Ethyl Acetate

Cas No: 141-78-6           
EINESC No: 205-500-4
Molecular weight: 88.106 g/mol  

Chemical Formula: C4H8O2
Chemical Structure:

Physical Properties

General Properties: Colorless liquid

Odor: ether-like, fruity

Intensity: 0,902 g/cm3

Boiling point: 77,1 °C

Melting point: -83,6 °C

Flash point: -4 °C

Vapor pressure: 73 mmHg (aqueous)

Refraction index: 1,3720 nD

Solubility (aqueous) 8,3 g/100 mL

General Properties

Ethyl acetate is an organic compound that is formed from swapping hydroxy group and ethoxy. Systematically, it is called ethyl ethanoate and initialised as ‘EtoAc’, ETAC or ‘EA’. Its odor is similar to pear juice. It poorly dissolves in water and it is generally used in organic solvents such as alcohol, ketone and ether. It is a strong solvent and it is commonly used in industry due to its high voatility.

Production

Although there are methods such as Tishchenko reaction, Fischer esterification is the preferred method to produce it. In Fischer esterification, ethanol and acetic acid are put into reaction in room temperature

Applications

Ethyl acetate is generally used as solvent and diluting agent. It is commonly preferred as it has low toxicity, low cost and pleasant odor. It is commonly used in parfumes. It leaves the desired scent to a certain area and then, it vaporizes. It is used with acetone to remove nail polish. It works as a hardener in dyes.

It is also excellent for dissolving caffeine and it is commonly used in coffee and tea.

It is also used in column chromatography and extractions in labs. In entomology, it is used in pooters and suffocative agent in examinations. Ethyl acetate is also preserves the softness of bugs’ skin.

Safety Measures and Toxic Values

Ethyl acetate demonstrates low toxicity and its LD50 value in rodents goes up to 11,3 g/kg. It may cause irritation on eyes, nose and throat in prolonged exposures. In higher doses, it may cause weakness, hypokinesis and loss of consciousness.

Ethyl acetate is also extremely flammable and its fumes can create explosive results if it contacts with air. Therefore, it must be kept away from high temperatures and direct fire. It must be stored in tightly closed containers.