Ethyl Acetate Solvent, 99%

Ethyl Acetate (CH₃COOCH₂CH₃) as a Solvent

Ethyl acetate is a colorless, sweet-smelling liquid commonly used as a solvent in various industrial and laboratory applications. It is an ester formed from ethanol and acetic acid. Its chemical structure consists of an ethyl group (CH₂CH₃) attached to an acetate group (CH₃COO-).

1. Molecular Formula: C₄H₈O₂
2. Molar Mass: 88.11 g/mol
3. Boiling Point: 77.1 °C (170.8 °F)
4. Melting Point: -83.6 °C (-118.5 °F)
5. Density: 0.902 g/mL at 20 °C
6. Solubility: Moderately soluble in water (8.3 g/100 mL) but highly soluble in organic solvents like ethanol, acetone, and benzene.
7. Odor: Sweet, fruity smell often associated with nail polish remover.

1. Industrial Solvent:

   • Used in paints, coatings, and adhesives to dissolve resins, polymers, and plastics.
   • Ink and dye production: Acts as a solvent for printing inks and textile dyes.
   • Used in the production of varnishes and lacquers due to its ability to dissolve nitrocellulose and other film-forming materials.

2. Pharmaceuticals:

   • Employed as a solvent in drug formulation and in the extraction of bioactive compounds.
   • Used as a carrier solvent for flavors and fragrances in oral medications.

3. Food Industry:

   • Food flavoring and extraction: Used to extract flavor compounds and essential oils from plants.
   • Approved as a food additive (E1504) for certain applications, though its use is limited due to potential health concerns.

4. Laboratory Use:

   • Used as a common extraction solvent in liquid-liquid extraction techniques.
   • Chromatography: Used as an eluent in Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) and High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC).

5. Cosmetics and Personal Care:

   • Key ingredient in nail polish remover, perfumes, and personal care products.

• Low toxicity (though it can cause irritation in high concentrations).
• High volatility, allowing for quick evaporation after application.
• Effective solvating power for a broad range of non-polar and polar compounds.
• Renewable production: It can be produced from bio-based feedstocks.

• Flammability: Ethyl acetate is highly flammable (flash point: -4 °C or 25 °F).
• Health effects: Prolonged exposure can cause respiratory irritation, headaches, and dizziness. Direct skin or eye contact may cause mild irritation.
• Safe handling: Use in well-ventilated areas and store away from sources of ignition. Personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves and goggles should be worn.