What Is Ethyl Acetate (CAS 141-78-6)?
Ethyl acetate, also called ethyl ethanoate or acetic acid ethyl ester, is the ester formed from ethanol and acetic acid. Its molecular formula is C4H8O2 and its molecular weight is 88.11 g/mol. The compound is a colourless, volatile liquid with a pleasant fruity odour and a boiling point of about 77 °C. It is produced industrially by esterification of acetic acid with ethanol, by the Tishchenko reaction of acetaldehyde, or by direct addition of ethylene and acetic acid. Low cost, good solvency and relatively low toxicity have made it one of the most widely used ester solvents in the chemical industry.
Key Physical and Chemical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| CAS number | 141-78-6 |
| Common synonyms | Ethyl ethanoate, acetic ester, acetic ether |
| Molecular formula | C4H8O2 |
| Molecular weight | 88.11 g/mol |
| Boiling point | about 77 °C |
| Melting point | about -83.6 °C |
| Flash point (closed cup) | about -4 °C |
| Density at 20 °C | about 0.902 g/cm3 |
| Water solubility | about 8% by weight at 20 °C |
| Evaporation rate | Fast |
Is Ethyl Acetate Used in Perfumes?
Yes. Ethyl acetate is used in the production of perfumes and colognes as a solvent for aromatic compounds and essential oils, and it performs several distinct roles in perfumery. As a solvent it dissolves fragrance raw materials and helps blend the ingredients into a uniform concentrate. As a top note it contributes a sweet, fruity or slightly liquor-like character that is often used in pear, citrus and berry accords. Because it evaporates quickly, it also allows the main fragrance to be perceived soon after application. In addition, ethyl acetate is used in the manufacture of certain essences, powders and cosmetic formulations where a volatile carrier is required.
Solvent for fragrance oils and aroma chemicals
Top note in fruity accords such as pear, banana, citrus and berry
Fast-evaporating carrier that releases the heart of the fragrance quickly
Component of essences, powders and volatile cosmetic formulations
Other Applications of Ethyl Acetate
Beyond perfumery, the ester has a broad industrial footprint.
Cosmetics and personal care: a key solvent in nail polish and nail polish removers, and a component of some mascara and cosmetic formulations, where fast evaporation leaves a smooth, even film.
Food flavouring and processing: food-grade material is used as a flavouring agent for artificial fruit flavours and essences, and as a carrier solvent in the decaffeination of coffee and tea.
Paints, inks and adhesives: as a fast-evaporating ester solvent it thins resins and accelerates drying in automotive paints, printing inks, adhesives and cleaning products.
Extraction: used to extract caffeine, antibiotics and natural products in pharmaceutical and food processing because it has low toxicity, leaves little residue and is easy to recover by distillation.
Grades, Quality Control and Safe Handling
Perfume and cosmetic applications require fragrance-grade or high-purity ethyl acetate with a clean odour profile, verified by gas chromatography together with sensory evaluation. Industrial applications can use standard technical grade. Key specification parameters include purity, water content by Karl Fischer titration according to ASTM E203, colour according to ASTM D1209, acidity, and distillation range according to ASTM D1078. Buyers should confirm grade, purity and packaging before ordering, because contamination or a residual odour can ruin a fragrance formulation.
Ethyl acetate is highly flammable, with a flash point of about -4 °C, so it must be kept away from ignition sources and stored in grounded, sealed containers in a cool, well-ventilated area. Its vapour can form explosive mixtures with air. Although acute toxicity is low, high vapour concentrations can irritate the eyes and respiratory tract, and prolonged skin contact can cause dryness. Use adequate ventilation, gloves and eye protection when handling large quantities, and bond and ground containers during transfer to prevent static discharge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is ethyl acetate safe to use in perfumes?
When used at controlled levels in properly formulated fragrance products it is an accepted solvent and aroma carrier, and like all volatile solvents it requires appropriate handling during production.
Q: Why does ethyl acetate smell like pear and banana?
It is a natural component of the aroma of ripe pears, bananas and some other fruits, and that sweet fruity character is why it is used in fruit essences and fruity accords.
Q: Is ethyl acetate the same as acetone?
No. Ethyl acetate (CAS 141-78-6) is an ester with the formula C4H8O2, while acetone is a ketone with a different formula, smell, solvency and application profile.
Q: Can ethyl acetate be used for decaffeination?
Yes. It is used as an extraction solvent in a process commonly described as natural decaffeination, because the ester can be obtained from naturally fermented sources and is easy to remove from the final product.
Q: What is the difference between technical and fragrance-grade ethyl acetate?
Fragrance and food grades meet tighter purity and odour specifications with additional testing for residual acidity, aldehydes and trace contaminants, while technical grade suits paints, inks and cleaning products.
Q: How should ethyl acetate be stored?
Store it in tightly closed, grounded containers away from heat, sparks, open flames and strong oxidisers, in a cool ventilated area, and bond containers during transfer to prevent static discharge.