Methyl-Acetate

🔬 Basic Information

• Molecular Formula & Weight: C₄H₈O₂ (structural formula CH₃COOC₂H₅), molecular weight approx. 88.11.

• Physical Appearance: Colorless, clear, volatile liquid with a fruity odor.

• Key Parameters:

  • Melting Point: Approx. -84 °C.

  • Boiling Point: Approx. 76.5 – 77.5 °C.

  • Density: Approx. 0.902 g/mL (at 25 °C).

  • Flash Point: Approx. -4 °C (closed cup), classified as a highly flammable liquid.

  • Solubility: Slightly soluble in water (approx. 80 g/L at 20 °C); miscible with most organic solvents (e.g., alcohols, ethers, ketones, aromatic hydrocarbons, etc.).

🎯 Main Applications

Ethyl acetate has an extremely wide range of applications. Its core value lies in its use as a high-performance fast-drying solvent, while also playing a key role in extraction and synthesis.

• Industrial Solvent: Used as a fast-drying solvent for nitrocellulose, ethylcellulose, neoprene, and other resins in the manufacture of paints, coatings, inks, and artificial leather.

• Extraction & Purification: Used as an extractant in the pharmaceutical, flavor/fragrance, and food industries. For example, it is used to extract active ingredients from natural plants and in the decaffeination of coffee and tea. In the laboratory, it is also used for column chromatography separation and pesticide residue analysis.

• Organic Synthesis Raw Material: Participates in transesterification and self-condensation reactions (e.g., synthesis of ethyl acetoacetate), among others.

• Analysis & Testing: Commonly used as a mobile phase or solvent in instrumental analysis such as High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC).

• Daily Use Products & Food: Used as an ingredient in nail polish removers and adhesives, as well as a food flavoring additive.

⚛️ Chemical Properties

• Hydrolysis Reaction: In the presence of acid or base catalysts, it can react with water to hydrolyze into acetic acid and ethanol.

• Transesterification Reaction: Can react with other alcohols to form different esters.

• Self-Condensation Reaction: Under specific conditions, intermolecular condensation can occur to form ethyl acetoacetate, which is an important intermediate in organic synthesis.

⚠️ Safety & Storage

• Highly Flammable: Its vapors can form explosive mixtures with air (explosive limits: 2.2% – 11.5%). It can easily cause combustion or explosion upon exposure to open flames, high heat, or static electricity. Vapors are heavier than air and may spread along the ground, posing a flashback risk upon contact with ignition sources.

• Health Hazards: Irritating to the eyes, nose, and throat. High-concentration inhalation may cause narcosis, dizziness, or central nervous system depression. Prolonged or repeated exposure may cause skin degreasing, dryness, or dermatitis.

• Toxicity Data: Rat oral LD₅₀ is approximately 5620 mg/kg.

• Storage & Handling: Should be stored in a cool, well-ventilated dedicated warehouse (storage temperature recommended ≤ 30 °C), away from ignition sources and heat sources, and separated from strong oxidizing agents, strong acids, and strong alkalis. The operating area must be equipped with explosion-proof equipment, and operations should be carried out in a fume hood. Operators should wear protective gloves, goggles, and appropriate protective clothing.