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This section provides an overview for methyl formate as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 9 methyl formate manufacturers and their company rankings. Here are the top-ranked methyl formate companies as of December, 2024: 1.SAE Manufacturing Specialties Corp, 2.TRInternational, Inc., 3.KANTO CHEMICAL CO.,INC..
Table of Contents
Methyl Formate is an organic compound classified as a carboxylic acid ester with the molecular formula C2H4O2. It is also known as methyl methanoate, methyl metanoate, etc. It is known as the lowest molecular weight carboxylic ester in existence.
Methyl format has a CAS registration number of 107-31-3. It has a molecular weight of 60.05, a melting point of -100°C, and a boiling point of 32.5°C.
At room temperature, it is a volatile, colorless, transparent liquid. It has an ether-like sweet odor. Its density is 0.974 g/mL. It mixes freely with organic solvents such as benzene, acetone, and ether, and is approximately 20%~30% soluble in water at room temperature.
Methyl Formate is used as a synthetic raw material for basic chemicals, a fragrance, a solvent, a hardener in molds and cores, a foaming agent, a spraying agent, and a carbon monoxide generator.
As a raw material for the synthesis of basic chemicals, it is used in the industrial synthesis of formic acid, formamide, acetic acid, and DMF (N, N'-dimethylformamide). Its high vapor pressure is also used in some applications as a quick-drying agent.
Historically, it has also been used as a coolant by taking advantage of its decomposition reaction. Until safer coolants were developed, methyl formate was used to replace sulfur dioxide for refrigerator cooling.
In addition, applications exist where it is used as a non-electrolyte solvent in rechargeable batteries. When methyl formate is used as a non-electrolyte solvent mixed with a compound having acrylic groups, the increase in battery thickness during storage at high temperatures can be greatly reduced. Even when mixed with other electrolyte additives, it has been confirmed that the effects are not offset or reduced.
Methyl formate, along with ethyl formate, is a substance that is attracting attention as an electrolyte solvent for new high-performance rechargeable batteries.
The laboratory process for the synthesis of methyl formate is a condensation reaction of methanol and formic acid. In large scale synthesis, such as in factories, methyl formate is synthesized by the reaction of methanol and carbon monoxide in the presence of a strong base.
Methyl formate has a high vapor pressure (64 kPa at 20°C) and is easily volatile. It has a flash point of -19°C, making it highly flammable.
Although stable under normal handling temperatures and pressures, it may react with strong oxidizers, posing the risk of fire or explosion. When storing, avoid high temperatures and contact with strong oxidizers.
It is known that formamide can be synthesized by the chemical reaction of methyl formate and ammonia. The chemical reaction of methyl formate with dimethylamine yields DMF (N, N'-dimethylformamide).
Methyl formate is sold mainly as a reagent product for research and development and as an industrial chemical product.
Reagent products for research and development are available in various volumes, such as 100 mL, 500 g, 500 mL, and 2 L. Normally, these reagents can be handled at room temperature.
Industrial chemical products are supplied in drums, pails, and other large factory-friendly packages, and are used for applications such as casting hardeners and CO sources.
Methyl formate is highly flammable as mentioned above. It is also known to cause mild skin irritation, strong eye irritation, damage to the central nervous system, damage to visual organs, and irritation to the respiratory tract in humans.
*Including some distributors, etc.
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Based in Bayville, NY, SAE Manufacturing Specialties Corp. is an ISO-certified supplier and manufacturer of industrial equipment, chemicals, components, ordinance, electronics, and systems for industries ranging from aerospace to high tech to law enforcement. Examples of product offerings include raw materials, chemicals, and lubricants for industrial purposes to finished products such as security helmets for law enforcement, and military ordnances. SAE also provides research and development as well as technical support for other companies in similar industries.
TRInternational Inc., founded in 1994 and headquartered in Edmonds, Washington, is a supplier of ingredients, raw materials, and services in North America. Its diversified product portfolio includes chemicals, rubber, and paints used in industries like metalworking, water treatment, and industrial cleaning. It has over 20 stocking and import points across the United States and offers additional services like custom manufacturing, contract packaging, and proprietary formulation. The company is SBA, WOSB, and LGBTBE certified, and in 2018, it was ranked number 70 in the Top 100 Chemical Distributors in North America.
Wego Chemical Group was founded in 1978 and headquartered in Great Neck, New York. WEGO is a full-service supplier and distributor of chemicals, minerals, and other raw materials to clients around the world. Markets and segments include agriculture & animal care, chemical & material manufacturing, construction & building materials, electronics, food & beverage, “household, industrial & institutional”, mining, oil & gas, personal care & pharmaceutical, paper & packaging, surface treatment, textiles, and water treatment.
Kanto Chemical Co. Inc., founded in 1944 and headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, is a reagent manufacturer with overseas affiliates in other countries, including China, France, USA, Taiwan, and Malaysia. Its product portfolio includes analytical reagents, ionic liquids, Iodine compounds, ultra-pure chemicals, and water analysis kits. The company is also developing regenerative medicine and genetics reagents and has over 50,000 products. It has several certifications, including ISO 9001, acquired in 1994, making it the first Japanese company in the reagent industry. Other certifications are ISO 14001, ISO 13485, and ISO/IEC 17025.
Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Company Inc., established in 1918 and headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, is a chemical manufacturer that makes basic and fine chemicals and functional materials. The company has two business divisions, namely basic chemicals and functional chemicals, and its product portfolio includes electronic industry cleaning agents, MMA derivatives, hydrogen peroxide, xylene separation products, and laminated materials for printed circuit boards. In 1981, the company took the first step towards geothermal power development, and today, it is involved in geothermal power projects in five locations, including the 50,000-kilowatt Sumikawa Geothermal Power Plant, where it commenced operations in 1995.
Toronto Research Chemicals Inc., founded in 1982 and based in Toronto, Canada, is a manufacturer of biochemicals and is a subsidiary of LGC Standards. The ISO 9001-certified company has an extensive catalog of over 350,000 products, including metabolites, impurities, and natural products APIs, which are used in several applications like environmental analysis, forensic science, and medicinal R&D. The company supports the scientific community across more than 120 countries and has 19 production laboratories. In 2019, it was bought by LGC, which provides components to customers in the pharmaceutical, clinical diagnostics, and food markets, among others.
Millipore Sigma, formerly known as Sigma-Aldrich, was created in 175 through the merger of Sigma Chemical Company and Aldrich Chemical company and today is a subsidiary of Merck. Millipore Sigma is a life science and biotechnology company serving the industry with several products and services. Some of their product categories include peptide synthesis materials, biochemicals, building blocks, catalysts, chemical biology, chemical synthesis, flavors & fragrances, formulation, lab chemicals, lab safety, APIs, and stable isotopes. Services include characterization, contract manufacturing, custom products, software, support, testing, and mRNA development & manufacturing.
Eastman Chemical was founded in 1920 and is headquartered in Kingsport, Tennessee. The company is a manufacturer and distributor of specialty chemicals, including coatings, adhesives, fibers, and plastics for industries such as automotive, medical, manufacturing, and construction. The company operates through four segments: Additives & Functional Products, Advanced Materials, Chemical Intermediates, and Fibers segments. Additives & Functional Products include food and fertilizer-based products. Advanced Materials include films and other chemicals used in transportation and electronics. Chemicals include phthalate plasticizers and other plastic products. Fibers include cigarette filters and other products.
CDN Isotopes Inc. has been a provider of deuterium-labelled compounds since its establishment in 1993. Located in Quebec, Canada, they supply researchers in the fields of medicine and science. They have over 3000 products and 98%of their orders are filled from stock. CDN isotopes have international distributors in over 40 countries and have continued to add new products to the market. They aim to provide customers with products at affordable prices while maintaining a large inventory of products.
Ranking as of December 2024
Derivation Method| Rank | Company | Click Share |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | SAE Manufacturing Specialties Corp |
34.9%
|
| 2 | KANTO CHEMICAL CO.,INC. |
14.5%
|
| 3 | TRInternational, Inc. |
13.3%
|
| 4 | Wego Chemical Group Inc |
10.8%
|
| 5 | MilliporeSigma |
8.4%
|
| 6 | MITSUBISHI GAS CHEMICAL COMPANY, INC. |
7.2%
|
| 7 | Eastman Chemical Co. |
6.0%
|
| 8 | Toronto Research Chemicals |
4.8%
|
Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the methyl formate page as of December 2024. Click share is defined as the total number of clicks for all companies during the period divided by the number of clicks for each company.Number of Employees
Newly Established Company
Company with a History
*Including some distributors, etc.
*Including some distributors, etc.
| Country | Number of Companies | Share (%) |
|---|---|---|
|
United States of America
|
3 | 42.9% |
|
Japan
|
2 | 28.6% |
|
Canada
|
2 | 28.6% |
