N-BUTYL FORMATE
Flammability | 3 | |
Toxicity | 2 | |
Body Contact | 2 | |
Reactivity | 1 | |
Chronic | 0 | |
SCALE: Min/Nil=0 Low=1 Moderate=2 High=3 Extreme=4 |
Solvent for nitrocellulose, some cellulose acetates, cellulose ethers, and many resins
(both natural and synthetic), laquers, perfumes. Used in organic syntheses.
C5-H10-O2, HCO2(CH2)3CH3, n-butylformate, n-butylformate, "formic acid, n-butyl ester",
"formic acid, n-butyl ester", "butyl formate"
HARMFUL - May cause lung damage if swallowed.
Irritating to eyes and respiratory system.
Highly flammable.
Although ingestion is not thought to produce harmful effects, the material may still be damaging to the health of the individual following ingestion, especially where pre- existing organ (e.g. liver, kidney) damage is evident. Present definitions of harmful or toxic substances are generally based on doses producing mortality (death) rather than those producing morbidity (disease, ill-health). Gastrointestinal tract discomfort may produce nausea and vomiting. In an occupational setting however, ingestion of insignificant quantities is not thought to be cause for concern. Formate ion may directly act on the brain to produce convulsions. Large quantities administered to animals produced retinal lesions.
This material can cause eye irritation and damage in some persons.
The material is not thought to produce adverse health effects or skin irritation following contact (as classified using animal models). Nevertheless, good hygiene practice requires that exposure be kept to a minimum and that suitable gloves be used in an occupational setting. The liquid may produce skin discomfort following prolonged contact. Defatting and/or drying of the skin may lead to dermatitis.
Inhalation may produce health damage*. If inhaled, this material can irritate the throat andlungs of some persons. The main effects of simple esters are irritation, stupor and insensibility. Headache, drowsiness, dizziness, coma and behavioral changes may occur. Respiratory symptoms may include irritation, shortness of breath, rapid breathing, throat inflammation, bronchitis, lung inflammation and pulmonary edema, sometimes delayed. Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and cramps are observed. Liver and kidney damage may result from massive exposures.
Principal routes of exposure are by accidental skin and eye contact and by inhalation of vapors especially at higher temperatures. No human exposure data available. For this reason health effects described are based on experience with chemically related materials. As with any chemical product, contact with unprotected bare skin; inhalation of vapor, mist or dust in work place atmosphere; or ingestion in any form, should be avoided by observing good occupational work practice.