Ethyl Acetate

Product Overview

Ethyl acetate (C₄H₈O₂) is a colorless, volatile liquid with a sweet, fruity odor and low toxicity relative to many industrial solvents. Its boiling point of 77.1°C and relative vapor pressure of 97 mmHg at 20°C support rapid evaporation in targeted applications, enabling efficient coating cures and fast solvent turnover in analytical laboratories. The compound exhibits miscibility with many organic solvents, including ethanol, ether, and chloroform, while being only slightly soluble in water, which makes it an excellent solvent for a broad range of resins, coatings, and extractive processes. Its refractive index of 1.372 (20°C) and density of 0.902 g/mL provide stable physical properties for routine QC checks and chromatographic reproducibility, aligning with ACS Reagent Grade and USP-NF monograph expectations. This product is designed for industrial and laboratory use where reliable solvency, controlled volatility, and consistent purity are essential for process efficiency and product quality.

Its selective solvency, low acidity (≤0.0003 meq/g), and tightly controlled aldehyde and impurity profiles help minimize baseline drift in HPLC analyses and reduce unwanted side reactions in coating formulations. With a shelf life of up to 24 months when stored properly, Ethyl acetate supports long-term production planning and supply chain resilience for solvent-intensive operations, including flavor and fragrance extractions and high-throughput analytical workflows.

Key Properties

• Chemical Formula: C₄H₈O₂
• Molecular Weight: 88.11 g/mol
• Boiling Point: 77.1°C
• Freezing Point: -83.6°C
• Specific Gravity: 0.902 (25°C)
• Vapor Pressure: 97 mmHg (20°C)
• Refractive Index: 1.372 (20°C)
• Density: 0.902 g/mL (25°C)
• Viscosity: 0.41-0.48 cP (20°C)
• Odor: Sweet, fruity odor
• Appearance: Colorless liquid
• Solubility: Miscible with ethanol, ether, and chloroform; slightly soluble in water
• Aldehydes (as limits): ≤10 ppm (typical 3 ppm)
• Acidity (meq/g): ≤0.0003 (typical 0.0001)
• Chloride (Cl⁻) ppm: ≤5 (typical 1)
• Water Content: ≤0.05 wt% (typical 0.02)

Common Applications

• HPLC Mobile Phase: Commonly used as a mobile phase component in reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography for separating organic compounds with good solvency and compatible UV detection baselines.
• Solvent for Coatings: Utilized in paints, varnishes, and coatings for its fast evaporation and resin solubility properties, enabling smooth film formation.
• Extraction Medium: Used in liquid-liquid extraction processes to isolate pharmaceutical intermediates due to favorable partitioning characteristics.
• Cleaning Agent: Effective for degreasing and cleaning metal parts and laboratory glassware, providing rapid drying and residue-free surfaces.
• Flavoring/Fragrance Carrier: Serves as a solvent and aroma carrier in flavor and fragrance applications due to its fruity odor and volatility.
• Laboratory Reagent: Employed as a general organic solvent in sample preparation, analytical chemistry, and synthetic workflows requiring moderate polarity and rapid evaporation.

Safety Precautions

Handle in a well-ventilated area or fume hood with appropriate PPE, including chemical-resistant gloves, splash goggles, and a lab coat. Store in a cool, well-ventilated area away from heat sources, oxidizers, and acids, using containers made of HDPE or glass to minimize container interactions. Keep away from ignition sources due to its high flammability; ensure proper grounding and bonding for transfer operations. Protect containers from light to maintain product integrity and avoid accelerated degradation.

Implement standard operating procedures for spills and exposures: in case of skin or eye contact, flush with water for several minutes and seek medical attention if irritation persists. Inhalation requires moving to fresh air and monitoring for dizziness or drowsiness; if symptoms persist, seek medical care. In case of ingestion, do not induce vomiting; rinse mouth and contact a poison center or physician if discomfort occurs. Follow SDS guidance for fire emergencies and emergency shutdowns, and utilize appropriate extinguishing media (e.g., alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical) for fires involving Ethyl acetate.

Benefits

✔ High Purity with Low Impurities – Meets ACS Reagent Grade and USP-NF monograph expectations, with tightly controlled water, acidity, and aldehyde levels for reliable analytical performance.
✔ Excellent Solvency and Volatility – Rapid evaporation and broad resin compatibility support efficient coatings, extractions, and chromatographic workflows.