METHYL STEARATE

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Basic information

  • Chemical formula(s): \({\rm C_{19}H_{38}O_2}\)
  • Other names: methyl octadecanoate, octadecanoic acid, methyl ester, stearic acid methyl ester
  • CAS: 112-61-8
  • International Chemical Safety Card (ICSC): N/A (see NOAA safety data sheet)
  • Flammability: yes - requires considerable preheating
  • NOAA’s description: white crystals or chunky solid

NFPA 704 (fire diamond)

  • Health (blue): 1 - exposure would cause irritation with only minor residual injury.
  • Flammability (red): 1 - requires considerable preheating, under all ambient temperature conditions, before ignition and combustion can occur. Flash point above 93.3 °C.
  • Instability–reactivity (yellow): 0 - normally stable, even under fire exposure conditions, and is not reactive with water.
  • Special notice (white): -

Hazard statements

Code Phrase
H315+H320 causes skin and eye irritation
H335 may cause respiratory irritation

Precautionary statements

Code Phrase
P311 call the ETH Emergency Desk: +41 44 342 11 88 (from mobile) or 888 (from landline)
P304+P340 IF INHALED: remove victim to fresh air and keep at rest in a position comfortable for breathing
P303+P361+P353 IF ON SKIN (or hair): remove/take off immediately all contaminated clothing, rinse skin with water or shower
P305+P351+P338 IF IN EYES: rinse continuously with water for several minutes, remove contact lenses if present and easy to do, continue rinsing
P331 do NOT induce vomiting
P337+P313 IF EYE IRRITATION PERSISTS: get medical advice/attention
P342+P311 IF EXPERIENCING RESPIRATORY SYMPTOMS: call the ETH Emergency Desk: +41 44 342 11 88 (from mobile) or 888 (from landline)

Protective measures

Gloves

Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 and OSHA Glove Selection Chart do not provide recommendation on gloves for handling methyl stearate. TRC provides information on two types of gloves protecting against exposure to methyl stearate:

  • Neoprene: N/A
  • Natural latex or rubber: N/A
  • Buthyl: immersion protection with 4/8 mil thickness
  • Nitrile: splash protection with 15 mil thickness

Safety goggles

  • Always wear safety goggles when handling methyl stearate. Corrective glasses are not considered safety googles.
  • Handle methyl stearate inside the fume hood only (with exception of moving the closed bottle to and from the storage cabinet).

Clothing

  • Wear long trousers and fully covered shoes.
  • Contact lenses are forbidden while working with chemical substances, even in combination with safety glasses.
  • Do not wear cosmetics.
  • Do not wear synthetic clothing while working with flammable liquids or gases or when a hazard is present as these materials tend to melt and stick to exposed skin.
  • Do not wear headphones.

Spill management

  • Use personal protective equipment.
  • Avoid dust formation, avoid breathing dust.
  • Avoid breathing vapors or mist.
  • Ensure adequate ventilation.
  • Evacuate personnel to safe areas.
  • Sweep up without creating dust and arrange disposal.
  • Do not let it enter drain.
  • If a spill happened outside the fume hood (on the floor or desktop) contact Dr Jakub Tkaczuk (+41 44 632 31 62) and the ETH Emergency Desk (+41 44 342 11 88 from mobile or 888 from landline).