Ethyl Acetate

Introduction

Ethyl acetate is an organic compound that is an ester derived from the combination of ethanol and acetic acid. It is a colorless liquid with a characteristic smell that is slightly sweet and fruity. It is a moderately polar solvent that has the advantages of being volatile, relatively non-toxic, and non-hygroscopic. It is a weak hydrogen bond acceptor, and is not a donor due to the lack of an acidic proton (that is, a hydrogen atom directly bonded to an electronegative atom such as fluorine, oxygen, or nitrogen). Ethyl acetate can dissolve up to three percent water and has a solubility of eight percent in water at room temperature. At elevated temperature its solubility in water is higher.

Application

Ethyl acetate is widely employed as a solvent for nail varnishes and nail varnish removers. Industrially, it is used to decaffeinate coffee beans and tea leaves. In chemistry, it is often mixed with a non-polar solvent such as hexanes as a chromatography solvent. It is also used as a solvent for extractions. It is used in confectionery and perfumes. It is used in perfumes because it confers a fruity smell (as do many esters) and evaporates quickly, leaving the scent of the perfume on the skin. It is used in paints as an activator or hardener. In the field of entomology, ethyl acetate is an effective poison for use in insect collecting and study. In a killing jar charged with ethyl acetate, the vapors will kill the collected (usually adult) insect quickly without destroying it. Because it is not hygroscopic, ethyl acetate also keeps the insect soft enough to allow proper mounting suitable for a collection.

Specification

Packing: 180kg/plastic drum, 14.4MT/20'FCL