Ethyl Acetate is one of the most important organic solvents in the chemical, petrochemical, paint and resin, printing, packaging, pharmaceutical, and adhesive industries. This substance, with the chemical formula C4H8O2 and CAS number 141-78-6, is produced as a clear, colorless liquid with a sweet, fruity odor. Due to its suitable evaporation rate, high solvency, and relatively low toxicity, it is widely used in the global industrial solvent market.
Today, various industries are looking for solvents that provide reliable technical performance while reducing environmental impact. This ester has found a place in many modern formulations due to its biodegradability compared with several traditional solvents. You can explore other industrial chemicals on the Aasad Chimie products page.
Ethyl Acetate at a Glance
This ester solvent has the molecular formula C4H8O2 and is used in paint, printing ink, adhesive, pharmaceutical, flexible packaging, cosmetics, and chemical extraction applications. Its rapid evaporation and effective solvency make it a common choice across multiple industries.
What Is Ethyl Acetate?
Ethyl acetate, also known as ethyl ethanoate, is an organic ester commonly produced through the reaction of ethanol and acetic acid in the presence of a catalyst. It has a pleasant fruity odor and serves as a multipurpose solvent in various industrial processes.
The combination of boiling point, evaporation rate, and solvency makes this chemical suitable for paints, coatings, adhesives, printing inks, and pharmaceutical applications. For related solvent options, see Normal Butyl Acetate and Methyl Acetate.
Ethyl Acetate Specifications
| Specification | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Ethyl Acetate |
| Chemical Name | Ethyl Ethanoate |
| CAS Number | 141-78-6 |
| Molecular Formula | C4H8O2 |
| Molecular Weight | 88.11 g/mol |
| Appearance | Clear and colorless liquid |
| Purity | 99.5% minimum, subject to supplier specification |
| Density at 20°C | Approximately 0.90 g/cm³ |
| Boiling Point | Approximately 77.1°C |
| Melting Point | Approximately -83.6°C |
| Flash Point | Approximately -4°C, closed-cup value may vary by test method |
| Solubility in Water | Limited |
Key Features
- High solvency for many resins and organic compounds
- Fast and relatively uniform evaporation
- Fruity odor compared with many industrial solvents
- Compatibility with a wide range of resin systems
- Low residue when properly formulated and evaporated
- Suitability for multiple industrial applications
- Biodegradability under appropriate environmental conditions
Industrial Applications
Paint and Coating Industry
This solvent is used in industrial paints, protective coatings, lacquers, and varnishes. It can help adjust formulation viscosity, film formation, and drying behavior.
- Industrial paints
- Lacquers and varnishes
- Protective coatings
- Wood and metal coatings
Printing and Packaging Industry
In flexographic and gravure printing inks, the compound is used as a solvent for suitable resins. Its evaporation profile can support efficient drying on printing lines, depending on the ink formulation and operating conditions.
Adhesive Industry
Some industrial adhesives used in packaging and footwear production rely on this ester as a solvent. Final suitability depends on the adhesive resin, drying requirements, and production process.
Pharmaceutical Industry
The chemical can be used as a process solvent for extraction and separation in pharmaceutical manufacturing. Its use must meet the relevant purity, residual-solvent, and regulatory requirements for the intended application.
Cosmetics and Personal Care
It is used in certain formulations, including nail polish and some nail polish removers. Suitability depends on formulation requirements and applicable product regulations.
Chemical Extraction
Laboratories and chemical manufacturers use this solvent to extract and separate selected organic compounds. Its performance depends on the target substance and the extraction process.
Benefits of Using This Solvent
- Fast drying in suitable formulations
- Potential improvements in production efficiency
- Useful solvency for selected coatings and printing inks
- Compatibility with various resin systems
- Low residue when used under appropriate conditions
- Versatility across different industrial processes
Position in the Global Market
Global demand for this ester is influenced by the printing, packaging, automotive, construction, and pharmaceutical industries. Demand for flexible packaging and developments in paints and coatings contribute to its industrial use.
China, India, the United States, Germany, Japan, and South Korea are among the major markets and production centers for this chemical. Buyers should evaluate local availability, technical specifications, transport costs, and applicable regulations when selecting a supplier.
Packaging and Storage Conditions
Common industrial packaging and transport options include:
- Metal drums, often around 180–200 kg, depending on supplier packaging
- Intermediate bulk containers (IBCs), where approved and suitable
- Bulk chemical tankers designed for flammable liquids
Store the product in tightly closed, compatible containers in a cool, well-ventilated area. Keep it away from sparks, flames, heat sources, and other ignition sources. Use suitable grounding, bonding, and equipment designed for flammable-liquid environments. Always follow the supplier’s Safety Data Sheet (SDS) and local handling requirements.
International Sources and References
- PubChem – Ethyl Acetate
- European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
- NIOSH – Occupational Safety and Health Resources
- ScienceDirect – Chemical and Solvent Research
Explore Industrial Solvents
For product availability and technical specifications, visit the Aasad Chimie industrial chemicals catalog. For purchasing inquiries or additional information, contact the Aasad Chimie team
What is Ethyl Acetate?
Ethyl Acetate is an organic ester solvent with the chemical formula C₄H₈O₂ and CAS number 141-78-6. It is a clear, colorless liquid with a characteristic fruity odor, widely used in industrial formulations.
What is Ethyl Acetate used for?
It is used in paints, coatings, printing inks, adhesives, flexible packaging, pharmaceutical processing, cosmetics, and chemical extraction.
What are the chemical properties of Ethyl Acetate?
Its molecular weight is 88.11 g/mol, boiling point is approximately 77.1°C, and density is approximately 0.90 g/cm³ at 20°C. Exact values may vary slightly with measurement conditions and reference sources.
Is Ethyl Acetate soluble in water?
Ethyl Acetate has limited solubility in water. It is more commonly used as an organic solvent for resins, coatings, inks, and other suitable compounds.
Why is Ethyl Acetate widely used in printing inks?
Its solvency and evaporation rate make it suitable for many flexographic and gravure printing ink formulations. The appropriate solvent depends on the ink composition and production conditions.
What is the difference between Ethyl Acetate and Butyl Acetate?
Ethyl Acetate generally evaporates faster and has a lower boiling point than n-Butyl Acetate. Butyl Acetate evaporates more slowly, which can be beneficial when a formulation requires a longer drying time.
Is Ethyl Acetate flammable?
Yes. It is a highly flammable liquid. It should be stored in sealed, compatible containers away from heat, sparks, open flames, and other ignition sources, following the supplier's Safety Data Sheet (SDS).
How should Ethyl Acetate be stored?
Store it in tightly closed, compatible containers in a cool, well-ventilated area. Keep it away from ignition sources and follow applicable safety, handling, and storage requirements.
What purity is commonly available for industrial Ethyl Acetate?
Industrial grades may be available at 99.5% purity or higher, depending on the supplier and specification. Buyers should confirm purity, moisture content, acidity, and other relevant parameters using the technical data sheet and Certificate of Analysis (CoA).
What should buyers check when selecting Ethyl Acetate?
Buyers should review purity, moisture content, acidity, intended application, packaging, batch consistency, safety documentation, and supplier specifications before purchasing.