Ethyl acetate
[CAS# 141-78-6]

Identification

• Classification: Organic raw materials >> Carboxylic compounds and derivatives >> Carboxylic esters and their derivatives
• Name: Ethyl acetate
• Synonyms: Acetic acid ethyl ester
• Molecular Formula: C₄H₈O₂
• Molecular Weight: 88.10
• CAS Registry Number: 141-78-6
• EC Number: 205-500-4
• SMILES: CCOC(=O)C

Properties

• Density: 0.9±0.1 g/cm³ Calc.^*, 0.902 g/mL (Expl.)
• Melting point: -84 °C (Expl.)
• Boiling point: 73.9±3.0 °C 760 mmHg (Calc.)^*, 76.5 - 77.5 °C (Expl.)
• Flash point: -3.3 °C (Calc.)^*, -4.4 °C (Expl.)
• Solubility: 10.0 g/100g (water) (Expl.)
• Index of refraction: 1.373 (Calc.)^*, 1.372 (Expl.)

^* Calculated using Advanced Chemistry Development (ACD/Labs) Software.

Safety Data

• Hazard Symbols: GHS02;GHS07 Danger
• Risk Statements: H225-H319:-H336:
• Safety Statements: P210-P233-P240-P241-P242-P243-P261-P264+P265-P271-P280-P303+P361+P353-P304+P340-P305+P351+P338-P319-P337+P317-P370+P378-P403+P233-P403+P235-P405-P501

Hazard Classification

Hazard	Class	Category Code	Hazard Statement
Flammable liquids	Flam. Liq.	2	H225
Specific target organ toxicity - single exposure	STOT SE	3	H336
Eye irritation	Eye Irrit.	2	H319
Specific target organ toxicity - single exposure	STOT SE	3	H335
Chronic hazardous to the aquatic environment	Aquatic Chronic	1	H410
Eye irritation	Eye Irrit.	2A	H319
Chronic hazardous to the aquatic environment	Aquatic Chronic	3	H412
Flammable liquids	Flam. Liq.	1	H224
Skin sensitization	Skin Sens.	1	H317
Chronic hazardous to the aquatic environment	Aquatic Chronic	2	H411
Skin corrosion	Skin Corr.	1	H314
Acute toxicity	Acute Tox.	4	H302
Flammable liquids	Flam. Liq.	2	H226
Acute toxicity	Acute Tox.	4	H332
Aspiration hazard	Asp. Tox.	1	H304

• Transport Information: UN 1173

Discovery and Applications

Ethyl acetate, with the chemical formula CH₃COOCH₂CH₃, is a colorless, volatile organic ester with a characteristic sweet, fruity odor. It is one of the most widely used solvents in both industrial and laboratory settings due to its favorable physical properties, relatively low toxicity, and biodegradability. It is also known by its systematic name, ethyl ethanoate.

The compound is typically synthesized by the esterification of ethanol and acetic acid in the presence of an acid catalyst such as sulfuric acid. This equilibrium process, known as Fischer esterification, has been used since the 19th century. The reaction is reversible, and removal of water is necessary to drive the reaction to completion and improve yields. Ethyl acetate can also be produced by the Tishchenko reaction, in which two molecules of acetaldehyde undergo disproportionation in the presence of a base or aluminum alkoxide catalyst to form the ester.

Ethyl acetate has a boiling point of approximately 77 °C and a relatively low viscosity, making it easy to evaporate after use in formulations. Its low polarity allows it to dissolve a wide range of organic compounds, including resins, oils, waxes, and polymers, while its miscibility with other solvents like ethanol, acetone, and ether enhances its versatility in solution preparation.

The main industrial application of ethyl acetate is as a solvent in paints, varnishes, lacquers, and coatings. It dissolves film-forming agents and facilitates their application and drying. In the printing industry, ethyl acetate is used in inks for flexographic and rotogravure printing processes. It is also a common ingredient in adhesives, particularly those used in packaging, construction, and automotive industries.

In the pharmaceutical and cosmetic sectors, ethyl acetate is employed as an extraction solvent and as a carrier for active ingredients. It is used in the formulation of nail polish removers, perfumes, and skin care products. Due to its volatility, it leaves minimal residue after application, which is desirable in these consumer products.

Ethyl acetate also plays a role in food processing. It occurs naturally in some fruits and is used as a flavoring agent or aroma additive due to its fruity scent. It is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by regulatory agencies when used in limited amounts.

In the laboratory, ethyl acetate is commonly used in liquid–liquid extraction and chromatography. It is especially important in thin-layer chromatography (TLC) and column chromatography as a mobile phase or solvent system component. Its ability to dissolve both polar and nonpolar substances to varying degrees makes it useful in purifying organic compounds.

Ethyl acetate is biodegradable and less toxic than many other organic solvents, but it is still flammable and should be handled with care. Adequate ventilation, fire prevention measures, and proper storage are required in environments where it is used in significant quantities. Exposure to high concentrations can cause irritation of the eyes, skin, and respiratory tract.

In summary, ethyl acetate is a widely used organic ester synthesized from ethanol and acetic acid. Its excellent solvent properties, pleasant odor, and low toxicity have made it a key component in coatings, inks, adhesives, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and food flavorings. It also serves as a vital solvent in chemical laboratories for purification and analytical techniques.

References

2025. Bioactive Metabolites of Serratia sp. NhPB1 Isolated from Pitcher of Nepenthes and its Application to Control Pythium aphanidermatum. Probiotics and Antimicrobial Proteins, 17(2).
DOI: 10.1007/s12602-023-10154-7

2025. Characteristics of catalytic destruction of dichloromethane and ethyl acetate mixture over HxPO4-RuOx/CeO2 catalyst. Journal of Environmental Sciences, 148.
DOI: 10.1016/j.jes.2023.05.011

2025. Ethyl acetate fraction of Thesium chinense Turcz. alleviates chronic obstructive pulmonary disease through inhibition of ferroptosis mediated by activating Nrf2/SLC7A11/GPX4 axis. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 336.
DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.118776