Ethyl Acetate

What is ethyl acetate used for?

Ethyl acetate is a clear colorless liquid with a fruity odor. It is found in alcoholic beverages. It is also found in cereal crops, radishes, fruit juices, beer, wine, spirits, etc. It is produced by Anthemis nobilis (Roman chamomile) and the Rubus species. Ethyl Acetate is an organic ester compound with a molecular formula of CH₃COOCH₂CH₃, commonly abbreviated as EtOAc or EA. It is highly miscible with all common organic solvents (alcohols, ketones, glycols, esters), which make it a common solvent for cleaning, paint removal, and coatings. Due to its agreeable aroma and low cost, ethyl acetate is commonly used and manufactured on a large scale worldwide. Ethyl acetate density is 902 / kg/m³.

Manufacturing Process

Ethyl acetate is synthesized in the industry mainly via the Fischer esterification reaction with ethanol and acetic acid. This mixture converts to the ester in about 65% yield at room temperature:

CH₃CH₂OH + CH₃COOH → CH₃COOCH₂CH₃ + H₂O.

The reaction can be accelerated by acid catalysis and the equilibrium can be shifted to the right by the removal of water. It can also be prepared using the Tishchenko reaction by combining two equivalents of acetaldehyde in the presence of an alkoxide catalyst:

2CH₃CHO → CH₃COOCH₂CH₃

Paint and Coating

It is used in a variety of paint and coating formulations such as epoxies, urethanes, acrylics, and vinyl for applications in wood furniture and fixtures, agricultural, construction and mining equipment, auto refinishing, marine, etc. Solvent Ethyl Acetate is a solvent and diluent because of its low cost, toxicity, and agreeable odor. It is commonly used in a wide range of applications, including printing, inks, varnishes, and car care chemicals, and in the production of enamels, plastics, and rubber.

Other Applications

It also plays a role in manufacturing printing inks, in the packaging industry, and in the production of adhesives. In perfumes, it evaporates quickly, leaving only the scent of perfume on the skin.