or walk through spilled material. Stop leak if you can do it without risk. Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas. A vapor suppressing foam may be used to reduce vapors. Absorb or cover with dry earth, sand or other non-combustible material and transfer to containers. Use clean non-sparking tools to collect absorbed material. Large spills: Dike far ahead of liquid spill for later disposal. Water spray may reduce vapor; but may not prevent ignition in closed spaces.
[U.S. Department of Transportation. 2000 Emergency Response Guidebook. RSPA P 5800.8 Edition. Washington, D.C: U.S. Government Printing Office, 2000,p. G-129]**QC REVIEWED**

First aid: Move victim to fresh air. Call 911 or emergency medical service. Apply artificial respiration if victim is not breathing. Administer oxygen if breathing is difficult. Remove and isolate contaminated clothing and shoes. In case of contact with substance, immediately flush skin or eyes with running water for at least 20 minutes. Wash skin with soap and water. Keep victim warm and quiet. Effects of exposure (inhalation, ingestion or skin contact) to substance may be delayed. Ensure that medical personnel are aware of the material(s) involved, and take precautions to protect themselves.
[U.S. Department of Transportation. 2000 Emergency Response Guidebook. RSPA P 5800.8 Edition. Washington, D.C: U.S. Government Printing Office, 2000,p. G-129]**QC REVIEWED**

Odor Threshold:

WATER: 3.0 MG/L; AIR: 4.6 UL/L; ODOR SAFETY CLASS B; B= 50-90% OF DISTRACTED PERSONS PERCEIVE WARNING OF TLV
[AMOORE JE, HAUTALA E; J APPL TOXICOL 3 (6): 272-90 (1983)]**PEER REVIEWED**

610 mg/cu m (odor low), 915 mg/cu m (odor high).
[Ruth JH; Am Ind Hyg Assoc J 47: A-142-51 (1986)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Skin, Eye and Respiratory Irritations:

Vapor is irritating to eyes, nose & throat. Liquid irritates eyes ...
[U.S. Coast Guard, Department of Transportation. CHRIS - Hazardous Chemical Data. Volume II. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office, 1984-5.]**PEER REVIEWED**

Fire Potential:

DANGEROUS WHEN EXPOSED TO HEAT, FLAME, OR OXIDIZERS.
[Lewis, R.J. Sax's Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials. 9th ed. Volumes 1-3. New York, NY: Van Nostrand Reinhold, 1996.2170]**PEER REVIEWED**

NFPA Hazard Classification:

Health: 1. 1= Materials that, on exposure, would cause irritation, but only minor residual injury, including those requiring the use of an approved air-purifying respirator. These materials are only slightly hazardous to health and only breathing protection is needed.
[Fire Protection Guide to Hazardous Materials. 12 ed. Quincy, MA: National Fire Protection Association, 1997. 325-65]**QC REVIEWED**

Flammability: 3. 3= This degree includes Class IB and IC flammable liquids and materials that can be easily ignited under almost all normal temperature conditions. Water may be ineffective in controlling or extinguishing fires in such materials.
[Fire Protection Guide to Hazardous Materials. 12 ed. Quincy, MA: National Fire Protection Association, 1997. 325-65]**QC REVIEWED**

Reactivity: 0. 0= This degree includes materials that are normally stable, even under fire exposure conditions, and that do not react with water. Normal fire fighting procedures may be used.
[Fire Protection Guide to Hazardous Materials. 12 ed. Quincy, MA: National Fire Protection Association, 1997. 325-65]**QC REVIEWED**

Flammable Limits:

Lower 3.1%, Upper 16%
[Fire Protection Guide to Hazardous Materials. 12 ed. Quincy, MA: National Fire Protection Association, 1997. 325-65]**QC REVIEWED**

Flash Point:

-10 DEG C (14 DEG F) (CLOSED CUP)
[Budavari, S. (ed.). The Merck Index - An Encyclopedia of Chemicals, Drugs, and Biologicals. Whitehouse Station, NJ: Merck and Co., Inc., 1996.1029]**PEER REVIEWED**

22 DEG F (OPEN CUP)
[U.S. Coast Guard, Department of Transportation. CHRIS - Hazardous Chemical Data. Volume II. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office, 1984-5.]**PEER REVIEWED**

Autoignition Temperature:

850 DEG F, 454 DEG C
[Fire Protection Guide to Hazardous Materials. 12 ed. Quincy, MA: National Fire Protection Association, 1997. 325-65]**QC REVIEWED**

Fire Fighting Procedures:

FIGHT FIRE WITH ALCOHOL FOAM, CARBON DIOXIDE, DRY CHEMICAL ...
[Sax, N.I. Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials. 6th ed. New York, NY: Van Nostrand Reinhold, 1984.84]**PEER REVIEWED**

Do not extinguish fire unless flow can be stopped or safely confined. Use water in flooding quantities as fog. Solid streams of water may be ineffective. Cool all affected containers with flooding quantities of water. Apply water from as far a distance as possible. Use "alcohol" foam, dry chemical or carbon dioxide.
[Association of American Railroads. Emergency Handling of Hazardous Materials in Surface Transportation. Washington, DC: Association of American Railroads, Bureau of Explosives, 1994.693]**PEER REVIEWED**

Firefighting Hazards:

VAPOR IS HEAVIER THAN AIR & MAY TRAVEL CONSIDERABLE DISTANCE TO SOURCE OF IGNITION & FLASH BACK.
[U.S. Coast Guard, Department of Transportation. CHRIS - Hazardous Chemical Data. Volume II. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office, 1984-5.]**PEER REVIEWED**

Explosive Limits & Potential:

LOWER 3.1%, UPPER 16%
[Lewis, R.J. Sax's Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials. 9th ed. Volumes 1-3. New York, NY: Van Nostrand Reinhold, 1996.2170]**PEER REVIEWED**

Containers may explode in fire. ... Vapor may explode if ignited in an enclosed area.
[U.S. Coast Guard, Department of Transportation. CHRIS - Hazardous Chemical Data. Volume II. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office, 1984-5.]**PEER REVIEWED**

Hazardous Reactivities & Incompatibilities:

Dangerous fire hazard when exposed to...oxidizers.
[Sax, N.I. Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials. 6th ed. New York, NY: Van Nostrand Reinhold, 1984.84]**PEER REVIEWED**

Nitrates; strong oxidizers, alkalis & acids; water Note: Reacts slowly with water to form acetic acid & methanol.
[NIOSH. NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards. DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 97-140. Washington, D.C. U.S. Government Printing Office, 1997.196]**QC REVIEWED**

Hazardous Decomposition:

When heated to decomposition it emits acrid smoke and fumes.
[Lewis, R.J. Sax's Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials. 9th ed. Volumes 1-3. New York, NY: Van Nostrand Reinhold, 1996.2170]**PEER REVIEWED**

Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health:

3100 ppm (Based on 10% of the lower explosion limit for safety considerations even though the relevant toxicological data indicated that irreversible health efects or impairment of escape existed only at higher concentrations.)
[NIOSH. NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards. DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 97-140. Washington, D.C. U.S. Government Printing Office, 1997.196]**QC REVIEWED**

Protective Equipment & Clothing:

RESPIRATORS ARE RECOMMENDED FOR CONCN ABOVE THE TLV, & AT RELATIVELY HIGH HUMIDITIES RESPIRATION AIRFLOW RATES SHOULD BE CHECKED FREQUENTLY.
[Clayton, G. D. and F. E. Clayton (eds.). Patty's Industrial Hygiene and Toxicology: Volume 2A, 2B, 2C: Toxicology. 3rd ed. New York: John Wiley Sons, 1981-1982.2271]**PEER REVIEWED**

ODOR THRESHOLD DATA COMPARED WITH TLV DATA TO IDENTIFY CMPD HAVING ODOR THRESHOLDS SIGNIFICANTLY GREATER THAN TLV'S. RECOMMENDATIONS ARE GIVEN FOR USE OF CHEM CARTRIDGE RESPIRATORS DEPENDING UPON ODOR THRESHOLD/TLV DIFFERENCE.
[REIST PC, REX F; J AM IND HYG ASSOC 38 (10): 563-6 (1977)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Air mask or organic mask; goggles or face shield.
[U.S. Coast Guard, Department of Transportation. CHRIS - Hazardous Chemical Data. Volume II. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office, 1984-5.]**PEER REVIEWED**

Wear appropriate personal protective clothing to prevent skin contact.
[NIOSH. NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards. DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 97-140. Washington, D.C. U.S. Government Printing Office, 1997.196]**QC REVIEWED**

Wear appropriate eye protection to prevent eye contact.
[NIOSH. NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards. DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 97-140. Washington, D.C. U.S. Government Printing Office, 1997.196]**QC REVIEWED**

Recommendations for respirator selection. Max concn for use: 2000 ppm. Respirator Class(es): Any chemical cartridge respirator with organic vapor cartridge(s). May require eye protection. Any supplied-air respirator. May require eye protection.
[NIOSH. NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards. DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 97-140. Washington, D.C. U.S. Government Printing Office, 1997.196]**QC REVIEWED**

Recommendations for respirator selection. Max concn for use: 3100 ppm. Respirator Class(es): Any supplied-air respirator operated in a continuous flow mode. May require eye protection. Any chemical cartridge respirator with a full facepiece and organic vapor cartridge(s). Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator (gas mask) with a chin-style, front- or back-mounted organic vapor canister. Any powered, air-purifying respirator with organic vapor cartridge(s). May require eye protection. Any self-contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece. Any supplied-air respirator with a full facepiece.
[NIOSH. NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards. DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 97-140. Washington, D.C. U.S. Government Printing Office, 1997.196]**QC REVIEWED**

Recommendations for respirator selection. Condition: Emergency or planned entry into unknown concn or IDLH conditions: Respirator Class(es): Any self-contained breathing apparatus that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode. Any supplied-air respirator that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode in combination with an auxiliary self-contained breathing apparatus operated in pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode.
[NIOSH. NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards. DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 97-140. Washington, D.C. U.S. Government Printing Office, 1997.196]**QC REVIEWED**

Recommendations for respirator selection. Condition: Escape from suddenly occurring respiratory hazards: Respirator Class(es): Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator (gas mask) with a chin-style, front- or back-mounted organic vapor canister. Any appropriate escape-type, self-contained breathing apparatus.
[NIOSH. NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards. DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 97-140. Washington, D.C. U.S. Government Printing Office, 1997.196]**QC REVIEWED**

Wear positive-pressure SCBA and protective equipment specified by references such as the DOT Emergency Response Guidebook or the CANUTEC Initial Emergency Response Guide. If special chemical protective clothing is required, consult the chemical manufacturer or specific protective clothing compatibility charts. Delay entry until trained personnel and proper protective equipment are available. Remove patient from contaminated area. Quickly remove and isolate patient's clothing, jewelry, and shoes. Gently blot excess liquids with absorbent material. Rinse patient with warm water, 30 deg C/86 deg F, if possible. Wash patient with Tincture of Green soap or a mild liquid soap and large quantities of water. Refer to decontamination protocol in Section Three.
[Bronstein, A.C., P.L. Currance; Emergency Care for Hazardous Materials Exposure. 2nd ed. St. Louis, MO. Mosby Lifeline. 1994.203]**PEER REVIEWED**

SRP: Contaminated protective clothing should be segregated in such a manner so that there is no direct personal contact by personnel who handle, dispose, or clean the clothing. Quality assurance to ascertain the completeness of the cleaning procedures should be implemented before the decontaminated protective clothing is returned for reuse by the workers. Contaminated clothing should not be taken home at end of shift, but should remain at employee's place of work for cleaning.
**PEER REVIEWED**

Preventive Measures:

Contact lenses should not be worn when working with this chemical.
[NIOSH. NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards. DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 97-140. Washington, D.C. U.S. Government Printing Office, 1997.196]**QC REVIEWED**

SRP: The scientific literature for the use of contact lenses in industry is conflicting. The benefit or detrimental effects of wearing contact lenses depend not only upon the substance, but also on factors including the form of the substance, characteristics and duration of the exposure, the uses of other eye protection equipment, and the hygiene of the lenses. However, there may be individual substances whose irritating or corrosive properties are such that the wearing of contact lenses would be harmful to the eye. In those specific cases, contact lenses should not be worn. In any event, the usual eye protection equipment should be worn even when contact lenses are in place.
**PEER REVIEWED**

Vapor hazard index is defined as concn of saturated vapor divided by TLV multiplied by 1000. The dimension of the vapor hazard index is temperature dependent and is an indication of vapor hazard potential. Vapor hazard index= number= 1.1 At 20 deg C.
[Pitt MJ; Chem Ind (London) (20): 804-6 (1982)]**PEER REVIEWED**

The worker should immediately wash the skin when it becomes contaminated.
[NIOSH. NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards. DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 97-140. Washington, D.C. U.S. Government Printing Office, 1997.196]**QC REVIEWED**

Work clothing that becomes wet should be immediately removed due to its flammability hazard.
[NIOSH. NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards. DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 97-140. Washington, D.C. U.S. Government Printing Office, 1997.196]**QC REVIEWED**

If fire becomes uncontrollable or container is exposed to direct flame - consider evacuation of one-third mile radius.
[Association of American Railroads. Emergency Handling of Hazardous Materials in Surface Transportation. Washington, DC: Association of American Railroads, Bureau of Explosives, 1994.693]**PEER REVIEWED**

Stability/Shelf Life:

VOLATILE
[Lewis, R.J. Sax's Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials. 9th ed. Volumes 1-3. New York, NY: Van Nostrand Reinhold, 1996.2170]**PEER REVIEWED**

Shipment Methods and Regulations:

No person may /transport,/ offer or accept a hazardous material for transportation in commerce unless that person is registered in conformance ... and the hazardous material is properly classed, described, packaged, marked, labeled, and in condition for shipment as required or authorized by ... /the hazardous materials regulations (49 CFR 171-177)./
[49 CFR 171.2 (7/1/96)]**PEER REVIEWED**

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulations are published by the IATA Dangerous Goods Board pursuant to IATA Resolutions 618 and 619 and constitute a manual of industry carrier regulations to be followed by all IATA Member airlines when transporting hazardous materials.
[IATA. Dangerous Goods Regulations. 38th ed. Montreal, Canada and Geneva, Switzerland: International Air Transport Association, Dangerous Goods Board, January, 1997.177]**PEER REVIEWED**

The International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code lays down basic principles for transporting hazardous chemicals. Detailed recommendations for individual substances and a number of recommendations for good practice are included in the classes dealing with such substances. A general index of technical names has also been compiled. This index should always be consulted when attempting to locate the appropriate procedures to be used when shipping any substance or article.
[IMDG; International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code; International Maritime Organization p.3087 (1988)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Cleanup Methods:

1) REMOVE ALL IGNITION SOURCES. 2) VENTILATE AREA OF SPILL OR LEAK. 3) FOR SMALL QUANTITIES, ABSORB ON PAPER TOWELS. EVAPORATE IN SAFE PLACE (SUCH AS FUME HOOD). ALLOW ... VAPORS TO COMPLETELY CLEAR HOOD DUCTWORK. BURN ... IN SUITABLE LOCATION AWAY FROM COMBUSTIBLE MATERIALS. LARGE QUANTITIES CAN BE COLLECTED & ATOMIZED IN SUITABLE COMBUSTION CHAMBER. ... /IT/ SHOULD NOT BE ALLOWED TO ENTER CONFINED SPACE, SUCH AS SEWER, BECAUSE OF POSSIBILITY OF EXPLOSION.
[Mackison, F. W., R. S. Stricoff, and L. J. Partridge, Jr. (eds.). NIOSH/OSHA - Occupational Health Guidelines for Chemical Hazards. DHHS(NIOSH) Publication No. 81-123 (3 VOLS). Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office, Jan. 1981.]**PEER REVIEWED**

Disposal Methods:

SRP: At the time of review, criteria for land treatment or burial (sanitary landfill) disposal practices are subject to significant revision. Prior to implementing land disposal of waste residue (including waste sludge), consult with environmental regulatory agencies for guidance on acceptable disposal practices.
**PEER REVIEWED**

/PROPOSED METHODS OF DISPOSAL SHOULD BE USED ON STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS OF THE STATE WHERE DISPOSAL IS TO OCCUR. THE USUAL METHODS WOULD BE EXPECTED TO INCLUDE:/ 1) BY ABSORBING IT IN VERMICULITE, DRY SAND, EARTH OR SIMILAR MATERIAL & DISPOSING IN SECURED SANITARY LANDFILL. 2) BY ATOMIZING IN SUITABLE COMBUSTION CHAMBER.
[Mackison, F. W., R. S. Stricoff, and L. J. Partridge, Jr. (eds.). NIOSH/OSHA - Occupational Health Guidelines for Chemical Hazards. DHHS(NIOSH) Publication No. 81-123 (3 VOLS). Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office, Jan. 1981.]**PEER REVIEWED**

Methyl acetate is a waste chemical stream constituent which may be subjected to ultimate disposal by controlled incineration.
[USEPA; Engineering Handbook for Hazardous Waste Incineration p.2-7 (1981) EPA 68-03-3025]**PEER REVIEWED**

The following wastewater treatment technologies have been investigated for methyl acetate: Concentration process: Reverse osmosis.
[USEPA; Management of Hazardous Waste Leachate, EPA Contract No.68-03-2766 p.E-82 (1982)]**PEER REVIEWED**

EXCESS METHYL ACETATE IN WASTE GASES CAN BE REMOVED BY CATALYTIC OXIDATION.
[Clayton, G. D. and F. E. Clayton (eds.). Patty's Industrial Hygiene and Toxicology: Volume 2A, 2B, 2C: Toxicology. 3rd ed. New York: John Wiley Sons, 1981-1982.2271]**PEER REVIEWED**

Occupational Exposure Standards:

OSHA Standards:

Permissible Exposure Limit: Table Z-1 8-hr Time Weighted Avg: 200 ppm (610 mg/cu m).
[29 CFR 1910.1000 (7/1/98)]**QC REVIEWED**

Vacated 1989 OSHA PEL TWA 200 ppm (610 mg/cu m); STEL 250 ppm (760 mg/cu m) is still enforced in some states.
[NIOSH. NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards. DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 97-140. Washington, D.C. U.S. Government Printing Office, 1997.367]**QC REVIEWED**

Threshold Limit Values:

8 hr Time Weighted Avg (TWA): 200 ppm; 15 min Short Term Exposure Limit (STEL): 250 ppm.
[American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists. TLVs & BEIs: Threshold limit Values for Chemical Substances and Physical Agents and Biological Exposure Indices for 2002. Cincinnati, OH. 2002.40]**QC REVIEWED**

NIOSH Recommendations:

Recommended Exposure Limit: 10 Hr Time-Weighted Avg: 200 ppm (610 mg/cu m).
[NIOSH. NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards. DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 97-140. Washington, D.C. U.S. Government Printing Office, 1997.196]**QC REVIEWED**

Recommended Exposure Limit: 15 Min Short-Term Exposure Limit: 250 ppm (760 mg/cu m).
[NIOSH. NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards. DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 97-140. Washington, D.C. U.S. Government Printing Office, 1997.196]**QC REVIEWED**

Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health:

3100 ppm (Based on 10% of the lower explosion limit for safety considerations even though the relevant toxicological data indicated that irreversible health efects or impairment of escape existed only at higher concentrations.)
[NIOSH. NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards. DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 97-140. Washington, D.C. U.S. Government Printing Office, 1997.196]**QC REVIEWED**

Other Occupational Permissible Levels:

West Germany (1974): 200 ppm, East Germany (1973): 65 ppm; Czechoslovakia (1969): 65 ppm; USSR (1972): 33 ppm.
[American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists. Documentation of the Threshold Limit Values and Biological Exposure Indices. 5th ed. Cincinnati, OH: American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists, 1986.367]**PEER REVIEWED**

Manufacturing/Use Information:

Major Uses:

SOLVENT FOR NITROCELLULOSE, ACETYLCELLULOSE, RESINS & OILS; MFR ARTIFICIAL LEATHER.
[Budavari, S. (ed.). The Merck Index - An Encyclopedia of Chemicals, Drugs, and Biologicals. Whitehouse Station, NJ: Merck and Co., Inc., 1996.1029]**PEER REVIEWED**

CATALYST FOR BIODEGRADATION OF ORG MATERIALS; IN AGRICULTURE TO SELECTIVELY DESTROY CUCKLEBUR SEEDS.
[Clayton, G.D., F.E. Clayton (eds.) Patty's Industrial Hygiene and Toxicology. Volumes 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F: Toxicology. 4th ed. New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons Inc., 1993-1994.2277]**PEER REVIEWED**

Flavoring agent useful in rum, brandy, whiskey; lift for fruit flavors.
[FURIA. HDBK FOOD ADD 2ND ED p.285]**PEER REVIEWED**

Paint remover compounds, laquer solvent, intermediate, synthetic flavoring.
[Lewis, R.J., Sr (Ed.). Hawley's Condensed Chemical Dictionary. 12th ed. New York, NY: Van Nostrand Rheinhold Co., 1993754]**PEER REVIEWED**

Used as a chemical intermediate for the synthesis of chlorophacinone; diphacinone; fenfluramine; o-methoxyphenylacetone; p-methoxyphenylacetone; methyl cinnamate; methyl cyanoacetate; methyldopa; phenylacetone
[Ashford, R.D. Ashford's Dictionary of Industrial Chemicals. London, England: Wavelength Publications Ltd., 1994.571]**PEER REVIEWED**

Used in the coal-based production of acetic anhydride
[Gerhartz, W. (exec ed.). Ullmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry. 5th ed.Vol A1: Deerfield Beach, FL: VCH Publishers, 1985 to Present.VA14 66]**PEER REVIEWED**

Manufacturers:

Eastman Chemical Company, P.O. Box 511, Kingsport TN 37662 (423) 229-2000; Tennessee Eastman Division; Production Site: Kingsport, TN 37662
[SRI. 1997 Directory of Chemical Producers -United States of America. Menlo Park, CA: SRI International 1997.744]**PEER REVIEWED**

Penta Manufacturing Company, 50 Okner Parkway, Livingston, NJ 07039 (201) 740-2300; Production Site: East Hanover, NJ 07936
[SRI. 1997 Directory of Chemical Producers -United States of America. Menlo Park, CA: SRI International 1997.744]**PEER REVIEWED**

Methods of Manufacturing:

The commercial by-product from wood carbonization /include/ methyl acetate ... derived from the aqueous phase ... the so-called pyroligneous acid. On distillation, pyroligneous acid yields wood spirit /which/ on refining, yields ... methyl acetate.
[Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology. 3rd ed., Volumes 1-26. New York, NY: John Wiley and Sons, 1978-1984.V22 565 (1983)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Derivation: By heating methanol and acetic acid in the presence of sulfuric acid and distilling
[Lewis, R.J., Sr (Ed.). Hawley's Condensed Chemical Dictionary. 12th ed. New York, NY: Van Nostrand Rheinhold Co., 1993754]**PEER REVIEWED**

... Manufacture of high purity methyl acetate ... in a countercurrent reactive distillation column ....
[Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology. 4th ed. Volumes 1: New York, NY. John Wiley and Sons, 1991-Present.V9 765]**PEER REVIEWED**

Methanol + carbon monoxide (BASF/Monsanto carbonylation processes; byproduct of acetic acid production)
[Ashford, R.D. Ashford's Dictionary of Industrial Chemicals. London, England: Wavelength Publications Ltd., 1994.571]**PEER REVIEWED**

Methanol + carbon monoxide (BP acetyls process; byproduct of acetic acid/acetic anhydride production)
[Ashford, R.D. Ashford's Dictionary of Industrial Chemicals. London, England: Wavelength Publications Ltd., 1994.571]**PEER REVIEWED**

General Manufacturing Information:

IT IS A MAJOR COMPONENT OF METHYL ACETONE, A MIXED SOLVENT DERIVED FROM DISTILLATION OF WOOD... .
[American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists. Documentation of the Threshold Limit Values and Biological Exposure Indices. 5th ed. Cincinnati, OH: American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists, 1986.367]**PEER REVIEWED**

Formulations/Preparations:

It is generally mixed with acetone & methyl alcohol /when used as solvent/.
[International Labour Office. Encyclopedia of Occupational Health and Safety. Vols. I&II. Geneva, Switzerland: International Labour Office, 1983.781]**PEER REVIEWED**

Grade: Technical; CP /Chemical Pure: a grade designation signifying a minimum of impurities; but not 100% purity/
[Lewis, R.J., Sr (Ed.). Hawley's Condensed Chemical Dictionary. 12th ed. New York, NY: Van Nostrand Rheinhold Co., 1993754]**PEER REVIEWED**

Commonly sold in combination with methanol in an 80/20 methyl acetate/methanol by-product blend
[CHEMICAL PRODUCTS SYNOPSIS: Methyl acetate, 1979]**PEER REVIEWED**

Impurities:

Acetic acid up to 0.1%
[Kodak; Laboratory Chemicals, Catalog No. 52, p.328 (1985)]**PEER REVIEWED**

U. S. Production:

(1972) 9.9X10+8 GRAMS (SALES)
[SRI]**PEER REVIEWED**

(1975) GREATER THAN 2.27X10+6 GRAMS (EST)
[SRI]**PEER REVIEWED**

Cellulosic solvent, 40%; vinyl solvent, 40%; Miscellaneous, 20% (1979)
[CHEMICAL PRODUCTS SYNOPSIS: Methyl Acetate, 1979]**PEER REVIEWED**

U. S. Imports:

(1983) 2.34X10+6 g
[USITC. IMPORTS OF BENZENOID CHEM & PROD 1983 p.93]**PEER REVIEWED**

Laboratory Methods:

Analytic Laboratory Methods:

GAS CHROMATOGRAPHY WAS USED TO DETECT ORGANIC SOLVENT VAPORS IN AIR FROM DYE & LACQUER INDUSTRY. LOWEST CONCN OF METHYL ACETATE VAPORS DETECTED WAS 1.0 MG/CU M.
[KOWALSKI WJ ET AL; ORCH POWIETRZA 9 (4): 118-20 (1975)]**PEER REVIEWED**

AIR SAMPLES ADSORBED ON CHARCOAL ARE DESORBED WITH CARBON DISULFIDE, & DETERMINED BY GAS CHROMATOGRAPHY; RANGE: 343-1330 MG/CU M.
[U.S. Department of Health, Education Welfare, Public Health Service. Center for Disease Control, National Institute for Occupational Safety Health. NIOSH Manual of Analytical Methods. 2nd ed. Volumes 1-7. Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office, 1977-present.V2 S42-1]**PEER REVIEWED**

A colorimetric method utilizes the reaction of methyl acetate with alkaline hydroxylamine. Absorption is read spectrometrically at 230 nm.
[Clayton, G. D. and F. E. Clayton (eds.). Patty's Industrial Hygiene and Toxicology: Volume 2A, 2B, 2C: Toxicology. 3rd ed. New York: John Wiley Sons, 1981-1982.2261]**PEER REVIEWED**

NIOSH Method 1458. Determination of Methyl Acetate by Gas Chromatography with Flame Ionization Detection. Applicable to air samples. Detection Limit= 0.20 mg/cu m.
[U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Centers for Disease Control, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. NIOSH Manual of Analytical Methods. 4th ed. Methods A-Z & Supplements. Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office, Aug 1994.]**PEER REVIEWED**

Sampling Procedures:

Samples are collected on silica gel or fritted scrubbers, using ethanol or isopropanol as solvent, but air volumes of 100 to 200 liters are necessary to obtain measurable sample size.
[Clayton, G.D., F.E. Clayton (eds.) Patty's Industrial Hygiene and Toxicology. Volumes 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F: Toxicology. 4th ed. New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons Inc., 1993-1994.2977]**PEER REVIEWED**

AIR SAMPLES ARE ADSORBED ON CHARCOAL.
[U.S. Department of Health, Education Welfare, Public Health Service. Center for Disease Control, National Institute for Occupational Safety Health. NIOSH Manual of Analytical Methods. 2nd ed. Volumes 1-7. Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office, 1977-present.V2 S42-1]**PEER REVIEWED**

Special References:

Special Reports:

USEPA; Health and Environmental Effects Profile for Methyl Acetate (1989) EPA 600/X-87/027

Tanaka S et al; Industrial Health 34 (2): 125-131 1996. Breakthrough times for vapors of organic solvents with low boiling points in steady-state and pulsating flows on respirator cartridges.

Synonyms and Identifiers:

Related HSDB Records:

93 [METHANOL] (METABOLITE)

Synonyms:

ACETATE DE METHYLE (FRENCH)
**PEER REVIEWED**

ACETIC ACID, METHYL ESTER
**PEER REVIEWED**

DEVOTON
**PEER REVIEWED**

FEMA NUMBER 2676
**PEER REVIEWED**

METHYLACETAAT (DUTCH)
**PEER REVIEWED**

METHYLACETAT (GERMAN)
**PEER REVIEWED**

METHYL ACETIC ESTER
**QC REVIEWED**

methyle (acetate de) (French)
**PEER REVIEWED**

METHYLESTER KISELINY OCTOVE (CZECH)
**PEER REVIEWED**

METHYL ETHANOATE
**PEER REVIEWED**

METILE (ACETATO DI) (ITALIAN)
**PEER REVIEWED**

OCTAN METYLU (POLISH)
**PEER REVIEWED**

TERETON
**PEER REVIEWED**

Formulations/Preparations:

It is generally mixed with acetone & methyl alcohol /when used as solvent/.
[International Labour Office. Encyclopedia of Occupational Health and Safety. Vols. I&II. Geneva, Switzerland: International Labour Office, 1983.781]**PEER REVIEWED**

Grade: Technical; CP /Chemical Pure: a grade designation signifying a minimum of impurities; but not 100% purity/
[Lewis, R.J., Sr (Ed.). Hawley's Condensed Chemical Dictionary. 12th ed. New York, NY: Van Nostrand Rheinhold Co., 1993754]**PEER REVIEWED**

Commonly sold in combination with methanol in an 80/20 methyl acetate/methanol by-product blend
[CHEMICAL PRODUCTS SYNOPSIS: Methyl acetate, 1979]**PEER REVIEWED**

Shipping Name/ Number DOT/UN/NA/IMO:

IMO 6.1; Methyl acetate

UN 1231; Methyl acetate

Administrative Information:

Hazardous Substances Databank Number: 95

Last Revision Date: 20030214
Last Review Date: Reviewed by SRP on 5/7/1998

Update History:

Complete Update on 02/14/2003, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 11/08/2002, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 10/31/2002, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 07/22/2002, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 05/13/2002, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 01/18/2002, 5 fields added/edited/deleted.
Field Update on 01/14/2002, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 08/09/2001, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 05/16/2001, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 05/15/2001, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 02/08/2000, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 02/02/2000, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 11/18/1999, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 09/21/1999, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 08/26/1999, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 07/20/1999, 5 fields added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 03/19/1999, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 03/19/1999, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 01/20/1999, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 11/12/1998, 2 fields added/edited/deleted.
Field Update on 10/29/1998, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 09/11/1998, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 07/27/1998, 63 fields added/edited/deleted.
Field Update on 06/02/1998, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Field Update on 02/25/1998, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 10/17/1997, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 05/08/1997, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 03/27/1997, 2 fields added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 02/24/1997, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 12/11/1996, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 10/12/1996, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 06/27/1996, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 06/03/1996, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 05/10/1996, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 04/16/1996, 9 fields added/edited/deleted.
Field Update on 01/18/1996, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 05/26/1995, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 01/23/1995, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 12/19/1994, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 11/07/1994, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 07/28/1994, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 03/25/1994, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 08/07/1993, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 08/04/1993, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 04/27/1993, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 02/05/1993, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Field update on 12/10/1992, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 12/02/1992, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 04/27/1992, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 01/23/1992, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 07/15/1991, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 05/08/1991, 77 fields added/edited/deleted.
Field update on 01/28/1991, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 04/16/1990, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 01/11/1990, 2 fields added/edited/deleted.
Field update on 12/29/1989, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Field Update on 05/05/1989, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 12/09/1988, 2 fields added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 07/12/1988, 2 fields added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 03/08/1988, 2 fields added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 10/14/1986

GLCC RELATED TOXIC SUBSTANCES FOUND IN THE CAMP POND AND CAMP WATER WELL 2003 AND 2004

GREAT LAKES CHEMICAL CORPORATION AND THE PATHFINDERS CAMP