Ethyl Acetate (redirected from Ethyl ethanoate)

ethyl acetate [′eth·əl ′as·ə‚tāt]

(organic chemistry)

CH₃COOC₂H₅A colorless liquid, slightly soluble in water; boils at 77°C; a medicine, reagent, and solvent. Also known as acetic ester; acetic ether; acetidin.

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Ethyl Acetate 

CH₃COOC₂H₅, a colorless, volatile liquid with a pleasant, fruity odor.

Ethyl acetate has a boiling point of 77.1°C, a melting point of – 82.4°C, and a density of 0.900 g/cm³ at 20°C. Slightly soluble in water, it is readily soluble in such liquids as alcohol, ether, and chloroform. Ethyl acetate is flammable, and its explosive limits in air are 2.2 and 9 percent by volume.

Ethyl acetate is produced industrially by means of the esterification of ethyl alcohol by acetic acid in the presence of sulfuric acid. It is used as a solvent for cellulose nitrates in the manufacture of paints and varnishes (seeCELLULOSE NITRATE LACOUERS) and is also used in the production of photographic film, motionpicture film, and smokeless powders. A mixture of ethyl acetate and alcohol serves as a solvent for cellulose acetate, polyvinyl butyral, and certain other polymers. Ethyl acetate is also used as a component of fruit flavorings for soft drinks, liqueurs, and candies.