Reactive Group Datasheet

Esters

What are reactive groups?

Reactive groups are categories of chemicals that typically react in similar ways because they are similar in their chemical structure. Each substance with a chemical datasheet has been assigned to one or more reactive groups, and CAMEO Chemicals uses the reactive group assignments to make its reactivity predictions. More Info...

If you can't find a chemical in the database--but you know what reactive group it belongs in--you can add the reactive group to MyChemicals instead in order to see the reactivity predictions.

There are 425 chemical datasheets assigned to this reactive group.

Description

Flammability

Many esters are flammable or highly flammable. Low molecular weight esters like methyl formate have low flash points and wide flammability limits, making them dangerous flammability hazards. All are capable of being combustible and yield toxic gases such as carbon monoxide when burned. Some may spontaneously heat and ignite if stored wet and hot.

Reactivity

Materials in this group react with acids to liberate heat along with alcohols and acids. Strong oxidizing acids may cause a vigorous reaction that is sufficiently exothermic to ignite the reaction products. Heat is also generated by the interaction of esters with caustic solutions. Flammable hydrogen is generated by mixing esters with alkali metals and hydrides.

Toxicity

Inhalation of the fumes from some esters irritates the mucous membranes. Esters have low to moderate toxicity via dermal and oral exposure. Some esters are used as flavoring agents in foodstuffs.

Other Characteristics

Compounds in this group are formed by replacing the acidic hydrogen of a carboxylic acid with an organic group that is usually derived from an alcohol. They have the general formula RCOOR'. Their names are derived from the names of the acid and alcohol from which they are synthesized. Esters include the edible fats and oils, which are mixed esters between the triol glycerol and fatty acids. Esters are prominent in the perfumery and flavoring industries. They are used to manufacture synthetic fibers such as polyester and plastics.

Examples

Ethyl acetate, methyl acrylate, cyclohexyl acrylate, butyl propionate, butyl lactate, butyl formate, butyl acetate, benzyl acetate, amyl butyrate, amyl acetate, allyl acetate.

Reactivity Documentation

Click on the links below to see how this reactive group is predicted to react when it is mixed with one of the 47 reactive groups. A variety of documentation about that reactive group pair will be displayed, including predicted hazards, predicted gas byproducts, and background materials and references used to make the predictions.

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Esters

What are reactive groups?

Description

Reactivity Documentation