Ethyl acetate (ETAC)

As a carboxylic acid ester, ethyl acetate is the reaction product of a carboxylic acid and an alcoholic substance linked by an ester group. In addition to this functional group, ethyl acetate is made up of the rest of the acetic acid and an ethyl group. This structure is expressed in the alternative name acetic acid ethyl ester. Ethyl acetate can enter into the typical reactions of carboxylic acid esters such as transesterification, saponification and other ester cleavage reactions.

Under normal conditions, ethyl acetate (ETAC) is a clear, colorless liquid. The thin compound is easily volatile and can be recognized by its fruity odor. The melting point of the substance is -83 °C, which means that ethyl acetate remains liquid for a long time even if it is cooled down considerably. It is therefore also suitable for applications in the low-temperature range. The compound boils at a temperature of 77 °C.

Ethyl acetate is only moderately soluble in water. Due to a lower density, the undissolved portion of the compound will float on top of the water upon contact. In contrast, the substance is very soluble in many organic solvents such as ethanol, diethyl ether, benzene, glycerol, acetone and chloroform. With many of these solvents, ethyl acetate forms azeotropic mixtures in which the mixed substances boil together and cannot be separated by simple distillation.

Ethyl acetate (ETAC) is a volatile but chemically stable liquid that can be stored safely when used as directed. However, the compound reacts violently and dangerously with strong bases, strong acids, strong oxidizing agents, fluorine and chlorosulfonic acid. There is a risk of explosion when reacting with alkali hydrides, alkali metals, alkaline earth metals and sulfuric acid. Contact with water, especially when exposed to light and air, leads to the gradual decomposition of ethyl acetate into ethanol and acetic acid. When storing and processing the substance, it should be noted that the compound attacks plastics.

Ethyl acetate is a combustible and highly flammable liquid. There is a risk of explosion from the vapors of the compound, which form flammable mixtures with the ambient air. The vapors of the substance are heavier than air. They can collect and spread unnoticed on the floor of work rooms. To avoid remote ignition, when working with ethyl acetate, keep a sufficient safety distance from possible ignition sources such as hot surfaces, electrical contacts, electrostatic charges, mechanically generated sparks and open flames. Gases that are damaging to health, such as carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide, are released when the substance is burned.

Ethyl acetate (ETAC) poses acute and chronic health hazards. Prolonged contact with the skin causes redness, irritation and degreasing. With repeated exposure, the substance can damage the upper layers of the skin. In the eye, the compound causes irritation, redness, burning pain, increased lacrimation and clouding of the cornea. Visual impairments are usually temporary. The affected eye should be carefully rinsed under running water; the skin can be freed from residues of the substance with soap and water.

Inhalation of compound vapors and aerosols is irritating to the respiratory tract and may cause unpleasant sensations in the nasopharynx. The inhalation of large amounts or concentrated vapors can result in the metabolism of ethyl acetate. Possible symptoms of absorption are dizziness, headaches, intoxication and other impairments of the central nervous system. At high concentrations of the substance, narcotic effects, shortness of breath, respiratory paralysis and cardiac arrest may occur.

Ethyl acetate is considered to be slightly hazardous to water and can damage aquatic organisms in large quantities. Avoid the compound escaping into the environment. The local authorities must be informed of any major discharge of the substance into water, soil or wastewater. The transport of ethyl acetate is subject to the regulations for flammable liquids.