Ethyl Acetate, Acetic Ester, Acetic Ether, Ethyl Ethanoate, Reagent Alcohol, Methylated Spirit, Vinegar Naphtha, 141-78-6

Ethyl Acetate (CAS 141-78-6)

Identifiers

• CAS Number: 141-78-6

• Molecular Formula: C4H8O2

• Molar Mass: 88.11 g/mol

• EINECS: 205-500-4

• InChI: InChI=1/C4H8O2/c1-3-6-4(2)5/h3H2,1-2H3

• InChIKey: XEKOWRVHYACXOJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N

Synonyms: Ethyl acetate, Acetic ester, Acetic ether, Ethyl ethanoate, Spirit of wine, Reagent alcohol, Methylated spirit, Acetic acid ethyl ester, Vinegar naphtha, Ethyl acetate capillary grade, Ethyl acetate specially purified.

Physico-Chemical Properties

• Density: 0.898–0.902 g/cm³

• Melting Point: –83.5 °C

• Boiling Point: 73.9–77.1 °C (at 760 mmHg)

• Flash Point: 4–26 °C (highly flammable)

• Refractive Index: 1.370–1.373

• Water Solubility: 64–80 g/L (20–25 °C)

• Vapor Pressure: 112 mmHg (25 °C)

• Vapor Density: 3 (vs air)

• Appearance: Colorless, transparent liquid with fruity odor

• pKa: 16–18 (at 25 °C)

• Stability: Stable under normal conditions; incompatible with strong oxidizers and some plastics. Vapors form explosive mixtures with air.

Preparation Method

Ethyl acetate is typically prepared by esterification:

• Raw materials: Anhydrous ethanol + glacial acetic acid

• Catalyst: Concentrated sulfuric acid

• Process: Mixture is refluxed, cooled, then treated with saturated brine to precipitate crude ester.

• Purity Standard: ≥99.5% (w/w) ethyl acetate content.

Industrial Raw Materials & Downstream Products

• Upstream Raw Materials: Sulfuric acid, ethyl alcohol, 1-butanol

• Downstream Products: Triacetin, acetic anhydride, cyanoacetamide, imidacloprid, gibberellic acid, pharmaceutical intermediates, dyes, and agrochemicals.

Applications

• Solvent: Dissolves nitrocellulose, inks, greases, paints, dyes, plastics, artificial leather.

• Pharmaceutical excipient: Used in drug formulations and extractions.

• Analytical reagent: For bismuth, boron, gold, iron, molybdenum, platinum, potassium, thallium.

• Chromatography: Standard solvent in TLC and GC analysis.

• Drying agent: With anhydrous sodium sulfate or magnesium sulfate.

• Other uses: Perfumes, artificial flavors, varnishes, adhesives, and cleaning agents.

Risk & Safety

• Hazard Symbols: F (Flammable), Xi (Irritant)

• Risk Codes:

  • R11: Highly flammable

  • R36: Irritating to eyes

  • R66: Repeated exposure may cause skin dryness/cracking

  • R67: Vapors may cause drowsiness/dizziness

• Safety Precautions:

  • S16: Keep away from ignition sources

  • S26: In case of eye contact, rinse with water and seek medical advice

  • S33: Prevent static discharge

• UN ID: 1173

• Toxicity: Rat oral LD50 ≈ 11.3 mL/kg

• Environmental Impact: Harmful to aquatic environments; vapors can cause anesthetic effects at high concentrations.

Analytical & Quality Control

• Clarity & Color: Solution should be clear and colorless.

• Acidity Test: ≤0.10 mL NaOH (0.1 mol/L) consumption.

• Carbonization Test: No color development with sulfuric acid.

• Non-volatile Residue: ≤0.6 mg per 20 g sample.

• Moisture Content: ≤0.0832%.

• GC Assay: Impurities ≤0.2% of main peak area.

• Content Determination: Titration with NaOH/HCl, corrected with blank test.

Storage Conditions

• Store in sealed containers in a cool, ventilated, dry warehouse.

• Keep away from fire, heat, oxidizers, and moisture.

• Recommended storage temperature: ≤30 °C.