Ethyl Acetate: Specifications and Applications

Ethyl Acetate is an organic compound with the formula CH₃CO₂CH₂CH₃. It is the ester of ethanol and acetic acid and is manufactured on a large scale for use as a solvent. Ethyl acetate is one of the simplest carboxylate esters with a characteristic sweet smell. Due to its low cost, low toxicity, and agreeable odour, Ethyl acetate is used primarily as a solvent.

Ethyl acetate is commonly used as a solvent for paints, varnishes, lacquers, cleaning mixtures, nail polish, and nitrocellulose.

Characterisation of Ethyl Acetate

Ethyl acetate is a flammable liquid and an explosion hazard. It is slightly soluble in water, but soluble in most organic solvents. Some attributes of this substance are:

Its molar mass is 88.1 g. mol-1.
It has an ether-like, fruity odour.
Its melting point is -83.6℃.
Its boiling point is 77.1℃.
It is soluble in water, ethanol, acetone etc.

Applications of Ethyl Acetate

Ethyl Acetate, also known as ethyl ethanoate, acetic acid ethyl ester, acetoxyethane, 1-acetoxyethane, and EtOAC, is used in different industries.

Ethyl Acetate is used primarily as a solvent for paints, lacquers, and varnishes. It is used as an extraction solvent for various processes such as decaffeination of coffee.

Ethyl Acetate also has different applications in the pharmaceutical industry. Other uses of Ethyl Acetate include:

carrier solvent for printing inks, adhesives, and nail polish.
manufacture of artificial leather.
flavour enhancer in the food industry.

Ethyl Acetate production

Ethyl acetate has different uses in various industries. For industrial purposes, It is synthesized by the Fischer esterification reaction. In this reaction, ethanol and acetic acid are used as reactants. The reaction takes place at room temperature. The reaction is given below:

CH3COOH + CH3CH2OH 🡪 CH3COOCH2CH3 + H2O

Ethyl acetate is also produced on a large scale by the Tishchenko reaction. The reaction is given below:

2CH3CHO alkoxide→ CH3COOCH2CH3

Ethyl Acetate storage

Ethyl Acetate should be stored in a cool, dry and well-ventilated facility away from oxidising agents. Other storage conditions include:

Ethyl acetate should be kept out of direct sunlight, heat and open flames.
Ethyl acetate should be stored in drummed containers made of stainless steel, aluminium or carbon steel.
For transportation purposes, ethyl acetate is classed as a flammable liquid with a fire hazard rating of 2.

Ethyl Acetate health hazards

Ethyl acetate has a little risk of toxicity. Its hazardous effects are:

Overuse of ethyl acetate causes irritation in the eyes, nose and throat.
Overuse of Ethyl acetate may cause weakness and unconsciousness.
Regular use of ethyl acetate causes harmful effects on the respiratory tract.
Long-term exposure can affect the liver and kidneys highly.
Exposure to high levels of this solvent can cause you to feel really dizzy, and lightheaded, and even lead to death.

FAQ

What is Ethyl Acetate used for?

Ethyl acetate is used in various industrial applications such as in paints as a hardener, adhesives, paint and coating additives, degreasing solvents, active agents, processing aids and plasticizers. It is also used in coating formulations for wood furniture, agriculture, construction equipment, mining equipment and marine uses.

What are the advantages of Ethyl Acetate?

Ethyl Acetate is cost-efficient, highly effective and relatively non-toxic. Plus, it can be mixed with non-polar solvents.

What is the CAS number of Ethyl Acetate?

the CAS number of Ethyl Acetate is 141-78-6.

Is Ethyl Acetate hazardous?

Ethyl Acetate belongs to the group of flammable liquids. It should keep away from heat, sparks, open flames, and hot surfaces.

What precautions must be taken in handling Ethyl Acetate?

When handling ethyl acetate, it is recommended that you wear safety glasses, gloves, and a vapour respirator. In the case of inhalation, seek fresh air immediately.