E

Ethyl acetate

IUPAC: ethyl acetate

C4H8O2 Organic Compounds CAS 141-78-6
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Quick Reference
Formula / NotationC4H8O2
CAS Number141-78-6
Molecular Weight88.11
Melting Point-118.5 °F (NTP, 1992)
Boiling Point171 °F at 760 mmHg (NTP, 1992)
Density0.902 at 68 °F (USCG, 1999) - Less dense than water; will float
Solubility50 to 100 mg/mL at 70 °F (NTP, 1992)
AppearanceEthyl acetate appears as a clear colorless liquid with a fruity odor. Flash point 24 °F. Less dense than water. Vapors heavier than air.
Also Known As141-78-6; Ethyl ethanoate; Acetic acid ethyl ester; Vinegar naphtha; Acetoxyethane; Acetic ether; Ethyl acetic ester; Acetic acid, ethyl ester; Acetidin; Ethylacetate
CategoryOrganic Compounds

What is Ethyl acetate?

Ethyl acetate is the acetate ester formed between acetic acid and ethanol. It has a role as a metabolite, a polar aprotic solvent, a Saccharomyces cerevisiae metabolite and an EC 3.4.19.3 (pyroglutamyl-peptidase I) inhibitor. It is a volatile organic compound, an ethyl ester and an acetate ester.

Formula & Notation

C4H8O2

IUPAC Name: ethyl acetate

Other Names / Synonyms: 141-78-6; Ethyl ethanoate; Acetic acid ethyl ester; Vinegar naphtha; Acetoxyethane; Acetic ether; Ethyl acetic ester; Acetic acid, ethyl ester; Acetidin; Ethylacetate

Properties & Characteristics

Appearance: Ethyl acetate appears as a clear colorless liquid with a fruity odor. Flash point 24 °F. Less dense than water. Vapors heavier than air.. Molecular formula: C4H8O2. Molecular weight: 88.11 g/mol. Boiling point: 171 °F at 760 mmHg (NTP, 1992). Melting point: -118.5 °F (NTP, 1992). Density: 0.902 at 68 °F (USCG, 1999) - Less dense than water; will float. Solubility: 50 to 100 mg/mL at 70 °F (NTP, 1992). Vapor pressure: 73 mmHg at 68 °F ; 100 mmHg at 81 °F (NTP, 1992). LogP: 0.7.

Physical Data

PropertyValue
Melting Point-118.5 °F (NTP, 1992)
Boiling Point171 °F at 760 mmHg (NTP, 1992)
Density0.902 at 68 °F (USCG, 1999) - Less dense than water; will float
Molecular Weight88.11
Solubility50 to 100 mg/mL at 70 °F (NTP, 1992)
AppearanceEthyl acetate appears as a clear colorless liquid with a fruity odor. Flash point 24 °F. Less dense than water. Vapors heavier than air.

Uses & Applications

Used as an industrial feedstock, solvent, pharmaceutical intermediate, flavoring agent, or chemical building block.

Safety Information

Flammable or irritant. Many organic compounds are flammable liquids or vapours. Keep away from ignition sources. Consult SDS for specific hazard data.

Always consult the SDS/MSDS before handling any chemical. This information is for educational purposes only.

Key Facts

Term Ethyl acetate
Formula C4H8O2
CAS Number 141-78-6
Molecular Weight 88.11
Synonyms 141-78-6; Ethyl ethanoate; Acetic acid ethyl ester; Vinegar naphtha; Acetoxyethane; Acetic ether; Ethyl acetic ester; Acetic acid, ethyl ester; Acetidin; Ethylacetate

Frequently Asked Questions

Ethyl acetate is the acetate ester formed between acetic acid and ethanol. It has a role as a metabolite, a polar aprotic solvent, a Saccharomyces cerevisiae metabolite and an EC 3.4.19.3 (pyroglutamyl-peptidase I) inhibitor. It is a volatile organic compound, an ethyl ester and an acetate ester.

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Editorial standards: Chemical data is sourced from peer-reviewed literature, CAS Registry, NIST WebBook, and PubChem. Safety information reflects guidance from OSHA, ECHA, and IAEA. For educational purposes only — always consult official SDS documentation and qualified professionals before handling chemicals.