Product Introduction
Methyl Acetate (CAS 79-20-9), also known as MeOAc, is a carboxylate ester with a pleasant, fruity odor similar to nail polish remover. It is a colorless, highly flammable liquid that is prized in the chemical industry for its fast evaporation rate and high solvency power. Notably, Methyl Acetate is recognized by many environmental agencies as a VOC-exempt solvent, making it a critical component for formulators looking to meet strict air quality regulations without sacrificing performance in coatings and cleaning applications.
Product Selling Points
1. VOC-Exempt & Eco-Friendly
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Advantage: Classified as a non-VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) solvent in many regions.
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Benefit: Regulatory Compliance: Allows manufacturers to produce high-performance coatings and adhesives that comply with environmental restrictions while reducing the carbon footprint.
2. Rapid Evaporation Rate
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Advantage: Boasts an evaporation rate significantly faster than n-butyl acetate and similar to acetone.
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Benefit: Increased Productivity: Speeds up drying times in paints and assembly lines, reducing waiting periods and increasing overall factory throughput.
3. High Solvency & Biodegradability
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Advantage: Readily dissolves a wide range of resins including acrylics, vinyls, and nitrocellulose, and breaks down easily in the environment.
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Benefit: Versatile & Safe: Provides a powerful cleaning and formulating tool that is safer for the environment and highly effective for precision industrial tasks.
Applications
Paint & Coatings
Used as a fast-evaporating solvent in quick-drying lacquers, enamels, and automotive coatings to improve flow and leveling.
Adhesives & Sealants
Acts as a primary solvent in the formulation of neoprene and rubber-based adhesives to ensure rapid bond strength development.
Electronics & Industrial Cleaning
Employed as a high-precision cleaning agent for removing flux, oils, and resins from electronic components and metal parts.
Cosmetics & Personal Care
Commonly used in nail polish removers as an effective, less-pungent alternative to acetone.
Packaging & Storage
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Packaging: 180kg or 190kg 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. Containers must be tightly sealed and stored separately from strong oxidizers and acids.
Synonyms
MeOAc; Acetic acid methyl ester; Methyl ethanoate; Terposol.
Matching Materials
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Methanol (CAS 67-56-1) —— Raw material for Methyl Acetate synthesis via esterification
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Acetic Acid (CAS 64-19-7) —— Key reactant for the production of Methyl Acetate
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Nitrocellulose (CAS 9004-70-0) —— Resin commonly dissolved in Methyl Acetate for lacquers
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Acrylic Resin (CAS 9003-01-4) —— Polymer used in coatings paired with MeOAc as a solvent
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Polyurethane (CAS 9009-54-5) —— Used in coatings where MeOAc acts as a viscosity reducer
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Ethyl Acetate (CAS 141-78-6) —— Often blended with MeOAc to adjust evaporation rates
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Dimethyl Carbonate (CAS 616-38-6) —— Another eco-friendly solvent frequently used alongside MeOAc
FAQ
Q: Is Methyl Acetate a direct replacement for Acetone?
A: Yes, in many applications. It has a similar evaporation rate and solvency but is often preferred because it is less polar and has a slightly different regulatory profile.
Q: Does Methyl Acetate have a strong odor?
A: It has a mild, fruity odor that is generally considered more pleasant and less irritating than the sharp smell of acetone or MEK.
Q: Can it be mixed with water?
A: Methyl Acetate has moderate water solubility (about 25% at room temperature). For applications requiring higher moisture resistance, it should be kept dry.
Q: Is it safe for shipping?
A: It is a Class 3 Flammable Liquid (UN 1231). We use UN-certified drums and comply with all international dangerous goods regulations for sea and land transport.
Q: Why choose Methyl Acetate over Ethyl Acetate?
A: Methyl Acetate evaporates faster and is VOC-exempt in many jurisdictions, making it the better choice for high-speed production lines and strict environmental zones.
