Speaking about ethyl acetate, it is impossible not to mention that its main role is to dissolve other substances. About a third of all produced ethyl acetate is used for this.
Solvents occupy a special place in modern painting works, paint industry and other areas of production.
What is ethyl acetate?
Ethyl acetate is the ethyl ester of acetic acid, which is a volatile, transparent substance with a characteristic sharp fruity smell.
Usually there are no mechanical impurities in this substance. Ethyl acetate is a moderately polar solvent that has ester properties. It is perfectly soluble in such substances as: ethyl alcohol, methyl trichloride, methylbenzene, sulfuric ether and other organic solvents.
Acetic acid ethanol is a solvent for cellulose ethers, synthetic resins, chlorine rubber, fats, waxes, components of fruit essences, aromatic substances in perfumery.
The main chemical properties of ethyl acetate:
- molar mass: 88.106 g/mol;
- density: 0.9003 g/cm³ (20 °C);
- melting point: -83 °C;
- boiling point: 77 °C.
Ethyl acetate formula
Ethyl acetate has the formula: C4H8O2.
The structural formula of ethyl acetate is given below:
How to get ethyl acetate
Production of ethyl acetate on an industrial scale occurs due to the reaction of ethyl alcohol and acetic acid. Sometimes, to create this solvent, the method of processing ethanol using carbomethylene is used.
Synthesis from acetaldehyde with an aluminum alcoholate catalyst is also used.
Fields of application of ethyl acetate
As mentioned earlier, the main field of application of ethyl acetate is its use as a solvent. With its help, fats and waxes, nitro- and acetyl cellulose, epoxy, polyester, perchlorvinyl varnishes, paints and enamels are dissolved.
However, there are other areas of use of acetic acid ethyl ether!
Use of ethyl acetate in the food industry
In the food industry, ethyl acetate, known as the popular additive E1504, is used as a component of fruit essences. Most often, it can be seen in soft drinks, liqueurs, confectionery products. In addition, caffeine is extracted from coffee using ethyl acetate.
Use of ethyl acetate in pharmaceuticals
This ether is widely used for the manufacture of drugs in the pharmaceutical industry. Ethyl acetate is used to make anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic and pain-relieving agents, as well as medicines for intestinal disorders.
This ether is often used in laboratories for chromatography.
Use of ethyl acetate in everyday life
In everyday life, ethyl acetate can be used to remove various types of dirt, including paint stains.
In addition, it is often used in the daily lives of gardeners to combat insect pests. The fact is that ethyl acetate is part of entomological stains.
Application of ethyl acetate in the paint industry
This substance is used as a solvent during the production of paints and varnishes.
Use of ethyl acetate in other industries:
- printing – acetic acid ethyl ether is part of printing inks and is also used to clean printing boards;
- leather goods – mixed with alcohol is used to create artificial leather;
- cosmetic – ethyl acetate has gained the greatest use here as an ingredient for the production of nail polish removers and nail care products (its advantage over acetone is its lower volatility).
Advantages of using ethyl acetate
The popularity of this solvent compared to others is due to its low price, excellent solubility, low toxicity and acceptable smell.
Ethyl acetate is often used as a substitute for acetone, having an advantage over it in the form of a higher boiling point and, accordingly, a lower level of volatility.
Safety rules when working with ethyl acetate
Ethyl ether of acetic acid is low-toxic compared to other types of solvents, but safety rules during use and storage should not be neglected!
- Fire Safety – Ethyl acetate is a highly flammable substance, so it should be stored away from sources of fire and heat. Avoid exposing the solvent container to direct sunlight. During a fire, you should use chemical foam, sand or carbon dioxide.
- Room ventilation – since this solvent can irritate human mucous membranes, you should take care of high-quality ventilation of the room where the work is carried out.
- Personal protective equipment – ethyl acetate can cause skin irritations, diseases (for example, dermatitis), and also irritate the upper respiratory tract, so it is worth using protective clothing and a respirator in order to avoid negative effects.
- Storage / transportation – it is necessary to store and transport in a tightly closed container, away from children and heating devices, fire.
Frequently asked questions
What are the benefits of ethyl acetate?
Among the advantages of this solvent, the following can be cited: low price, excellent dissolving power, low toxicity, quite acceptable smell (compared to other solvents).
Where is ethyl acetate used?
Ethyl ether of acetic acid is most often used as a solvent, and it is also used in the household, food, pharmaceutical, paint, printing, and cosmetic industries.
What is the smell of ethyl acetate?
This soluble has a sharp fruity smell.