Ethyl Acetate, Ethyl Ethanoate, 141-78-6

Ethyl Acetate, Ethyl Ethanoate, 141-78-6

ETHYL ACETATE (C₄H₈O₂)

Ethyl Acetate / Ethyl Ethanoate / Acetic Acid Ethyl Ester
CAS Number: 141-78-6
EC Number: 205-500-4

1. IDENTIFICATION INFORMATION

2. PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

3. CHEMICAL PROPERTIES

Esterification (Fischer Esterification):

CH₃COOH + CH₃CH₂OH  —[H₂SO₄]—> CH₃COOC₂H₅ + H₂O

Acidic Hydrolysis Reaction:

CH₃COOC₂H₅ + H₂O  —[H⁺]—> CH₃COOH + C₂H₅OH

Basic Hydrolysis (Saponification) Reaction:

CH₃COOC₂H₅ + NaOH —> CH₃COONa + C₂H₅OH

Combustion Reaction:

C₄H₈O₂ + 5 O₂ —> 4 CO₂ + 4 H₂O + Heat

Tishchenko Reaction (from Acetaldehyde):

2 CH₃CHO  —[Al(OEt)₃]—> CH₃COOC₂H₅

Ethylene + Acetic Acid Addition Reaction:

CH₂=CH₂ + CH₃COOH —[Catalyst]—> CH₃COOC₂H₅

4. PRODUCTION METHODS

4.1. Fischer Esterification (Traditional Method)

Reaction Equation:

CH₃CH₂OH + CH₃COOH ⇌ CH₃COOC₂H₅ + H₂O

4.2. Tishchenko Reaction

Reaction Equation:

2 CH₃CHO —[Al(OEt)₃]—> CH₃COOC₂H₅

4.3. Ethylene + Acetic Acid Addition Reaction

Reaction Equation:

CH₂=CH₂ + CH₃COOH —[Catalyst]—> CH₃COOC₂H₅

Production Note: More sustainable and lower-risk production methods are in demand.

5. QUALITY SPECIFICATIONS

6. APPLICATIONS

6.1. Chemical Industry

6.2. Food Industry

6.3. Cosmetic Industry

6.4. Textile Industry

6.5. Electronics Industry

6.6. Pharmaceutical Industry

6.7. Laboratory Applications

6.8. Other Applications

7. PHYSICAL PROPERTIES RELATION TO APPLICATIONS

8. SAFETY AND HEALTH INFORMATION (GHS CLASSIFICATION)

EU Risk Phrases (R-Codes):

9. HAZARD STATEMENTS (H-CODES)

10. SAFETY STATEMENTS (P-CODES)

11. EXPOSURE LIMITS

12. TOXICOLOGICAL INFORMATION

Health Effects:

13. FIRST AID MEASURES

14. FIRE FIGHTING MEASURES

15. ENVIRONMENTAL INFORMATION

16. STORAGE AND HANDLING

Handling Notes:

• Use explosion-proof electrical equipment

• Ground and bond containers during transfer to prevent static sparks

• Use only in well-ventilated areas or under fume hood

• Avoid breathing vapors (may cause drowsiness and dizziness)

• Keep away from heat, sparks, and open flames

• Avoid eye and skin contact

• Empty containers may contain explosive vapors

• Use non-sparking tools

17. TRANSPORT INFORMATION

18. REGULATORY INFORMATION

FDA Status: Approved as food additive and flavoring agent (FEMA 2414)

EU Status: Approved as food additive

19. OTHER NAMES AND SYNONYMS

Database Identifiers:

20. SUMMARY AND IMPORTANT WARNINGS

SUMMARY:

Ethyl acetate (C₄H₈O₂, CAS 141-78-6) is a colorless, clear liquid with a pleasant fruity odor (banana, pear, pineapple-like). It is a carboxylic acid ester produced by the esterification of ethanol and acetic acid. It has a molecular weight of 88.11 g/mol, boiling point of 76.5-77.5°C, flash point of 24°C, and density of 0.902 g/mL at 25°C. It has moderate water solubility (64 g/L at 25°C) and is completely miscible with ethanol, diethyl ether, benzene, acetone, and chloroform. It is highly flammable (H225) and its vapor is heavier than air (vapor density 3.04). Major applications include the chemical industry (acylamide, acetyl acetate, methyl heptanone production, reaction solvent), food industry (flavor solvent, decaffeinated coffee/tea production), cosmetic industry (nail polish remover, perfume solvent, artificial fruit flavors), textile (cleaning chemical), electronics (photoresist resin viscosity reduction), pharmaceutical (extraction solvent), laboratory (chromatography reagent), and others (adhesives, varnishes, photographic films, artificial pearl production).

Key Properties:

Main Application Areas:

Key Safety Points:

• HIGHLY FLAMMABLE: Flash point 24°C (H225); keep away from heat, sparks, open flames

• IRRITANT: Causes skin and eye irritation (H315, H319)

• RESPIRATORY HAZARD: Vapors may cause respiratory irritation, drowsiness, and dizziness (H335, H336)

• VAPOR HAZARD: Vapors are heavier than air (3.04 x air); may travel to ignition sources

• EXPLOSION RISK: May form explosive mixtures with air (2.0-11.5% V)

• STATIC ELECTRICITY: May accumulate static charge; use grounding and bonding

• USE PPE: Protective gloves (nitrile, neoprene), safety goggles, face shield, protective clothing

• VENTILATION: Use in fume hood or well-ventilated area

• STORAGE: Cool, well-ventilated area away from oxidizers and ignition sources

IMPORTANT WARNINGS:

High Volatility and Flammability: Ethyl acetate is a highly flammable liquid due to its low boiling point (77°C) and low flash point (24°C). Its vapors are heavier than air and may travel along the ground to distant ignition sources and flash back to the ignition source. Keep away from all ignition sources (sparks, open flames, hot surfaces, static electricity). Use explosion-proof electrical equipment and non-sparking tools. Ground and bond containers during transfer to prevent static discharge.

Inhalation Hazard: Due to its high vapor pressure (97 mmHg at 20°C), ethyl acetate vapors can rapidly accumulate in enclosed spaces and reach hazardous concentrations. Inhalation of vapors can cause respiratory tract irritation, dizziness, drowsiness, and lightheadedness. High concentrations can cause central nervous system depression. Ensure adequate ventilation to keep workplace concentrations below the TWA limit of 400 ppm (1400 mg/m³). Use air monitoring and respiratory protection in enclosed spaces. The NIOSH IDLH (Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health) level is 2000 ppm.

Skin and Eye Irritation: Ethyl acetate can defat the skin and cause dermatitis (skin dryness, cracking, redness) with prolonged or repeated exposure (H315, R66). Eye contact causes irritation and redness (H319, R36). Use nitrile or neoprene gloves to prevent skin contact. Use safety goggles or face shield when there is a risk of eye contact. Wash with plenty of water upon contact.

Static Electricity Hazard: Ethyl acetate can accumulate static electric charge during transfer (pouring, mixing, pumping). Static discharge can ignite flammable vapors and cause fire or explosion. Ground and bond containers, equipment, and yourself during transfer. Use conductive hoses. Avoid high transfer rates that can increase static buildup.

Storage Incompatibilities: Store ethyl acetate away from strong oxidizing agents (nitric acid, peroxides, permanganates, chlorates, perchlorates), strong acids, and strong bases. These materials can cause violent reactions, fire, or explosion. Use stainless steel, HDPE, or glass containers to prevent corrosion. Avoid reactive metals (aluminum, magnesium, zinc).

Food and Cosmetic Applications: Ethyl acetate is widely used in food and cosmetic applications due to its low toxicity and pleasant fruity odor. It is approved by the FDA as a food additive and flavoring agent (FEMA 2414). In food applications, it is used as a flavor solvent and caffeine extraction solvent. In cosmetics, it is the main component of nail polish removers and is used as a carrier in perfumes. The quality of ethyl acetate used must meet appropriate specifications for these applications (low impurities, food-grade purity).

Explosion Limits: Ethyl acetate vapors form explosive mixtures with air in the range of 2.0% to 11.5% by volume. Below the lower explosive limit (LEL, 2.0%), the mixture is too lean to ignite. Above the upper explosive limit (UEL, 11.5%), the mixture is too rich to ignite. However, any concentration between these limits can explode if an ignition source is present. Ensure adequate ventilation to keep workplace concentrations below the LEL.

Fire Fighting: In case of fire, use dry chemical powder, CO₂, alcohol-resistant foam, or water mist for extinction. Do not use water jets (may spread the flames). Containers exposed to fire should be cooled with water mist as they may build up pressure. Firefighters should wear self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and full protective clothing. Thermal decomposition may produce toxic gases including carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide.

Spill Response: In case of spill, eliminate all ignition sources. Evacuate the area and provide adequate ventilation. Wear appropriate PPE (acid-resistant suit, gloves, goggles, SCBA). Contain the spill with inert absorbent material (sand, vermiculite, diatomaceous earth). Collect the absorbent and place in a properly labeled container for hazardous waste disposal. Dilute remaining spill with water (if local regulations permit) or wipe with appropriate solvent. Prevent entry into sewers, waterways, or groundwater.

Analytical Methods (Spectroscopy and Chromatography):

• UV-Vis Spectroscopy: Absorption of ethyl acetate in the UV region can be used for concentration determination.

• IR Spectroscopy: The ester carbonyl group (C=O) shows characteristic absorption at approximately 1740 cm⁻¹, and the C-O stretch at 1200-1250 cm⁻¹. This is used for functional group determination and identification.

• Gas Chromatography (GC): The most common method for purity analysis and contaminant determination of ethyl acetate.

• Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC): Ethyl acetate is a common mobile phase component for polar compounds.

Important Disclaimer: This Technical Data Sheet (TDS) is for informational purposes only. For complete safety, handling, storage, and regulatory compliance information, always refer to the official Safety Data Sheet (SDS) provided by the manufacturer/supplier. Ethyl acetate is a highly flammable liquid and may be harmful if inhaled. Always use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). Ensure adequate ventilation. Keep away from ignition sources. Ground containers to prevent static discharge. In case of spill or fire, follow emergency procedures. Seek immediate medical attention for significant exposures, especially inhalation or ingestion.