Isopropyl Acetate vs Ethyl Acetate
Comprehensive comparison of Isopropyl Acetate and Ethyl Acetate including physical properties, applications, safety considerations, and pricing. Alliance Chemical supplies both chemicals in various grades and concentrations.
Quick Comparison Summary
Physical & Chemical Properties Comparison
| Property | Isopropyl Acetate | Ethyl Acetate | Key Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boiling Point | 89 °C | 77.1°C | Isopropyl Acetate boils 11.9°C higher |
| Flash Point ⚠️ | 18 °C | -4°C | Ethyl Acetate is more flammable |
| Density | 0.872 g/cm³ | 0.900 g/cm³ | Ethyl Acetate is denser |
| Water Solubility | Slightly soluble in water (2.9 g/100 mL at 20°C) | 8.3 g/100 mL at 20°C | |
| pH | N/A | N/A | Data not available for direct comparison |
| Molecular Weight | 102.13 g/mol | 88.11 g/mol | Isopropyl Acetate is heavier molecule |
| Melting Point | -73.4 °C | -83.6°C | Isopropyl Acetate melts 10.2°C higher |
| Vapor Pressure | 40 mmHg at 20°C | 97 mmHg at 20°C | Ethyl Acetate is more volatile |
| Auto-ignition Temp ⚠️ | 425 °C | 427°C | Isopropyl Acetate auto-ignites at lower temp |
| Vapor Density | 3.5 (air = 1) | 3.04 (air = 1) | Isopropyl Acetate vapors sink more |
| Appearance | Clear, colorless liquid | Clear, colorless liquid | Similar appearance |
| Odor | Fruity, sweet | Sweet, fruity |
Data sourced from PubChem (NIH), OSHA Technical Guidelines, and Alliance Chemical laboratory analysis. Last verified May 2026.
Applications & Use Cases
Isopropyl Acetate Best For:
- Solvent for cellulose nitrate
- Solvent for lacquers
- Solvent for plastics
- Flavoring agent
- Fragrance component
Ethyl Acetate Best For:
- Industrial solvent
- Laboratory reagent
- Extraction solvent
- Component in adhesives
- Pharmaceutical manufacturing
Choosing Between Them
The right choice depends on your specific application, required purity, and handling capabilities. Contact our team for guidance on which chemical best fits your needs.
Safety & Handling Comparison
Storage Requirements
Always store in original containers in a cool, well-ventilated area per NFPA 30 guidelines. Refer to each product's SDS for specific storage temperature ranges and incompatible materials.
PPE Requirements
At minimum: chemical-resistant gloves, safety goggles, and adequate ventilation per OSHA 29 CFR 1910.132-138. Check each SDS below for chemical-specific PPE requirements.
Fire Hazard
Ethyl Acetate has a lower flash point and requires extra fire precautions.
Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
Which Chemical Should You Choose?
Decision Snapshot
| Decision Factor | Better Fit | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Evaporation Profile | Ethyl Acetate | Lower boiling point supports faster flash-off. |
| Fire Safety Margin | Isopropyl Acetate | Higher flash point generally reduces ignition risk in handling and storage. |
| Application Breadth | Ethyl Acetate | Compares distinct listed use cases to avoid generic recommendations. |
| Purity Flexibility | Standard grades | Based on availability of 99%+ concentration options in current product metadata. |
Choose Isopropyl Acetate if:
- You specifically need support for solvent for cellulose nitrate applications.
- You specifically need support for solvent for lacquers applications.
- You need a higher-boiling solvent that stays in-process longer.
- Fire-risk controls are a priority and you prefer the higher flash-point option.
Choose Ethyl Acetate if:
- You specifically need support for industrial solvent applications.
- You specifically need support for extraction solvent applications.
- You want a faster-evaporating solvent for quick-dry production steps.
- You can manage stricter flammable-liquid controls for lower flash-point performance.
Commercial & Fulfillment Snapshot
Built for purchasing teams that need predictable dispatch, compliant documentation, and freight flexibility from parcel to full truckload.
| Procurement Advantage | Isopropyl Acetate | Ethyl Acetate |
|---|---|---|
| Grade & Concentration Coverage | multiple concentration options by application with industrial/lab procurement support. | multiple concentration options by application with industrial/lab procurement support. |
| Packaging Depth | small packs through bulk freight quantities for parcel, pallet, and truckload planning. | small packs through bulk freight quantities for parcel, pallet, and truckload planning. |
| Dispatch SLA | Order by 1 PM CT (Mon-Thu) or noon CT Friday for same-business-day outbound from Taylor, TX. | Order by 1 PM CT (Mon-Thu) or noon CT Friday for same-business-day outbound from Taylor, TX. |
| Freight Optionality | UPS Ground for small packs plus LTL/FTL lanes through ABF, SEFL, Saia, XPO, and partner carriers. | UPS Ground for small packs plus LTL/FTL lanes through ABF, SEFL, Saia, XPO, and partner carriers. |
| Compliance Readiness | SDS ready now; COA/TDS support available pre-PO and post-order. | SDS ready now; COA/TDS support available pre-PO and post-order. |
| Bulk Procurement CTA | Request bulk quote or call (512) 365-6838. | Request bulk quote or call (512) 365-6838. |
Need Help Deciding? Our technical team can help you choose the right chemical for your specific application. Email sales@alliancechemical.com for expert guidance.
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Alliance Chemical supplies both Isopropyl Acetate and Ethyl Acetate in various grades and package sizes.