Discover the toxicity levels of ethyl acetate (CAS No. 141-78-6) and its effects on health and the environment. Learn about its common uses, safety guidelines, and regulatory status to ensure safe handling and minimize risks. As a professional manufacturing-based exporter, TIANJIN GNEE BIOTECH CO., LTD. provides high-quality ethyl acetate to global industrial buyers with stable supply and strict quality control.
What is Ethyl Acetate (EtOAc) ?
Ethyl acetate (Acetic acid, ethyl ester) is an organic compound with the chemical formula C₄H₈O₂. It is an ester containing the functional group –COOR (with a carbon–oxygen double bond). It can undergo typical ester reactions such as alcoholysis, ammonolysis, transesterification, and reduction. It is mainly used as a solvent, food flavoring agent, and degreasing cleaning agent.
Ethyl Acetate Physical and Chemical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Appearance (physical state, color, etc.) | Clear, colorless liquid |
| Odor | Ethereal, fruity |
| Odor threshold | 3.9 ppm |
| pH | Not available |
| Melting point / Freezing point | -83°C (-117.4°F) |
| Initial boiling point and boiling range | 77°C (170.6°F) |
| Flash point | Closed cup: -4.4°C (24.1°F); Open cup: 7.2°C (45°F) |
| Evaporation rate | Not available |
| Flammability (solid, gas) | Flammable |
| Upper/lower flammability or explosive limits | Lower: 2.2%; Upper: 9% |
| Vapor pressure | 97.3 hPa (73 mmHg) at 20°C (68°F) |
| Vapor density | 3.04 (Air = 1) |
| Density | 0.902 (Water = 1) |
| Solubility | Soluble in cold water, hot water, diethyl ether, acetone, alcohol, benzene |
| Partition coefficient (n-octanol/water) | log Pow: 0.73 |
| Auto-ignition temperature | 427°C (800.6°F) |
| Decomposition temperature | Not available |
ethyl acetate toxicity
Ethyl acetate is generally classified as a low-to-moderate toxicity solvent. It is not considered highly toxic, but exposure at high concentrations can still cause temporary health effects.
- Toxicity profile:
- Acute toxicity: Low
- Chronic toxicity: Low under normal industrial exposure limits
- Volatility: High (increases inhalation risk in confined spaces)
Exposure effects:
- Dizziness or light-headedness
- Headache and fatigue
- Eye, nose, and throat irritation
- Mild skin dryness or irritation
These effects are typically reversible once exposure is removed.
Environmental Impact of Ethyl Acetate
Ethyl acetate is considered relatively environmentally friendly compared to many industrial solvents.
Environmental characteristics:
- Biodegradable under natural conditions
- Low persistence in soil and water
- Contributes to VOC emissions if not properly controlled
However, uncontrolled release may contribute to air pollution, so responsible handling is necessary.
Recommended practices:
- Use closed systems where possible
- Control VOC emissions
- Properly manage solvent waste disposal
These measures help reduce environmental impact while maintaining production efficiency.
ethyl acetate safety concerns
To ensure ethyl acetate safe handling in industrial applications, companies should follow standard chemical safety practices.
Key safety recommendations:
- Use in well-ventilated or enclosed systems
- Wear protective gloves, goggles, and respiratory protection if needed
- Avoid ignition sources due to flammability
- Store in cool, dry, and tightly sealed containers
- Follow MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) instructions strictly
what is ethyl acetate used for?
Industrial Solvent:
Due to its high volatility and strong solvency, ethyl acetate is widely used as an industrial solvent ethyl acetate in paints, coatings, and adhesives. It efficiently dissolves resins and cellulose, making it a key ethyl acetate solvent for coatings and adhesives industry applications.
Fragrance and Flavor Preparation:
Ethyl acetate is commonly used in fruity flavor formulations such as pineapple and banana. It serves as a food-grade ethyl acetate flavoring agent in food and daily chemical industries and helps recreate natural fruit aromas in beverages.
Chemical Synthesis:
Ethyl acetate acts as an ethyl acetate chemical intermediate for organic synthesis in pharmaceuticals, pesticides, and polymer production. It is also used in ester exchange reactions to adjust material properties.
Laboratory Applications:
In laboratories, ethyl acetate is widely used as a laboratory ethyl acetate extraction solvent for liquid-liquid extraction, helping separate and purify organic compounds from aqueous solutions.
Tianjin Gnee Biotech Co., Ltd., established in 2016 and located in Henan Province, is a manufacturing-based export company specializing in chemical raw materials; for any questions, please feel free to contact wendy@gneebio.com.