Methyl Octanoate

SRP: At the time of review, criteria for land treatment or burial (sanitary landfill) disposal practices are subject to significant revision. Prior to implementing land disposal of waste residue (including waste sludge), consult with environmental regulatory agencies for guidance on acceptable disposal practices.

SRP: The scientific literature for the use of contact lenses in industry is conflicting. The benefit or detrimental effects of wearing contact lenses depend not only upon the substance, but also on factors including the form of the substance, characteristics and duration of the exposure, the uses of other eye protection equipment, and the hygiene of the lenses. However, there may be individual substances whose irritating or corrosive properties are such that the wearing of contact lenses would be harmful to the eye. In those specific cases, contact lenses should not be worn. In any event, the usual eye protection equipment should be worn even when contact lenses are in place.

TERRESTRIAL FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 1,500(SRC), determined from an estimated log Kow of 3.32(2,SRC) and a regression-derived equation(3), indicates that methyl n-octanoate is expected to have low mobility in soil(SRC). Volatilization of methyl n-octanoate from moist soil surfaces is expected to be an important fate process(SRC) given a Henry's Law constant of 7.83X10-4 atm-cu m/mole(4). Volatilization from dry soil surfaces is not expected to be an important fate process(SRC) based upon a vapor pressure of 0.54 mm Hg(5). Methyl n-octanoate was rapidly oxidized with an activated sludge inoculum(6), suggesting this compound will biodegrade in soil surfaces(SRC).

AQUATIC FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 1,500(SRC), determined from an estimated log Kow of 3.32(2,SRC) and a regression-derived equation(3), indicates that methyl n-octanoate is expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment in water(SRC). Volatilization from water surfaces is expected(3) based upon a Henry's Law constant of 7.83X10-4 atm-cu m/mole(4). Using this Henry's Law constant and an estimation method(3), volatilization half-lives for a model river and model lake are 2 hours and 5 days, respectively(SRC). A base-catalyzed second-order hydrolysis rate constant of 0.063 L/mole-sec(SRC) was estimated using a structure estimation method(5); this corresponds to half-lives of 3.3 years and 121 days at pH values of 7 and 8, respectively(5). Methyl n-octanoate was rapidly oxidized with an activated sludge inoculum(6), suggesting this compound will biodegrade in water surfaces(SRC). According to a classification scheme(7), an estimated BCF of 72(SRC), from its log Kow(2) and a regression-derived equation(8), suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is moderate(SRC).

ATMOSPHERIC FATE: According to a model of gas/particle partitioning of semivolatile organic compounds in the atmosphere(1), methyl n-octanoate, which has a vapor pressure of 0.54 mm Hg at 25 °C(2), is expected to exist solely as a vapor in the ambient atmosphere. Vapor-phase methyl n-octanoate is degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals(SRC); the half-life for this reaction in air is estimated to be 2 days(SRC), calculated from its estimated rate constant of 7.1X10-12 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(3). Methyl n-octanoate may also undergo direct photolysis in the environment since this compound contains a functional group that can absorb UV light greater than 290 nm(4).

FOUND IN ORRIS ESSENTIAL OIL IN THE FRUITS OF ANANUS SATIVUS LINDL, IN STRAWBERRY, PINEAPPLE, AND PEAR.

Methyl n-octanoate was identified, not quantified, in the volatile emissions of cassava(1), nectarines(2) and grape juice(3).

The Koc of methyl n-octanoate is estimated as 1,500(SRC), using an estimated log Kow of 3.32(1) and a regression-derived equation(2). According to a classification scheme(3), this estimated Koc value suggests that methyl n-octanoate is expected to have low mobility in soil(SRC).

An estimated BCF of 72 was calculated for methyl n-octanoate(SRC), using an estimated log Kow of 3.32(1,SRC) and a regression-derived equation(2). According to a classification scheme(3), this BCF suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is moderate(SRC).

The Henry's Law constant for methyl n-octanoate is 7.83X10-4 atm-cu m/mole(1). This Henry's Law constant indicates that methyl n-octanoate is expected to volatilize from water surfaces(2). Based on this Henry's Law constant, the volatilization half-life from a model river (1 m deep, flowing 1 m/sec, wind velocity of 3 m/sec)(2) is estimated as 2 hours(SRC). The volatilization half-life from a model lake (1 m deep, flowing 0.05 m/sec, wind velocity of 0.5 m/sec)(2) is estimated as 5 days(SRC). Methyl n-octanoate's Henry's Law constant(1) indicates that volatilization from moist soil surfaces may occur(SRC). Volatilization from dry soil surfaces is not expected to be an important fate process(SRC) based upon a vapor pressure of 0.54 mm Hg(3).

USING DEPRESSED GROWTH RESPONSE AS A CRITERION, THE EFFECTS OF METHYL ESTERS OF FATTY ACIDS OF CHAIN LENGTH 4-18 CARBONS ON ESSENTIAL FATTY ACID DEFICIENCY WERE STUDIED. THE HIGHEST MORTALITY WAS OBSERVED IN FEMALE AND MALE RATS FED METHYL CAPRYLATE.

Moderately toxic by intravenous route. Mildly toxic by ingestion. Mutation data reported.

Methyl octanoate is a food additive permitted for direct addition to food for human consumption as a synthetic flavoring substance and adjuvant in accordance with the following conditions: a) they are used in the minimum quantity required to produce their intended effect, and otherwise in accordance with all the principles of good manufacturing practice, and 2) they consist of one or more of the following, used alone or in combination with flavoring substances and adjuvants generally recognized as safe in food, prior-sanctioned for such use, or regulated by an appropriate section in this part.