Methyl cyanoformate

CAS NO.：17640-15-2
Empirical Formula: C3H3NO2
Molecular Weight: 85.06
MDL number: MFCD00013420
EINECS: 241-626-6
SAFETY DATA SHEET (SDS)
Update Date: 2026-01-13 11:26:35

What is Methyl cyanoformate?

Description

Methyl cyanoformate is the organic compound with the formula CH₃OC(O)CN. It is used as a reagent in organic synthesis as a source of the methoxy carbonyl group , in which context it is also known as Mander's reagent. It was also the active ingredient in the pesticide product Zyklon A.

Chemical properties

Colorless liquid; ethereal odor. Decomposedby alkalies and water. Soluble in alcohol, benzene,ether.

The Uses of Methyl cyanoformate

Organic synthesis.

The Uses of Methyl cyanoformate

Selective acylating reagent.

Purification Methods

Purify the ester by fractionation through a 45cm glass helices packed column or a 30cm spinning band column. [Sheppard J Org Chem 27 3756 1962.] It has been distilled through a short Vigreux column (p 11), and further purified by recrystallisation from Et2O at -40o as white crystals which melt at room temperature. NMR: 4.0 ( C3), and IR: 2250 (CN) and 1750 (CO) cm-1 . [Childes & Weber JOrg Chem 41 3486 1976, Beilstein 2 III 1587.]

Properties of Methyl cyanoformate

Melting point:	185-186 °C
Boiling point:	100-101 °C (lit.)
Density	1.072 g/mL at 25 °C (lit.)
refractive index	n20/D 1.374(lit.)
Flash point:	79 °F
BRN	1742994
EPA Substance Registry System	Carbonocyanidic acid, methyl ester (17640-15-2)

Safety information for Methyl cyanoformate

Signal word	Danger
Pictogram(s)	Flame Flammables GHS02 Skull and Crossbones Acute Toxicity GHS06
GHS Hazard Statements	H226:Flammable liquids H315:Skin corrosion/irritation H319:Serious eye damage/eye irritation
Precautionary Statement Codes	P210:Keep away from heat/sparks/open flames/hot surfaces. — No smoking. P233:Keep container tightly closed. P280:Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection. P303+P361+P353:IF ON SKIN (or hair): Remove/Take off Immediately all contaminated clothing. Rinse SKIN with water/shower. P305+P351+P338:IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continuerinsing.