Product Introduction
Isopropyl Acetate (CAS 108-21-4), commonly known as IPAC, is a clear, colorless liquid with a characteristic fruity odor. It is an ester produced by the esterification of acetic acid and isopropanol. In the industrial solvent hierarchy, IPAC occupies a “sweet spot”—it evaporates more slowly than ethyl acetate but faster than n-butyl acetate. This balanced volatility, combined with its excellent solvency power for various resins, makes it an essential component in high-quality printing inks, specialized coatings, and adhesive formulations where controlled drying time is critical.
Product Selling Points
1. Balanced Evaporation Rate
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Advantage: Dries slower than Ethyl Acetate, preventing “blushing” or premature surface drying.
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Benefit: Superior Surface Finish: Provides better flow and leveling in paints and inks, resulting in a smoother, high-gloss finish without the need for excessive retarders.
2. Excellent Solvency Power
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Advantage: Readily dissolves nitrocellulose, ethyl cellulose, most oils, and many synthetic resins.
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Benefit: Versatile Formulation: Acts as a powerful carrier for various active ingredients, ensuring a stable and uniform mixture in coatings and adhesives.
3. Low Toxicity & Good Biodegradability
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Advantage: Lower vapor pressure and lower toxicity compared to many ketones or chlorinated solvents.
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Benefit: Improved Workspace Safety: Easier to handle in industrial environments and more compliant with modern environmental safety standards (EHS).
Applications
Printing Inks
Widely used in gravure and flexographic printing inks, especially for plastic films and packaging, to control drying speed.
Coatings & Lacquers
Essential for wood furniture lacquers and leather finishes to improve flow and leveling properties.
Adhesives
Used as a fast-drying solvent carrier in various resin-based industrial glues and contact cements.
Pharmaceutical & Extraction
Utilized as an extraction solvent in the pharmaceutical industry for the purification of antibiotics and organic acids.
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. Ground all equipment to prevent static electricity. Keep containers hermetically sealed when not in use.
Synonyms
IPAC; Isopropyl ethanoate; Acetic acid isopropyl ester; 2-Propyl acetate.
Matching Materials
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Isopropanol (CAS 67-63-0) —— Raw material for Isopropyl Acetate synthesis
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Acetic Acid (CAS 64-19-7) —— Key reactant for producing IPAC
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Nitrocellulose (CAS 9004-70-0) —— Primary resin base often dissolved in IPAC for lacquers
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Ethyl Acetate (CAS 141-78-6) —— Often blended with IPAC to increase drying speed
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n-Butyl Acetate (CAS 123-86-4) —— Blended with IPAC to slow down drying for better leveling
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Toluene (CAS 108-88-3) —— Common aromatic diluent used in solvent-based formulations
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Polyurethane Resin (CAS 9009-54-5) —— Polymer often formulated with IPAC for coatings
FAQ
Q: How does Isopropyl Acetate compare to Ethyl Acetate?
A: IPAC evaporates about 3 times slower than Ethyl Acetate. This makes it much better for applications where you need the coating to stay “wet” longer to achieve a smooth surface.
Q: Is Isopropyl Acetate moisture-sensitive?
A: Yes, like most esters, it can slowly hydrolyze into isopropanol and acetic acid in the presence of water. Our product is shipped with <0.1% moisture to ensure stability.
Q: Can I use IPAC in food packaging inks?
A: Yes, it is widely used in the food packaging industry because it leaves minimal residual odor compared to higher-boiling solvents.
Q: What safety precautions are necessary?
A: It is highly flammable (Class 3). Always use explosion-proof equipment and avoid any sources of ignition. Use in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling vapors.
Q: Does it mix with water?
A: It has limited solubility in water (about 3% at 20°C). It is fully miscible with most organic solvents like alcohols, ketones, and ethers.
