Overview
CAS 141-78-6 Ethyl acetate ( Abbreviated EA / EtOAc / ETAC) is the most widely adopted low-toxic fast-evaporating solvent for all types of industrial adhesives. Its fixed boiling point of 77.1°C, moderate dissolving power for adhesive resins, and low residual odor make it the standard carrier solvent for packaging lamination glue, wood adhesives and contact adhesives globally.
What is Ethyl Acetate (EA/ETAC/EtOAc)?
Ethyl acetate, also known as ethyl ethanoate, is a carboxylate ester typically produced by combining ethanol and acetic acid. It is a clear, colorless liquid with a mild, fruity odor. Ethyl acetate solvent dissolves a wide range of materials, including polymers, oils, and resins, which makes it useful in applications such as inks, paints, adhesives, coatings, and industrial cleaners. It is also used as an extraction agent and carrier solvent in various chemical processes.
Key physical properties of ethyl acetate for adhesives:
- Ethyl Acetate Boiling Point: 77.1°C at standard atmospheric pressure, controllable volatilization speed
- Low toxicity compared to ketone & aromatic solvents, compliant with food-contact packaging adhesive standards
- Excellent solubility for acrylic, polyurethane, nitrocellulose and vinyl resins (core raw materials of adhesives)
- Slight water solubility, no white fogging after film formation
Apart from adhesive manufacturing, it is also widely applied in printing inks, industrial coatings, pharmaceutical extraction and precision metal cleaning.
other properties:
| Molecular Formula | C₄H₈O₂ |
| Molecular Weight | 88.11 g/mol |
| Appearance | Colorless, clear liquid |
| Odor | Fruity, sweet |
| Density (20°C) | 0.897 – 0.902 g/cm³ |
| Boiling Point | 76.5 – 77.5 °C |
| Melting Point | −83.6 °C |
| Flash Point (Closed Cup) | −4 °C |
| Refractive Index (n20/D) | 1.371 – 1.373 |
| Viscosity (20°C) | ~0.45 mPa·s |
| Solubility in Water (20°C) | ~8.7 wt% |
Can Ethyl Acetate Solvent Be Used In Adhesives?
Yes, ethyl acetate (CAS 141-78-6) is widely used in adhesives.
In adhesive systems, ethyl ethanoate acts as a functional solvent:
- Dissolves resins and polymers
- Reduces viscosity for easy application
- Evaporates quickly after application
- Leaves a strong bonded film
End-uses of ethyl acetate (CAS 141-78-6):
- Flexible packaging laminating adhesives (food plastic film, paper composite film)
- Water-based & solvent-based woodworking assembly adhesives
- Industrial contact adhesives for leather, foam and hardware bonding
- Pressure-sensitive adhesive for labels and tape production
Further Questions: Does ethyl acetate dissolve glue?
Yes, ethyl acetate chemical can dissolve various types of adhesives, particularly super glue (cyanoacrylate) as well as the adhesives found in certain tapes and nail polishes. It is a common and less harsh active ingredient in "acetone-free" nail polish removers. However, it acts more slowly than acetone. While ethyl ethanoate can break down the chemical bonds of cyanoacrylate, it is much safer than acetone for delicate surfaces.
High-Purity Ethyl Acetate/EtOAc Solvent CAS 141-78-6 Supplier
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Packaging Options of Ethyl acetate solvent
| Packaging | Capacity | Suitable For | Main Advantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steel Drum | 180 kg/drum | Trial orders, distributors, small production users | Easy handling, export standard, flexible quantity |
| Plastic Drum | 200 L | Local distribution and specific applications | Lightweight and convenient handling |
| IBC Tote | 1000 L | Regular industrial consumption | Lower packaging cost and higher efficiency |
| ISO Tank | 20–25 MT | Large-volume international imports | Lowest logistics cost per ton |
| Bulk Tanker | Customized | Large domestic consumption | Continuous supply for large facilities |
- Related Article: CAS No. 141-78-6 Ethyl Acetate Packaging Guide
Other Hot-Selling Products
| Dimethyl Sulfoxide (DMSO) | CAS 67-68-5 |
| Dichloromethane / Methylene Chloride | CAS 75-09-2 |
| Glacial Acetic Acid / Ethanoic Acid | CAS 64-19-7 |
| Ethyl Acetate / Ethyl Ethanoate | CAS 141-78-6 |
| Ethylene Glycol / Monoethylene Glycol (MEG) | CAS 107-21-1 |
| Trichloroethylene | CAS 79-01-6 |
| Cyclohexanone | CAS 108-94-1 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What purity grade of ethyl acetate should I choose for adhesive production?
For food packaging lamination adhesives, buyers typically choose high-purity ethyl acetate (usually ≥99.8%) with low moisture content and controlled impurities to minimize residual solvent and odor issues. For general industrial adhesives, ≥99.5% ethyl acetate is commonly selected as a cost-effective solvent solution.
Q2: Can ethyl ethanoate replace acetone in adhesive formulations?
Ethyl ethanoate can partially replace acetone in some adhesive formulations depending on resin compatibility, drying requirements, and production conditions. Compared with acetone, EA (CAS 141-78-6) has a slower evaporation rate and different solvency properties, which may help improve coating performance and film formation. Formula testing is recommended before large-scale replacement.
Q3: What are the main industrial applications of ethyl acetate solvent?
A: It is a versatile solvent widely used in coatings, paints, inks, adhesives, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, food processing, and industrial cleaning applications. Its excellent solvency, moderate evaporation rate, and relatively low toxicity compared with some other organic solvents make it a common choice for many manufacturing processes.
Q4: What purity grade of ethyl acetate is commonly used for industrial applications?
A: For most industrial applications, ethyl ethanoate with purity of ≥99.5% is commonly used. Higher purity grades may be required for pharmaceutical, food, or specialty applications where tighter control of moisture, impurities, and odor is necessary.