[Chemical Knowledge]：The nature, use, upstream and downstream raw materials, storage methods of ethyl formate, is ethyl formate toxic?

Properties of ethyl formate

Ethyl formate (formate) is an organic compound with the chemical formula C3H6O2. It is a colorless, transparent liquid with an aroma similar to rum or fruit. Ethyl formate has a boiling point of 54.3°C, a melting point of -80.5°C, and a relative density of 0.917°C. Its solubility is strong, soluble in ethanol, ether, acetone and other organic solvents, but the solubility in water is limited. Due to its high volatility, ethyl formate has a short existence time in the environment and usually disappears rapidly by evaporation and photochemical degradation.

Ethyl formate use

Ethyl formate is widely used in many fields. In the chemical industry, it is an important intermediate in organic synthesis and can be used to synthesize a wide range of compounds. Ethyl formate is commonly used in the pharmaceutical industry as an intermediate or solvent for drug synthesis. In the fragrance and flavor industry, ethyl formate is used to formulate flavors and fragrances due to its special aroma, especially in food flavors. It is also used as an insecticide and fumigant for the control of stored grain pests and other agricultural pests. In the field of solvents, ethyl formate is widely used in the production of coatings, inks and cleaners because of its good solubility and volatility.

Ethyl formate upstream and downstream raw materials

The main raw materials for the production of ethyl formate are formic acid and ethanol. Formic acid can be produced by oxidation of formaldehyde or acidification of sodium formate. Ethanol is mainly derived from the hydration reaction of ethylene or the biological fermentation process. The process of producing ethyl formate is mainly an esterification reaction, in which formic acid and ethanol react with a catalyst (such as concentrated sulfuric acid or potassium bisulfate) to produce ethyl formate and water. The reaction equation is:

[\text{HCOOH} \text{C} 2\text{H} 5\text{OH} \rightarrow \text{HCOOC} 2\text{H} 5 \text{H}_2\text{O}]

in terms of downstream products, ethyl formate can be used to produce a variety of chemical products, such as methyl chloride, ethyl acetate, etc., and can also be used as a component of solvents and detergents for a variety of industrial applications.

Ethyl formate storage method

Ethyl formate is a flammable liquid and requires special attention to safety during storage. Should be stored in a cool, well-ventilated place, away from fire and heat sources, avoid direct sunlight. Storage containers should be well sealed, usually using glass bottles, stainless steel drums or lined metal drums for storage to prevent leakage and contamination. Ethyl formate has a dissolving effect on some plastics and rubber materials, so it is not suitable to use ordinary plastic containers. The storage environment should be kept dry and avoid mixing with oxidants, strong acids, strong alkalis and other chemicals to prevent chemical reactions.

Ethyl formate safety

Ethyl formate is toxic and irritating to the skin, eyes and respiratory system. During use and handling, appropriate personal protective equipment, such as gloves, protective glasses and gas masks, should be worn to avoid direct contact. The workplace should be well ventilated to prevent the accumulation of ethyl formate vapor. If a leak occurs, it should be cleaned immediately, absorbed with an inert adsorbent material (such as sand or diatomaceous earth), and then safely disposed. Keep away from fire sources during emergency treatment, and pay attention to the use of explosion-proof tools.

Environmental Impacts and Regulations

Ethyl formate evaporates rapidly and degrades photochemically in the environment, posing a low risk of pollution to the atmosphere and water. Large spills or improper handling can still have an impact on the environment, especially in water bodies, with toxic effects on aquatic life. Countries have strict regulations and standards for the use and discharge of ethyl formate. In China, ethyl formate is listed in the List of Hazardous Chemicals, and its production, storage and transportation must comply with relevant safety management regulations. In the European Union, ethyl formate is subject to the requirements of the REACH regulation, and its manufacturers and importers are required to register and evaluate the chemical and provide safety data sheets (SDS).

Market prospects and trends

With the rapid development of chemical, pharmaceutical, food and other industries, the demand for ethyl formate is also increasing. It has broad application prospects in organic synthesis, fragrance, solvent and other fields. In the future, with the continuous advancement of green chemistry and environmental protection regulations, the production process of ethyl formate will further develop in an efficient, clean and sustainable direction. For example, the use of biocatalytic or microwave-assisted techniques can improve the efficiency of the reaction and reduce the formation of by-products. With the development of new applications, such as research in new energy materials and new pharmaceutical formulations, the market demand for ethyl formate will continue to grow.

Conclusion

Ethyl formate is an organic compound with a variety of uses, widely used in chemical, pharmaceutical, food and agricultural fields. Its production raw materials are mainly formic acid and ethanol, the production process is simple and efficient. During storage and use, attention should be paid to safety and environmental protection. In the future, with the advancement of technology and market demand, the application prospect of ethyl formate will be broader, and it will also face more stringent regulations and environmental requirements. Ethyl formate will continue to play an important role in various industries through continuous optimization of production processes and development of new applications.