| Formula / Notation | C3H6O2 |
|---|---|
| CAS Number | 79-20-9 |
| Molecular Weight | 74.08 |
| Melting Point | -144 °F (NTP, 1992) |
| Boiling Point | 134.4 °F at 760 mmHg (NTP, 1992) |
| Density | 0.927 at 68 °F (USCG, 1999) - Less dense than water; will float |
| Solubility | greater than or equal to 100 mg/mL at 70 °F (NTP, 1992) |
| Appearance | Methyl acetate appears as a clear colorless liquid with a fragrant odor. Moderately toxic. Flash point 14 °F. Vapors heavier than air. |
| Also Known As | 79-20-9; Devoton; Tereton; Methyl ethanoate; Acetic acid, methyl ester; Acetic acid methyl ester; Methylacetat; Methylacetaat; Acetate de methyle; Methyl acetic ester |
| Category | Organic Compounds |
What is Methyl acetate?
Methyl acetate is an acetate ester resulting from the formal condensation of acetic acid with methanol. A low-boiling (57 C) colourless, flammable liquid, it is used as a solvent for many resins and oils. It has a role as a fragrance, a polar aprotic solvent and an EC 3.4.19.3 (pyroglutamyl-peptidase I) inhibitor. It is a volatile organic compound, a methyl ester and an acetate ester.
Formula & Notation
IUPAC Name: methyl acetate
Other Names / Synonyms: 79-20-9; Devoton; Tereton; Methyl ethanoate; Acetic acid, methyl ester; Acetic acid methyl ester; Methylacetat; Methylacetaat; Acetate de methyle; Methyl acetic ester
Properties & Characteristics
Physical Data
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Melting Point | -144 °F (NTP, 1992) |
| Boiling Point | 134.4 °F at 760 mmHg (NTP, 1992) |
| Density | 0.927 at 68 °F (USCG, 1999) - Less dense than water; will float |
| Molecular Weight | 74.08 |
| Solubility | greater than or equal to 100 mg/mL at 70 °F (NTP, 1992) |
| Appearance | Methyl acetate appears as a clear colorless liquid with a fragrant odor. Moderately toxic. Flash point 14 °F. Vapors heavier than air. |
Uses & Applications
Safety Information
Always consult the SDS/MSDS before handling any chemical. This information is for educational purposes only.
Key Facts
Frequently Asked Questions
Methyl acetate is an acetate ester resulting from the formal condensation of acetic acid with methanol. A low-boiling (57 C) colourless, flammable liquid, it is used as a solvent for many resins and oils. It has a role as a fragrance, a polar aprotic solvent and an EC 3.4.19.3 (pyroglutamyl-peptidase I) inhibitor. It is a volatile organic compound, a methyl ester and an acetate ester.
Used as an industrial feedstock, solvent, pharmaceutical intermediate, flavoring agent, or chemical building block.
Flammable or irritant. Many organic compounds are flammable liquids or vapours. Keep away from ignition sources. Consult SDS for specific hazard data.
The formula or notation for Methyl acetate is: C3H6O2