Methyl Acetate is an important ester solvent used in the chemical, petrochemical, paint and resin, printing ink, adhesive, and industrial coating industries. This substance, with the chemical formula C3H6O2 and CAS number 79-20-9, is a clear, colorless liquid with a fruity odor. Its rapid evaporation, useful solvency, and compatibility with selected resins and polymers make it valuable in many industrial formulations.
In recent years, manufacturers have considered this solvent as an alternative to certain traditional solvents in specific applications. Its suitability depends on formulation requirements, workplace safety, emissions regulations, and the technical specifications of the final product. Explore other industrial chemicals supplied by Aasad Chimie for related applications.
Methyl Acetate at a Glance
This volatile ester has the molecular formula C3H6O2 and is used in paints, industrial coatings, printing inks, adhesives, chemical extraction, and selected pharmaceutical processes. Its low boiling point and rapid evaporation make it useful in formulations that require fast drying.
What Is Methyl Acetate?
Methyl Acetate, also known as methyl ethanoate, is an organic ester commonly produced by reacting methanol with acetic acid. Its low boiling point allows it to evaporate quickly, making it suitable for processes that require rapid solvent removal.
This compound serves as a solvent and chemical intermediate in various industrial processes. For alternative ester solvents, see Ethyl Acetate and Normal Butyl Acetate.
Methyl Acetate Specifications
| Specification | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Methyl Acetate |
| Chemical Name | Methyl Ethanoate |
| CAS Number | 79-20-9 |
| Molecular Formula | C3H6O2 |
| Molecular Weight | 74.08 g/mol |
| Appearance | Clear, colorless liquid |
| Purity | 99.5% minimum, subject to supplier specification |
| Density at 20°C | Approximately 0.93 g/cm³; verify against the supplier’s technical data sheet |
| Boiling Point | Approximately 57.1°C |
| Melting Point | Approximately -98°C |
| Flash Point | Approximately -10°C; depends on the test method |
| Solubility in Water | Limited |
Key Features
- High evaporation rate
- Solvency for selected resins and organic compounds
- Characteristic fruity odor
- Low residue when properly formulated and evaporated
- Compatibility with selected printing and coating processes
- Use in fast-drying formulations
- Potential to replace certain conventional solvents in suitable applications
Industrial Applications
Paint and Coating Industry
This ester is used in certain industrial paints, protective coatings, varnishes, and quick-drying coating products. Its rapid evaporation can shorten drying time, depending on the formulation and processing conditions.
- Industrial paints
- Metal coatings
- Lacquers and varnishes
- Protective coatings
Printing and Packaging Industry
In flexographic and gravure printing inks, the solvent may be used as a primary or auxiliary component. Its evaporation profile can support efficient drying on printing lines when compatible with the ink formulation and operating conditions.
Adhesive Industry
Some industrial adhesives, packaging adhesives, and products used in footwear and leather manufacturing use this compound as a solvent. Selection depends on resin compatibility, drying requirements, and the final product specifications.
Pharmaceutical and Chemical Industries
The compound can be used in selected extraction processes, chemical intermediate production, and organic synthesis. Pharmaceutical applications must meet the required purity and residual-solvent standards.
Electronics Industry
Selected industrial processes may use this solvent for cleaning or producing specialized materials. Compatibility with sensitive components and workplace safety requirements should be assessed before use.
Benefits of Using This Solvent
- Fast evaporation in suitable formulations
- Potentially shorter production and drying times
- Useful solvency for selected applications
- Compatibility with certain coating and printing processes
- Versatility across multiple industrial sectors
- Potential substitution for selected conventional solvents, subject to technical and regulatory evaluation
Global Market Overview
Demand for this ester is influenced by the printing, packaging, industrial coating, automotive, and chemical industries. The need for fast-drying formulations and changes in solvent regulations can affect its use in international markets.
China, India, the United States, Germany, Japan, and South Korea are significant chemical production and consumption markets. Buyers should assess availability, technical specifications, transport costs, and local regulations before selecting a supplier.
Packaging and Storage Conditions
- Metal drums, often around 180–200 kg depending on supplier specifications
- Intermediate bulk containers (IBCs), where suitable and approved
- Bulk chemical tankers designed for flammable liquids
- Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area
- Keep away from heat, sparks, flames, and other ignition sources
- Use suitable equipment for handling flammable liquids
Always follow the supplier’s Safety Data Sheet (SDS), applicable transport requirements, and local workplace safety regulations.
International Sources and References
- PubChem – Methyl Acetate
- European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
- NIOSH – Occupational Safety Resources
- ScienceDirect – Chemical Research
Explore Industrial Chemicals
To review available products and related chemical solutions, visit the Aasad Chimie product catalog. For availability, specifications, or purchasing inquiries, contact the Aasad Chimie team.
What is Methyl Acetate?
Methyl Acetate, also known as methyl ethanoate, is a volatile organic ester solvent with the chemical formula C₃H₆O₂ and CAS number 79-20-9. It is commonly used in industrial coatings, printing inks, adhesives, and chemical processes.
What are the main applications of Methyl Acetate?
It is used in paints, protective coatings, printing inks, packaging adhesives, footwear and leather products, chemical extraction, and selected pharmaceutical processes.
What is the chemical formula of Methyl Acetate?
Its chemical formula is C₃H₆O₂, and its molecular weight is approximately 74.08 g/mol.
What are the key physical properties of Methyl Acetate?
It is a clear, colorless liquid with a fruity odor. Its boiling point is approximately 57.1°C, and its density is around 0.93 g/cm³ at 20°C, although exact values should be verified against the supplier's technical data sheet.
Why is Methyl Acetate used in paints and coatings?
Its high evaporation rate and solvency for selected resins make it useful in formulations requiring rapid drying and efficient production.
Is Methyl Acetate suitable for printing inks and adhesives?
Yes. It can serve as a primary or auxiliary solvent in certain flexographic and gravure printing inks, as well as in selected packaging, footwear, and leather adhesives. Suitability depends on the formulation.
Is Methyl Acetate soluble in water?
It has limited but measurable solubility in water. Its compatibility with other liquids depends on the composition and operating conditions.
Is Methyl Acetate flammable?
Yes. It is a highly flammable liquid. Keep it away from heat, sparks, open flames, and other ignition sources, and follow the supplier's Safety Data Sheet (SDS).
How should Methyl Acetate be stored?
Store it in tightly closed, compatible containers in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area. Use appropriate precautions for flammable liquids and follow applicable storage and transport regulations.
What should buyers check when purchasing Methyl Acetate?
Buyers should confirm purity, moisture content, acidity, relevant impurity limits, packaging, batch consistency, and the supplier's Certificate of Analysis (CoA) and Safety Data Sheet (SDS).