A low-boiling ester solvent prized for fast evaporation and broad compatibility with coatings and inks. It is widely used as a solvent for surface coatings, nitrocellulose, varnishes, and lacquers, in printing inks, and as an extraction and chromatography medium.
▸Coatings: Solvent for nitrocellulose, varnishes, and lacquers
▸Printing inks: Carrier solvent for flexographic and gravure inks
▸Extraction: Extraction medium and chromatography solvent
▸Adhesives: Solvent in adhesive formulations
▸Cleaning: Component of industrial cleaners and surface preparations
Physical Properties
Physical Description
Ethyl acetate appears as a clear colorless liquid with a fruity odor. Flash point -4 °C. Less dense than water. Vapors heavier than air
Appearance
Colorless liquid
Odor
CHARACTERISTIC ETHER-LIKE ODOR REMINISCENT OF PINEAPPLE
Taste
Ethyl acetate... contributes a fruity flavor to beer
Boiling Point
Azeotropic mixture with water (6.1% wt/wt), bp: 70.4 °C; azeotropic mixture with water (7.8% wt/wt) and alcohol (9.0% wt/wt), bp: 70.3 °C; Slowly decomposed by moisture, then acquires acid reaction; absorbs water (up to 3.3% wt/wt)
Melting Point
-84 °C
Flash Point
-4 °C
Solubility
Slightly soluble in ethanol, ether, glycerol, fixed and volatile oils, soluble in water (1ml in 10ml)
Density
DENSITY OF SATURATED AIR (AIR= 1) 1.02; CONVERSION FACTORS: 1 MG/L= 278 PPM; 1 PPM= 3.60 MG/CU M
Vapor Density
3.04
Vapor Pressure
73 mmHg at 20 °C; 100 mmHg at 27 °C
LogP
log Kow = 0.73
Henry's Law Constant
Henry's Law constant = 1.34X10-4 atm-cu m/mole at 25 °C
Autoignition Temperature
427 °C
Viscosity
0.423 mPa.s at 25 °C
Heat Of Combustion
2238.1 kJ/mol
Heat of Vaporization
35.60 kJ/mol at 25 °C
Surface Tension
24 DYNES/CM AT 20 °C
Ionization Potential
10.01 eV
Odor Threshold
0.0196 mg/cu m (low odor); 665.0 mg/cu m (high odor); 350 mg/cu m (irritating concn)
Refractive Index
Index of refraction = 1.3723 at 20 °C/D
Safety & Handling
Full SDS available on request
A grade-specific Safety Data Sheet (SDS) — with the complete hazard classification, handling precautions, and transport information — is supplied with every shipment and available on request. Confirm all safety and regulatory details against the SDS for your specific grade.
DOT / UN Transport Classification
UN / DOT NumberUN 1173
Hazard Class / DivisionClass 3
Packing GroupII
Proper Shipping NameEthyl acetate
Transport classification per the UN Model Regulations / 49 CFR 172.101 Hazardous Materials Table. Confirm against the grade-specific SDS (Section 14) before shipping.
HS / Tariff Classification
🌐Harmonized System (HS) Code — 6-digit international heading
2915.31
Chapter 29
Organic chemicals
Heading 29.15
Internationally harmonized (WCO HS)
Subheading 2915.31
6-digit international code — national tariff line adds further digits
Ethyl acetate (CAS 141-78-6) is a fast-evaporating acetate ester solvent. It is widely used as a solvent for surface coatings, nitrocellulose, varnishes, and lacquers, in printing inks, and as an extraction and chromatography medium.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are ethyl acetate and acetone the same?
No. Ethyl acetate (CAS 141-78-6, C4H8O2) is an acetate ester; acetone is a ketone (C3H6O). Both are fast-evaporating industrial solvents, but they differ in chemistry, evaporation rate, and solvency. Ethyl acetate is commonly chosen for nitrocellulose and coatings work.
What is another name for ethyl acetate?
Ethyl acetate is also called ethyl ethanoate and is sometimes abbreviated EtOAc. It is the ethyl ester of acetic acid (CAS 141-78-6).
Why is ethyl acetate used as a solvent?
It is a fast-evaporating acetate ester solvent used for surface coatings, nitrocellulose, varnishes, and lacquers, in flexographic and gravure printing inks, as an extraction and chromatography medium, and in adhesives and industrial cleaners. Its rapid evaporation and broad organic solvency drive these uses.
How is ethyl acetate shipped, and what is its UN number?
Ethyl acetate ships under UN 1173 as a flammable liquid. RawSource supplies it in bulk — drums, totes/IBCs, and larger volumes — with CoA and SDS provided. Refer to the SDS for full transport and handling classification.
What is the cost of bulk ethyl acetate?
Bulk pricing depends on grade, packaging, and volume and tracks solvent markets. Submit a bulk RFQ with your specification and quantity for a current quote; we do not list spot prices.
Disclaimer. Information on this page — including properties, identifiers, hazard, transport (DOT/UN) and tariff (HS) classifications, and applications — is provided for general reference and is compiled from authoritative public sources (e.g. PubChem/ECHA, 49 CFR 172.101, the Harmonized Tariff Schedule). Values are typical and are not a guaranteed specification; the Certificate of Analysis (CoA) for the lot purchased governs. Products are sold for industrial and professional use only. Nothing here is a medical, health, or efficacy claim or advice. Always consult the current Safety Data Sheet (SDS) before handling, storage, transport or disposal, and confirm regulatory status, classification and suitability for your application and jurisdiction. Hazard, transport and tariff classifications must be verified for your specific shipment. RawSource makes no warranty, express or implied, and assumes no liability for use of this information. Trademarks. Third-party trademarks and brand names are the property of their respective owners; any reference is nominative — used only to identify a comparable product — and does not imply affiliation with, sponsorship by, or endorsement by the trademark owner.
