Ethyl Acetate (EA)

Ethyl Acetate (EA), is also known as Ethyl Ethanoate, or Acetic Acid Ethyl Ester. Ethyl Acetate is a Carboxylate Ester. EA is a colorless, transparent, volatile liquid that has a sweet, fruity odor that most people find pleasant.

Ethyl Acetate is an Acetate Ester, an Ethyl Ester and a volatile organic compound. Ethyl Acetate results from the reaction between Ethanol and Acetic Acid. Ethyl Acetate is a polar aprotic solvent. EA has a Flash point of 24°F. Ethyl Acetate is less dense than water. EA vapors are heavier than air.

Applications:

Ethyl Acetate is primarily used in the production of nitrocellulose and cellulose Acetate lacquers and as a solvent in adhesives and coatings.

Ethyl Acetate is used as solvent and diluent, due to its low cost, low toxicity and acceptable odor. EA is commonly used to wash or clean circuit boards or electronic parts, acts as nail polish removers, decaffeinate tea leaves and coffee beans, in paints as activator or hardener. Ethyl Acetate is also used in manufacturing artificial leather and silk.

Ethyl Acetate is used as an artificial fruit flavor and essence. EA is present in confectionery, perfumes and cleaning. In perfumes, it evaporates fast, leaving the scent of the perfume.

Ethyl Acetate is commonly used in column chromatography and extractions. Seldom use as reaction solvent due its susceptibility to hydrolysis and transesterification. Ethyl Acetate is quite volatile at room temperature and has a boiling point of 77 °C (171 °F). With these properties, EA can be easily eliminated from a sample by using heating in a hot water bath or having ventilation with compressed air.

Relating it to entomology, Ethyl Acetate is an effective asphyxiant to use in insect studies and collection. Due to its non-hygroscopic properties, the vapors in an Ethyl Acetate filled killing jars will eventually kill the collected insects quickly without any destroyed parts.

Safety:

Ethyl Acetate is classified as Dangerous Goods. Overexposure to Ethyl Acetate may cause irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat. Severe overexposure may cause weakness, drowsiness, and unconsciousness.

Storage:

Store Ethyl Acetate in tightly closed containers in cool, dry, isolated and well-ventilated areas away from heat, sources of ignition and incompatibles. Store EA away from oxidizing agents. Keep containers closed at all times - check regularly for leaks.

Do not eat, drink or smoke in areas of use or storage of Ethyl Acetate. Empty containers retain residue (liquid and/or vapor) are dangerous. Do not expose Ethyl Acetate containers to heat, flame, sparks, static electricity, or other sources of ignition.