Product Introduction
Ethyl Acetate (CAS 141-78-6), also known as ETAC or Ethyl Ethanoate, is one of the most widely used ester solvents in the world. It is a colorless liquid with a characteristic sweet, fruity odor (reminiscent of pear drops). Prized for its low toxicity, high volatility, and excellent solvency, it effectively dissolves a vast range of resins and organic compounds. As a relatively eco-friendly solvent that is easily biodegradable, it serves as a critical component in formulating sustainable coatings, high-speed printing inks, and as a clean extraction solvent in the pharmaceutical and food sectors.
Product Selling Points
1. Exceptional Solvency & Versatility
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Advantage: Highly effective at dissolving nitrocellulose, ethyl cellulose, resins, and polymers.
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Benefit: Multi-Industry Utility: Simplifies inventory by serving as a single, high-performance solvent for paints, inks, adhesives, and laboratory extractions.
2. Rapid Drying & Fast Evaporation
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Advantage: Boasts a high evaporation rate that allows for quick film formation.
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Benefit: Optimized Production Speed: Ideal for high-speed gravure and flexographic printing lines, significantly reducing energy costs associated with industrial drying ovens.
3. High Purity & Low Residue
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Advantage: Maintained at ≥ 99.8% purity with extremely low non-volatile matter.
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Benefit: Product Integrity: Ensures that sensitive pharmaceutical extractions and electronic cleaning processes are free from contaminants, maintaining the highest quality standards for end-products.
Applications
Printing Inks
The primary solvent for flexographic and gravure inks, ensuring rapid drying on high-speed plastic and paper packaging lines.
Coatings & Lacquers
Used in wood furniture lacquers and automotive coatings to provide excellent flow and a high-gloss, smooth finish.
Pharmaceutical Extraction
A preferred solvent for the extraction and purification of antibiotics and other organic pharmaceutical intermediates due to its safety profile.
Adhesives Manufacturing
Acts as a fast-drying carrier in the production of contact cements and various resin-based industrial glues.
Packaging & Storage
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Packaging: 180kg or 200kg UN-certified steel drums; ISO tanks for bulk shipment.
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Storage: Store in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated fireproof area. Crucial: Keep away from heat, sparks, and open flames. Ethyl Acetate is highly flammable and vapors can travel along the ground. Ensure all equipment is grounded to prevent static discharge.
Synonyms
ETAC; Ethyl ethanoate; Acetic ester; Acetic acid ethyl ester; Vinegar naphtha.
Matching Materials
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Ethanol (CAS 64-17-5) —— Raw material for Ethyl Acetate synthesis via esterification
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Acetic Acid (CAS 64-19-7) —— Key reactant used in the industrial production of ETAC
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Nitrocellulose (CAS 9004-70-0) —— Common resin used in lacquers where ETAC is the primary solvent
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Butyl Acetate (CAS 123-86-4) —— Often blended with ETAC to slow down evaporation and improve leveling
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Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) (CAS 78-93-3) —— Co-solvent used in heavy-duty industrial coatings
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Polyurethane Resin (CAS 9009-54-5) —— Polymer often formulated with ETAC for flexible packaging adhesives
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Isopropanol (IPA) (CAS 67-63-0) —— Frequently used as a co-solvent in printing ink formulations
FAQ
Q: Can Ethyl Acetate be used as a replacement for Acetone?
A: Yes, in many coating and cleaning applications. It has a slightly slower evaporation rate than acetone and is less aggressive on certain plastics, making it easier to handle in many formulations.
Q: Why is moisture control so important for Ethyl Acetate?
A: High moisture can lead to the hydrolysis of the ester back into acetic acid and ethanol, which increases acidity and may cause corrosion in metal containers or interfere with resin stability.
Q: Is Ethyl Acetate safe for food-related applications?
A: Yes, it is widely used in the food industry for decaffeinating coffee and tea and as a flavor component, provided it meets Food Chemical Codex (FCC) standards.
Q: How do you handle the high flammability of ETAC during transport?
A: We use UN-certified drums and ISO tanks specifically designed for Class 3 Flammable Liquids (UN 1173). All shipments comply with international IMDG and ADR safety standards.
Q: Does Ethyl Acetate mix with water?
A: It has moderate solubility in water (about 8% at 25°C). However, water is much more soluble in Ethyl Acetate (~3%), so it is important to keep the product tightly sealed to maintain purity.
