Technical and flavor-grade methyl propionate for the U.S. market. A highly flammable, fruity-odor ester used in food flavor formulations (FEMA GRAS 2752), fast-drying coatings and inks, and as a chemical intermediate in MMA synthesis. Flash point 6°C — handle as Class 3 Packing Group II flammable liquid. COA, SDS, and full traceability with every order.
Flammability warning — flash point 6°C: Methyl propionate is a highly flammable liquid (UN 1248, Class 3, PG II). Flash point 6°C (43°F) means it can ignite at temperatures well below ambient. Store in a cool, grounded, ventilated area away from all ignition sources. Use explosion-proof electrical equipment in handling areas.
Technical and flavor-grade options — each ships with a lot-specific certificate of analysis.
| Assay (GC) | ≥99.0% |
|---|---|
| Moisture (KF) | ≤500 ppm |
| Acidity | ≤0.05% |
| Color (APHA) | ≤10 |
| Non-volatile residue | ≤0.02% |
| Assay (GC) | ≥99.5% |
|---|---|
| Moisture (KF) | ≤200 ppm |
| Acidity | ≤0.02% |
| Color (APHA) | ≤5 |
| Heavy metals | ≤10 ppm |
| Non-volatile residue | ≤0.01% |
| Chemical Name | Methyl Propionate |
|---|---|
| IUPAC Name | Methyl propanoate |
| CAS Number | 554-12-1 |
| Molecular Formula | C₄H₈O₂ |
| Molecular Weight | 88.11 g/mol |
| EINECS Number | 209-060-4 |
| FEMA Number | 2752 (GRAS) |
| UN Number | UN 1248 |
| Transport Class | Class 3, Packing Group II |
| TSCA Status | Listed on TSCA inventory |
| Appearance | Colorless clear liquid |
|---|---|
| Odor | Fruity, rum-like, sweet ester |
| Boiling Point | 78.8–80°C (174–176°F) |
| Melting Point | -87.5°C (-126°F) |
| Flash Point | 6°C (43°F, closed cup) |
| Density @ 20°C | 0.915 g/mL (7.63 lb/gal) |
| Refractive Index (n20/D) | 1.3775 |
| Vapor Pressure @ 20°C | ~79 hPa |
| Water Solubility | ~6% (partially miscible) |
Methyl propionate serves as both a flavor ingredient and a functional industrial solvent and chemical building block.
Methyl propionate is a recognized food flavoring substance classified FEMA GRAS 2752 by the Flavor and Extract Manufacturers Association. It contributes fruity, rum-like, and sweet ester notes to flavor formulations for confectionery, beverages, baked goods, and dairy products. Its odor profile complements tropical fruit (pineapple, mango), apple, and rum flavor compositions. In fragrance applications, methyl propionate is used at low concentrations as a top-note ester to provide fresh, fruity lift to fragrance compositions. Food-grade (flavor grade) requires higher purity specifications than technical grade — heavy metals must be controlled, and the COA should reference FEMA GRAS status.
Methyl propionate is a fast-evaporating ester solvent (boiling point 79°C) effective for dissolving nitrocellulose, acrylic resins, and vinyl polymers in coatings, lacquers, and printing inks. Its evaporation rate is faster than ethyl acetate (BP 77°C is similar), making it suitable for high-speed flexographic printing, fast-drying lacquers, and UV-cure overprint varnish systems where rapid solvent release is required. Its low molecular weight and ester functional group provide strong solvating power relative to its volatility. Flash point 6°C requires proper flammable-liquid handling in all manufacturing environments.
Methyl propionate is a feedstock in the Lucite Alpha process for methyl methacrylate (MMA) production. In this phosgene-free, ACH-free route, methyl propionate reacts with formaldehyde over a specialty catalyst to produce MMA (the monomer for acrylic glass/PMMA) with methanol as a byproduct. This process was commercialized by Lucite International and represents a more sustainable route to one of the world's highest-volume specialty monomers — MMA demand exceeds 3 million tonnes per year globally. The Lucite Alpha process eliminates the acetone cyanohydrin (ACH) route, avoiding HCN handling.
High flammability — handle with care: Methyl propionate has a flash point of only 6°C (43°F) — well below ambient temperature. It is a highly flammable liquid that will form ignitable vapor-air mixtures at typical indoor and outdoor temperatures. All handling areas must be free of ignition sources, use grounded and bonded containers, and maintain adequate ventilation. Store in a cool, well-ventilated area in accordance with NFPA 30 and applicable local fire codes.
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All documentation available on request via the quote form below.
Methyl propionate (CAS 554-12-1) is a colorless, highly flammable ester with formula C₄H₈O₂ and MW 88.11 g/mol. It has a fruity, rum-like odor, boiling point of 78.8–80°C, and flash point of 6°C. Used in food flavor formulations (FEMA GRAS 2752), as an industrial solvent in coatings and inks, and as a chemical intermediate in MMA synthesis. Classified UN 1248, Class 3, PG II.
Methyl propionate has a fruity, rum-like, sweet ester character. It contributes top-note fruity impressions in rum, tropical fruit, apple, and confectionery flavor formulations. It is FEMA GRAS 2752 for use in food flavoring systems. The flavor-grade product requires controlled heavy metals and higher purity than the technical grade.
Methyl propionate is the feedstock in the Lucite Alpha process for methyl methacrylate (MMA) synthesis. Methyl propionate reacts with formaldehyde over a specialty catalyst to produce MMA — a phosgene-free, ACH-free alternative to the traditional acetone cyanohydrin route. MMA is the monomer for PMMA (acrylic glass) with global demand exceeding 3 million tonnes per year.
Methyl propionate has a flash point of 6°C — it is highly flammable at ambient temperatures. All handling areas must be free of ignition sources, use grounded/bonded containers, and maintain adequate ventilation. It is classified UN 1248, Class 3, PG II and must be handled under applicable flammable-liquid safety regulations (OSHA 29 CFR 1910.106, NFPA 30).
Yes. CAS 554-12-1 is listed on the U.S. EPA TSCA Chemical Substance Inventory and is compliant for commercial import and distribution in the United States.
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