UN/NA Number Reference
DOT Class 3 Flammable Liquid placard

UN 1190: Ethyl formate

49 CFR 172.101 Hazardous Materials Table·ERG 2024

DOT Classification and Shipping

UN 1190 is assigned the proper shipping name Ethyl formate in the U.S. DOT Hazardous Materials Table (49 CFR 172.101). It is classified as a Class 3 Flammable Liquid material, Packing Group II. Required label(s): 3.

Packing group indicates the degree of danger within a hazard class: PG I is high danger, PG II medium, PG III low. The proper shipping name, hazard class, UN number, and packing group together form the basic shipping description that must appear on shipping papers and, where required, on the package and placard.

Emergency Response (ERG Guide 129)

Hazards: Flammable. Irritating vapor. May cause dizziness. Toxic if inhaled or absorbed through skin.

Fire: Alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical, CO2, water spray.

Spill: Eliminate ignition sources. Ventilate area. Absorb with earth or sand.

Chemical and Physical Properties

Ethyl formate appears as a clear colorless liquid with a pleasant odor. Flash point -4 °F. Less dense than water. Vapors heavier than air.

CAS Number: 109-94-4
Molecular Formula: C3H6O2
Molecular Weight: 74.08 g/mol
Color / Form: MOBILE LIQUID
Odor: Fruity odor.
Boiling Point: 129.6 F
Melting Point: -110 °F (USCG, 1999)
Flash Point: -4 F
Autoignition: 851 °F (USCG, 1999)
Specific Gravity: 0.922 (floats on water)
Vapor Pressure: 200 mmHg
Vapor Density: 2.56 (heavier than air)
Water Solubility: 9 % at 64 F
Log P: 0.23

Regulatory Data

OSHA PEL
TWA 100 ppm (300 mg/m 3 )
NIOSH REL
TWA 100 ppm (300 mg/m 3 )
IDLH
1500 ppm

Special Provisions

49 CFR 172.102 special provision codes for this entry: IB2, T4, TP1. These codes modify the general requirements (packaging, quantity limits, exceptions) for this specific material. Look up each code in 49 CFR 172.102 for the full text.

Need the full interactive record? Open UN 1190 in the SpillNerd lookup tool for the live database entry with placard graphics, GHS pictograms, full segregation tables, and synonym search. For another material, use the UN number and chemical lookup.

Reference data compiled from the DOT Hazardous Materials Table (49 CFR 172.101), the 2024 Emergency Response Guidebook, and public chemical databases (PubChem, NIOSH, EPA). Always verify the correct shipping description against the current regulation and the manufacturer's SDS Section 14 before shipping.