The molecule is a formate ester resulting from the formal condensation of formic acid with methanol. A low-boiling (31.5 鈩? colourless, flammable liquid, it has been used as a fumigant and larvicide for tobacco and food crops. It has a role as a polar aprotic solvent, a fumigant, an insecticide and a refrigerant. It is a formate ester, a methyl ester and a volatile organic compound. It derives from a methanol.
methyl formate