Esters

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.

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.

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.

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.

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