Description

Ethyl Acetate Tech Grade 99.8%

Ethyl acetate is a widely used solvent. Ethyl acetate is the acetate ester formed between acetic acid and ethanol. It has a role as a polar aprotic solvent. Ethyl acetate appears as a clear colorless liquid with a fruity odor. Its flash point is 24 °F and is less dense than water. It's vapors are heavier than air.  Ethyl acetate is a common solvent for column and thin-layer chromatography.  It is also used as a defatting agent for extraction and can be used to extract oil from organic materials.  Ethyl acetate is commonly used to extract oil from coffee. Ethyl acetate is an organic solvent that is volatile and flammable. 

Chemical Formula:	C4H8O2
Molecular Weight:	88.106
CAS Registry Number:	141-78-6
Appearance	Colorless Liquid
Odor:	nail polish-like, fruity
Density	0.902 g/cm3
Boiling Point:	77.1C/170.8F
Solubility in water:	8.3 g/100 mL (at 20 °C)
GHS Pictograms:
GHS Signal Word:	Danger
GHS Hazard Statements:	H225, H319, H336
GHS Precautionary Statements	P210, P233, P240, P305+P351+P338, P403+P235
UN Identification Number:	1173
Proper Shipping Name:	Ethyl Acetate
Transport Hazard Class:	3
Packing Group:	II
DOT Placard:

How Is Ethyl Acetate Produced?

Ethyl acetate is primarily produced through the esterification reaction between ethanol (ethyl alcohol) and acetic acid. This reaction typically takes place in the presence of an acid catalyst, such as sulfuric acid or strong acidic ion exchange resins. The production process can be summarized as follows:

1. Preparation of Ethanol: Ethanol, the primary raw material for ethyl acetate production, is typically produced through fermentation of biomass, such as grains, sugarcane, or corn, followed by distillation to obtain high-purity ethanol.

2. Preparation of Acetic Acid: Acetic acid, another key raw material for ethyl acetate production, can be produced through various methods, including oxidation of acetaldehyde, methanol carbonylation, or direct synthesis from natural gas or biomass.

3. Esterification Reaction: In the esterification reaction, ethanol and acetic acid are mixed together in the presence of an acid catalyst. The acid catalyst helps facilitate the reaction by providing a suitable environment for the formation of the ester bond. The esterification reaction can be represented by the following chemical equation:

   Ethanol + Acetic Acid ⇌ Ethyl Acetate + Water

4. Separation and Purification: After the esterification reaction, the mixture typically undergoes separation and purification steps to isolate ethyl acetate from other reaction byproducts and unreacted starting materials. This may involve distillation, extraction, or other separation techniques to obtain pure ethyl acetate.

5. Recovery and Recycling: Any unreacted ethanol or acetic acid, as well as other byproducts, are usually recovered from the process stream and recycled back into the production process to improve efficiency and minimize waste.

The production of ethyl acetate can be carried out in batch or continuous processes, depending on the scale and requirements of the production facility. The process may also vary depending on factors such as the choice of catalyst, reaction conditions, and purification methods. Overall, ethyl acetate is a widely used solvent with applications in industries such as coatings, adhesives, pharmaceuticals, and flavorings.

What Is Ethyl Acetate Used For?

Ethyl acetate is a versatile solvent with a wide range of industrial, commercial, and laboratory applications. Some common uses of ethyl acetate include:

1. Paints and Coatings: Ethyl acetate is commonly used as a solvent in the formulation of paints, varnishes, lacquers, and other coatings. It helps dissolve resins, pigments, and binders, allowing for proper application and drying of the coatings.

2. Adhesives and Sealants: Ethyl acetate is utilized as a solvent in the production of adhesives and sealants, particularly those used in woodworking, construction, and automotive industries.

3. Printing Inks: Ethyl acetate is a key component in the formulation of printing inks for various printing processes, including flexographic, gravure, and screen printing. It helps dissolve the ink pigments and other additives, ensuring proper printing quality and performance.

4. Pharmaceuticals: Ethyl acetate is used in pharmaceutical manufacturing processes as a solvent for extracting and purifying natural products, synthesizing pharmaceutical compounds, and formulating dosage forms such as tablets and capsules.

5. Flavors and Fragrances: Ethyl acetate is employed in the production of flavors and fragrances for use in food, beverages, cosmetics, and personal care products. It serves as a solvent for extracting and concentrating natural flavors and essential oils.

6. Nail Polish and Nail Polish Removers: Ethyl acetate is a common ingredient in nail polish formulations and nail polish removers. It helps dissolve the resins and pigments in nail polish and effectively removes nail polish from nails.

7. Cleaners and Degreasers: Ethyl acetate is used as a solvent in cleaning products, degreasers, and surface coatings for removing grease, oil, and other contaminants from surfaces and equipment.

8. Analytical Chemistry: Ethyl acetate is frequently used as a solvent in analytical chemistry techniques such as liquid-liquid extraction, chromatography, and sample preparation for gas chromatography.

9. Extraction of Natural Products: Ethyl acetate is used in the extraction of natural products from plants, herbs, and botanicals due to its ability to selectively dissolve certain compounds while leaving others behind.

These are just a few examples of the diverse range of applications for ethyl acetate. Its versatility, low toxicity, and pleasant odor make it a popular choice for various industrial and commercial uses. However, it's important to handle ethyl acetate with care, as it is flammable and may pose health risks if not used properly.

What Are The Hazards of Ethyl Acetate?

While ethyl acetate is generally considered to have low toxicity compared to many other organic solvents, it still poses some hazards that should be taken into consideration, especially when handling it in industrial or laboratory settings. Some of the hazards associated with ethyl acetate include:

1. Flammability: Ethyl acetate is highly flammable and can form explosive mixtures with air. It has a low flash point and can ignite easily in the presence of a spark, flame, or heat source. Proper precautions, such as storing ethyl acetate in tightly sealed containers away from ignition sources and ensuring adequate ventilation to prevent the buildup of flammable vapors, are necessary to minimize the risk of fire and explosions.

2. Health Effects: While ethyl acetate is considered to have low acute toxicity, exposure to high concentrations of vapors or prolonged exposure may cause irritation to the eyes, nose, and throat. Inhaling ethyl acetate vapors in large quantities may also cause dizziness, headaches, nausea, and central nervous system depression. Skin contact with ethyl acetate may result in irritation or dermatitis. Individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions or sensitivities may be more susceptible to the effects of ethyl acetate exposure.

3. Environmental Impact: Ethyl acetate can have adverse effects on the environment if released into the air, water, or soil. It is volatile and can evaporate quickly from spills or during use, contributing to air pollution. Ethyl acetate may also pose a risk to aquatic organisms if it contaminates water bodies. Proper handling, storage, and disposal practices are necessary to prevent environmental contamination.

4. Reproductive and Developmental Effects: Some studies have suggested that exposure to high concentrations of ethyl acetate may have adverse effects on reproductive health and fetal development. Pregnant women exposed to ethyl acetate vapors should take precautions to minimize exposure to protect both their health and the health of the developing fetus.

5. Sensitization: Prolonged or repeated exposure to ethyl acetate may lead to sensitization reactions in some individuals, resulting in allergic reactions upon subsequent exposure.

It's important to follow safety guidelines and regulations when handling ethyl acetate to minimize risks to human health and the environment. This includes using appropriate personal protective equipment (such as gloves, goggles, and respiratory protection), ensuring adequate ventilation in work areas, and implementing proper storage and disposal practices. Training on safe handling procedures and emergency response protocols should also be provided to personnel working with ethyl acetate.