Introduction
If you searched for the ethyl acetate molecular formula, the short answer is straightforward:
- Molecular formula: C4H8O2
- Chemical name: Ethyl acetate / Ethyl ethanoate
- CAS No.: 141-78-6
- Molecular weight: 88.11 g/mol
- Chemical family: Ester
- Industrial role: Widely used organic solvent
That answers the chemistry question in one line. But for chemical buyers, importers, and distributors, the molecular formula is only the starting point. What actually determines whether a shipment fits your production line is grade, purity, specification consistency, documentation, packaging, and the supplier's ability to deliver reliably batch after batch. This guide is written from that sourcing perspective - drawing on the kind of specification and logistics questions we field daily from industrial buyers - while still giving you the exact chemical identity data you need to confirm a product on paper.
1. What Is the Molecular Formula of Ethyl Acetate?
Ethyl acetate molecular formula: C4H8O2
| Item | Information |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Ethyl Acetate |
| Molecular Formula | C4H8O2 |
| IUPAC Name | Ethyl Ethanoate |
| CAS No. | 141-78-6 |
| Molecular Weight | 88.11 g/mol |
| Chemical Family | Ester |
| Appearance | Colorless liquid with a characteristic fruity odor |
This table covers the core identity data most searches are looking for. The next sections build on it with the details that actually matter once you move from "what is it" to "should I buy it, and from whom."
2. Molecular Formula vs. Structural Formula
For a buyer, the goal isn't a chemistry lesson - it's confirming that the product on the quotation, the COA, and the shipping documents are all the same substance.
| Formula Type | Ethyl Acetate |
|---|---|
| Molecular Formula | C4H8O2 |
| Structural Formula | CH3COOCH2CH3 |
| Condensed Formula | CH3COOC2H5 |
| CAS Number | 141-78-6 |
- The molecular formula confirms elemental composition.
- The structural formula shows how the atoms are connected - useful when comparing it against similar esters.
- The CAS number is the most practical identifier for procurement, customs, and shipping documentation, since product names can vary by region and supplier.
In practice, we recommend cross-checking both the CAS number (141-78-6) and the molecular formula (C4H8O2) against every quotation and COA. This avoids the fairly common issue of naming mismatches between suppliers - "ethyl ethanoate," "acetic ether," and "ethyl acetate" all refer to the same compound.
3. Key Specifications Buyers Should Check
The molecular formula tells you what the compound is. These specifications tell you whether a specific batch is fit for your application.
| Specification | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Purity (assay, %) | Determines suitability across coatings, inks, pharma, and general solvent use |
| Water Content | Affects solvency, drying behavior, and formulation stability |
| Acidity (as acetic acid) | Relevant for sensitive or acid-intolerant formulations |
| Color (Pt-Co / APHA) | Important for coatings, inks, and any application where visual clarity matters |
| Density | Used in formulation dosing and logistics/volume calculations |
| Residue on Evaporation | Indicates non-volatile impurities left after drying |
| Appearance | Baseline quality-control check on every batch |
4. Which Grade Should You Choose?
Industrial Grade is the workhorse grade for most bulk industrial buyers, typically used in:
- Paints and coatings
- Printing inks
- Adhesives
- Industrial cleaning
- General-purpose solvent applications
High-Purity / Specialty Grade is reserved for applications with tighter tolerances, such as:
- Pharmaceutical processing
- Laboratory and analytical use
- Sensitive formulations where trace impurities affect performance
The practical guidance here: match the grade to the end application rather than defaulting to the highest purity available. Overspecifying purity usually means paying a premium for performance your process doesn't need.
5. Main Industrial Applications
| Application | Why Ethyl Acetate Is Used |
|---|---|
| Paints & Coatings | Fast evaporation supports efficient drying and film formation |
| Printing Inks | Dissolves resins effectively and helps control drying speed |
| Adhesives | Functions as an active solvent in many adhesive formulations |
| Flexible Packaging | Common solvent in ink and adhesive systems used in laminate structures |
| Pharmaceuticals | Used as a process and extraction solvent in select manufacturing steps |
| Chemical Manufacturing | Serves as a processing medium and intermediate solvent |
| Cleaning Applications | Effective at dissolving oils and organic residues |
6. Why Manufacturers Choose Ethyl Acetate as a Solvent
Fast evaporation. This makes it well suited to applications that need quick drying - coatings, inks, and adhesives all benefit from predictable, efficient solvent flash-off.
Broad solvency. It dissolves a wide range of resins, polymers, oils, and organic compounds, which is part of why it appears across so many different formulation types.
Comparatively favorable toxicity profile. Relative to some traditional solvents, ethyl acetate is often viewed favorably - though this should always be assessed against your specific regulatory and safety requirements rather than taken as a blanket claim.
Established global supply. Mature production and distribution networks make it practical for bulk purchasing, scheduled replenishment, and international sourcing.
7. Ethyl Acetate vs. Other Common Industrial Solvents
| Product | Molecular Formula | Molecular Weight | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ethyl Acetate | C4H8O2 | 88.11 | Coatings, inks, adhesives |
| Butyl Acetate | C6H12O2 | 116.16 | Coatings, paints |
| Acetone | C3H6O | 58.08 | Cleaning, coatings |
| Methyl Acetate | C3H6O2 | 74.08 | Solvent applications |
| Isopropyl Alcohol | C3H8O | 60.10 | Cleaning, inks, coatings |
Ethyl Acetate or Butyl Acetate - how do you decide?
The two are often compared because they serve overlapping roles in coatings and inks. The practical factors to weigh:
Evaporation rate - ethyl acetate evaporates faster, which suits applications needing quick drying; butyl acetate's slower evaporation can help with leveling and reduced blushing.
Solvency strength - both dissolve a similar range of resins, but formulation testing is the only reliable way to confirm performance in your specific system.
Cost and supply availability - pricing and lead times can shift independently between the two, so it's worth comparing current quotes rather than assuming a fixed cost relationship.
Application requirements - drying speed targets, VOC considerations, and film-formation needs often decide the choice more than price alone.
8. Storage and Transportation Considerations
From an import and warehousing standpoint, not just general safety advice:
- Store in a cool, well-ventilated area away from heat and ignition sources
- Use appropriately sealed, compatible containers
- Follow local hazardous chemical storage and labeling regulations
- Ensure transportation documentation and labeling meet destination-country compliance requirements
- Plan warehouse rotation around shelf life to avoid quality drift in long-held stock
9. What a Reliable Bulk Supplier Should Provide
- Stable production or sourcing capability
- Consistent, batch-to-batch product quality
- Batch-specific COAs, not just generic specification sheets
- Complete technical documentation (SDS, TDS)
- Export experience and familiarity with destination-market compliance
- Flexible packaging options across order sizes
- Support for both trial and bulk order volumes
- Reliable, communicated delivery schedules
- Responsive after-sales and technical support
10. Frequently Asked Questions
What is the molecular formula of ethyl acetate?
C4H8O2.
What is the CAS number of ethyl acetate?
CAS No. 141-78-6.
What is the molecular weight of ethyl acetate?
88.11 g/mol.
Is ethyl acetate the same as ethyl ethanoate?
Yes. Ethyl acetate and ethyl ethanoate are the same compound; the names are used interchangeably.
What is ethyl acetate mainly used for?
Primarily paints and coatings, printing inks, adhesives, pharmaceutical processing, and general chemical manufacturing.
What grade of ethyl acetate should industrial buyers choose?
Select based on the end application, required purity, and relevant quality parameters - not simply the highest purity available.
How is ethyl acetate packaged for bulk shipment?
Common formats include 25 kg and 180–190 kg drums, IBC tanks, and ISO tanks or flexitanks for large-volume imports, depending on supplier capability.
What documents should I request when buying ethyl acetate?
At minimum, a COA, SDS/MSDS, and TDS, along with any additional compliance documentation relevant to your destination market.
How can I request a bulk quotation for ethyl acetate?
Provide your required purity, quantity, packaging preference, destination port, delivery terms, and the documents you need - this lets a supplier return an accurate quote on the first pass.
Conclusion
The molecular formula of ethyl acetate - C4H8O2 - answers the chemistry question in a single line. But sourcing it reliably for industrial use depends on a longer list: CAS confirmation, purity and specification match, correct grade selection, complete documentation (COA, SDS, TDS), suitable packaging, workable MOQ and lead times, and a supplier with a track record of consistent delivery.
Looking for a reliable ethyl acetate supplier for bulk orders? Contact our sales team for current pricing, specifications, packaging options, COA samples, and shipping solutions tailored to your order volume.