1. What Is the Chemical Formula of Ethyl Acetate?
The chemical formula of ethyl acetate is C₄H₈O₂.
| Property | Information |
|---|---|
| Chemical Name | Ethyl Acetate |
| Chemical Formula | C₄H₈O₂ |
| CAS Number | 141-78-6 |
| Molecular Weight | 88.11 g/mol |
| IUPAC Name | Ethyl Ethanoate |
| Chemical Family | Ester |
Ethyl acetate is a widely used organic solvent valued for its fast evaporation and good solvency across coatings, inks, adhesives, pharmaceuticals, and other industrial applications.
2. What Does C₄H₈O₂ Mean?
The chemical formula C₄H₈O₂ describes the elemental composition of one ethyl acetate molecule:
- C₄ - 4 carbon atoms
- H₈ - 8 hydrogen atoms
- O₂ - 2 oxygen atoms
In short: every molecule of ethyl acetate contains 4 carbon atoms, 8 hydrogen atoms, and 2 oxygen atoms. This formula identifies the compound's elemental makeup but doesn't show how those atoms are arranged - that's what the structural formula does, covered next.
3. Chemical Formula vs. Structural Formula
| Formula | Representation | What It Shows |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical Formula | C₄H₈O₂ | Number and type of atoms |
| Structural Formula | CH₃COOCH₂CH₃ | How the atoms are connected |
| Condensed Formula | CH₃COOC₂H₅ | Simplified molecular structure |
C₄H₈O₂ is the form most commonly used for product identification and documentation. CH₃COOCH₂CH₃ is more useful when explaining the compound's ester structure - an acetate group (CH₃COO–) bonded to an ethyl group (–CH₂CH₃).
4. How Is Ethyl Acetate's Molecular Formula Formed?
Ethyl acetate is produced through the esterification of acetic acid and ethanol:
Acetic Acid + Ethanol → Ethyl Acetate + Water
In formula form:
CH₃COOH + C₂H₅OH → C₄H₈O₂ + H₂O
The reaction joins the acetate portion from acetic acid with the ethyl portion from ethanol, releasing water as a byproduct. This is why ethyl acetate belongs to the ester chemical family and carries both an "ethyl" and an "acetate" component in its name.
5. Key Properties Related to C₄H₈O₂
| Property | Typical Value |
|---|---|
| Molecular Formula | C₄H₈O₂ |
| Molecular Weight | 88.11 g/mol |
| Appearance | Colorless liquid |
| Boiling Point | About 77°C |
| Melting Point | About -84°C |
| Density | About 0.90 g/cm³ |
| Water Solubility | Slightly soluble |
The molecular structure behind this formula - a small ester molecule with a relatively low molecular weight - directly contributes to ethyl acetate's volatility, solvency, and suitability as a fast-evaporating industrial solvent.
Note: specific product values should always be confirmed against the supplier's current TDS/COA, as figures can vary slightly by grade and batch.
6. Why Is Ethyl Acetate Widely Used?
Paints & Coatings - Used as a solvent for resins and coating formulations, supporting efficient film formation.
Printing Inks - Helps dissolve ink components and supports relatively fast drying.
Adhesives - Used as an active solvent in a variety of solvent-based adhesive formulations.
Pharmaceuticals - Used as a processing and extraction solvent in select manufacturing steps.
Chemical Manufacturing - Functions as a general-purpose organic solvent across multiple processes.
7. Ethyl Acetate for Industrial Buyers
The chemical formula confirms what the product is - but sourcing it for industrial use requires confirming a few additional points with any supplier:
- CAS No.: 141-78-6
- Purity / Grade
- COA and TDS
- SDS/MSDS
- Packaging
- MOQ
- Delivery port and shipping terms
For bulk buyers and distributors, the chemical formula confirms product identity, while specifications and quality documents confirm whether a given batch actually meets the intended application.
8. Frequently Asked Questions
What is the chemical formula of ethyl acetate?
C₄H₈O₂.
What is the molecular weight of ethyl acetate?
88.11 g/mol.
What is the structural formula of ethyl acetate?
CH₃COOCH₂CH₃.
What is the CAS number of ethyl acetate?
141-78-6.
Is ethyl acetate an ester?
Yes. Ethyl acetate is an ester formed from the reaction of acetic acid and ethanol.
What is ethyl acetate mainly used for?
It is widely used in coatings, printing inks, adhesives, pharmaceuticals, and chemical manufacturing.
How many atoms are in an ethyl acetate molecule?
Fourteen atoms total: 4 carbon, 8 hydrogen, and 2 oxygen atoms (C₄H₈O₂).
9. Conclusion
The chemical formula of ethyl acetate is C₄H₈O₂, representing four carbon atoms, eight hydrogen atoms, and two oxygen atoms in each molecule. Its ester structure - formed from acetic acid and ethanol - gives it the fast-evaporating, broadly compatible solvent properties that make it an important raw material across coatings, inks, adhesives, pharmaceuticals, and other industrial applications.
Looking for ethyl acetate for industrial or bulk applications? Contact us for specifications, COA, packaging options, and a quotation.