UNIVERSITY OF MALTA
FACULTY OF MEDICINE & SURGERY
PHARMACY DEPARTMENT
MATERIAL SAFETY
DATA SHEET
METHYL BENZOATE
Table of Contents
Ref. No.
MSDS /PD/44_01
Valid for:
2 years from approval
Page
1. Chemical Product
2. Composition and Information on Ingredients
3. Hazards Identification
4. First Aid Measures
5. Fire and Explosion Data
6. Accidental Release Measures
7. Handling and Storage
8. Exposure Controls/ Personal Protection
9. Physical and Chemical Properties
10. Stability and Reactivity Data
11. Toxicological Information
12. Ecological Information
13. Disposal Considerations
14. References
15. Appendices
16. Revision History
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UNIVERSITY OF MALTA
FACULTY OF MEDICINE & SURGERY
PHARMACY DEPARTMENT
MATERIAL SAFETY
DATA SHEET
METHYL BENZOATE
Ref. No.
MSDS /PD/44_01
Valid for:
2 years from approval
1.
Chemical Product
Product Name: Methyl Benzoate
Chemical name: Methyl Benzoate
Synonyms: Benzoic acid, methyl ester; Oil of niobe
Chemical Formula: C8H8O2
2.
Composition and Information on Ingredients
Composition: Methyl Benzoate
Toxicological Data on Ingredients:
ORAL (LD50): Acute: 1177 mg/kg [Rat].
3330 mg/kg [Mouse].
3.
Hazards Identification
Potential Acute Health Effects: May cause skin and eye irritation, very hazardous in case of
ingestion and slightly hazardous in case of inhalation.
Potential Chronic Health Effects: Repeated or prolonged exposure is not known to
aggravate medical condition.
CARCINOGENIC EFFECTS: Not Applicable
MUTAGENIC EFFECTS: Not Applicable
TERATOGENIC EFFECTS: Not Applicable
DEVELOPMENTAL TOXICITY: Not Applicable
4.
First Aid Measures
General measures:
Skin contact: Immediately wash the contaminated skin gently and thoroughly with running
water and non-abrasive soap. Cover the irritated skin with an emollient. If irritation persists,
seek medical attention.
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UNIVERSITY OF MALTA
FACULTY OF MEDICINE & SURGERY
PHARMACY DEPARTMENT
MATERIAL SAFETY
DATA SHEET
METHYL BENZOATE
Ref. No.
MSDS /PD/44_01
Valid for:
2 years from approval
Serious skin contact: Wash with a disinfectant soap and cover the contaminated skin with
an anti-bacterial cream. Seek immediate medical attention.
Eye contact: Remove any contact lenses and afterwards immediately flush eyes with running
water for at least 15 minutes, keeping eyelids open. Do not use an eye ointment. Seek
medical attention.
Ingestion: Loosen tight clothing such as a collar, tie, belt or waistband. If the victim is not
breathing, perform mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. Do not induce vomiting unless indicated
by medical personnel. Seek immediate medical attention.
Serious ingestion: Not Applicable
Inhalation: Move victim to a well ventilated area. Seek immediate medical attention
Serious inhalation: Not Applicable
5.
Fire and Explosion Data
Flammability of the Product: Combustible
Auto-Ignition Temperature: Not Applicable
Flash points:
CLOSED CUP: 82°C (179.6°F)
Flammable limits: Not Applicable
Products of Combustion: These products are carbon oxides (CO, CO2)
Fire Hazards in Presence of Various Substances: Not Applicable
Explosion Hazards in Presence of Various Substances: Not Applicable
Fire fighting media and Instructions: In case of a small fire, use dry chemical powder, in a
large fire use water spray, fog or foam. Never use a water jet.
Page 3 of 6
UNIVERSITY OF MALTA
FACULTY OF MEDICINE & SURGERY
PHARMACY DEPARTMENT
MATERIAL SAFETY
DATA SHEET
METHYL BENZOATE
Ref. No.
MSDS /PD/44_01
Valid for:
2 years from approval
Special Remarks on Fire Hazards: Not Applicable
Special Remarks on Explosion Hazards: Not Applicable
6.
Accidental Release Measures
NB: Wear appropriate protective equipment/clothing including gloves before removing
any spills.
Small Spill: Absorb with an inert material
Large Spill: Stop leak if without risk and finish cleaning by spreading water on the
contaminated surface.
7.
Handling and Storage
Precautions: Keep away from heat and sources of ignition. Ground all equipment containing
material.
Storage: Keep in a tightly closed container which is stored in a separate safety storage
cabinet or room since it is flammable, in a cool, well-ventilated place.
8.
Exposure Controls/Personal Protection
Airborne Exposure Limits: Not Applicable
Engineering Controls: Provide exhaust ventilation and ensure that eyewash stations and
safety showers are proximal to the work-station location.
Personal Protection: Wear splash goggles, lab coat and gloves.
9.
Physical and Chemical Properties
Physical state and appearance: Clear to light yellow liquid
Odour: Fruity
Taste: Not Applicable
Molecular Weight: 136.14 g
pH (5% solution/water): Not Applicable
Boiling Point: 199°C (390.2°F)
Melting Point: -12.3°C (9.9°F)
Page 4 of 6
UNIVERSITY OF MALTA
FACULTY OF MEDICINE & SURGERY
PHARMACY DEPARTMENT
MATERIAL SAFETY
DATA SHEET
METHYL BENZOATE
Ref. No.
MSDS /PD/44_01
Valid for:
2 years from approval
Critical Temperature: Not Applicable
Specific Gravity (Water = 1): 1.094
Vapour Pressure (mmHg): 0.25mmHg (@ 20°C)
Vapour Density: 4.7 (Air = 1)
Volatility: Not Applicable
Odour Threshold: Not Applicable
Water/Oil Distribution Coefficient: Not Applicable
Ionicity (in Water): Not Applicable
Dispersion Properties: Not Applicable
Solubility: Very slightly soluble in cold water (0.16%)
10.
Stability and Reactivity Data
Stability: Stable under normal temperatures and pressures
Corrosivity: Non-corrosive in presence of glass
Instability temperature: Not Applicable
Conditions of Instability: Ignition sources, excess heat
Incompatibles: Strong oxidising agents, strong bases
Polymerization: Not Applicable
11.
Toxicological Information
Toxicity to animals:
Acute oral toxicity (LD50): 1177 mg/kg [Rat].
Effects on humans:
Acute potential health effects: May cause skin and eye irritation, very hazardous in case of
ingestion and slightly hazardous in case of inhalation.
Chronic potential health effects: Repeated or prolonged exposure is not known to
aggravate medical condition.
MUTAGENIC EFFECTS: Not Applicable
Page 5 of 6
UNIVERSITY OF MALTA
FACULTY OF MEDICINE & SURGERY
PHARMACY DEPARTMENT
MATERIAL SAFETY
DATA SHEET
METHYL BENZOATE
Ref. No.
MSDS /PD/44_01
Valid for:
2 years from approval
TERATOGENIC EFFECTS: Not Applicable
DEVELOPMENTAL TOXICITY: Not Applicable
Other information: Not Applicable
12.
Ecological Information
Ecotoxicity: Not Applicable
13.
Disposal Considerations
Waste Disposal: What is not recycled must be handled as hazardous waste and sent to an
approved incinerator or disposed in an approved waste facility. Dispose of in the container
marked WATER INSOLUBLE, NON HALOGENATED WASTE
14.
References
- ScienceLab.com. Material Safety Data Sheet; Methyl Benzoate. [Internet]. 2013
[cited
2014
Jan
16].
Available
from:
URL:
http://www.sciencelab.com/msds.php?msdsId=9927228
- Material Safety Data Sheet; Methyl Benzoate. [Internet]. 2005 [cited 2014 Jan 16].
Available
from:
URL:
http://www.clayton.edu/portals/690/chemistry/inventory/MSDS%20methyl%20benzo
ate.pdf
15.
Appendices
Not applicable
16.
Revision History
Version Number
Amendments/ Reasons for change
01
Initial Release
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