What Is Ethyl Acetate?
Ethyl acetate, also called ethyl ethanoate, is a colorless, transparent ester with a mild fruity odor, the molecular formula C4H8O2 and CAS number 141-78-6. It is formed when ethanol reacts with acetic acid and ranks among the most widely traded industrial solvents, because it combines strong dissolving power with a moderate evaporation rate and comparatively low toxicity. It is miscible with most organic solvents, while its solubility in water remains limited at roughly 8 percent at room temperature.
For a solvent selection exercise, three properties usually decide the fit: solvency for the resin system, evaporation profile during drying, and regulatory status in the target market. Ethyl acetate scores well on all three for many coating, ink and adhesive formulations.
The table below collects the properties most often requested by formulators and buyers.
| Property | Typical value |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Clear colorless liquid |
| Molecular formula | C4H8O2 |
| CAS number | 141-78-6 |
| Molar mass | 88.11 g/mol |
| Density at 20 °C | about 0.902 g/cm³ |
| Boiling point | about 77 °C |
| Flash point (closed cup) | about −4 °C |
| Solubility in water at 20 °C | about 8 wt% |
| Odor | Mild, fruity, ether-like |
Commercial material is normally supplied as technical or industrial grade with a purity of 99 percent or above, controlled for water content, acidity and color. Buyers should confirm the specification sheet of the actual lot, since residual water and acetic acid content influence drying speed and can affect acid-sensitive resins.
Paints, Coatings and Printing Inks
Ethyl acetate is a core ingredient of lacquers, varnishes and industrial coatings. Its fast-drying character improves adhesion and surface quality, which is why it appears in automotive coatings, furniture finishes and protective systems. Formulators value the balance between solvency and evaporation rate: a coating can level smoothly and then harden quickly without solvent being trapped in the film, which would otherwise cause blushing, pinholing or poor hardness development.
Flexographic and gravure inks for packaging, magazines and labels rely on ethyl acetate to dissolve resins and adjust viscosity. Because the solvent leaves the ink film quickly, print stays sharp and smudge-free even on high-speed presses. The same solvency is used to clean printing cylinders, rollers and doctor blades between color changes, keeping the line productive.
Adhesives, Sealants and Industrial Cleaning
Industrial adhesives and sealants use ethyl acetate to reach the required viscosity and bonding strength. It improves adhesion in construction materials, automotive assembly and high-strength bonding work, and evaporates cleanly once the joint is formed, leaving a strong interface without residual solvent that could weaken the bond later.
As a cleaning solvent it removes resin, ink and adhesive residues from mixing vessels, tools and production equipment. Because it is a flammable liquid with a low flash point, cleaning operations must be carried out with proper bonding and earthing, controlled ventilation and away from ignition sources.
Pharmaceutical, Packaging and Specialty Uses
In pharmaceutical manufacturing ethyl acetate serves as an extraction and crystallization solvent, including purification steps where a water-immiscible ester is required. It is also used in the production of artificial leather and photographic films, in laboratory synthesis, in nail polish removers and in flavoring formulations. Where a fast-drying ester with a comparatively favorable toxicological profile is needed, it is often the default choice.
Storage, Handling and Purchasing Notes
Store in closed, corrosion-resistant drums or tanks, away from heat, sparks and direct sunlight.
Keep containers bonded and earthed during transfer to control static discharge.
Use ventilation or local exhaust at the point of use and wear suitable gloves and eye protection.
Avoid contact with strong oxidizers, strong acids and strong bases.
Specify purity, water content, acidity and packaging (drum, IBC, ISO tank) clearly in the purchase order, and request a certificate of analysis per lot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is ethyl acetate used for in industry?
It is used mainly in paints and coatings, printing inks, adhesives and sealants, pharmaceutical processing, and as a general industrial cleaning solvent.
Q: What is the CAS number of ethyl acetate?
The CAS number is 141-78-6, and the molecular formula is C4H8O2.
Q: Why is ethyl acetate used in printing inks?
It dissolves resins, adjusts viscosity and evaporates quickly, which produces sharp, smudge-free print at high press speeds.
Q: Is ethyl acetate flammable?
Yes. It is a flammable liquid with a low flash point of about minus 4 degrees Celsius and must be handled away from ignition sources.
Q: Is ethyl acetate soluble in water?
It is only slightly soluble in water, about 8 percent at room temperature, and fully miscible with most organic solvents.
Q: How does ethyl acetate compare with other ester solvents?
It offers good solvency for many resins with a moderate evaporation rate and a relatively mild odor profile, which makes it easier to balance drying speed against film quality.