Product overview
Ethyl acetate (ethyl ethanoate, CAS 141-78-6) is the ester of acetic acid and ethanol. It is a clear, colorless liquid with a pleasant fruity odor, miscible with most organic solvents and partly soluble in water. Its medium evaporation rate, strong solvency for nitrocellulose, acrylics, polyurethanes and vinyl resins and relatively low toxicity make it one of the most widely used industrial solvents.
The grade supplied is a transparent liquid free of suspended impurities, specified at ≥ 99 % ethyl acetate by mass with ≤ 10 Hazen (Pt-Co) color, ≤ 0.004 % acidity as acetic acid, a distillation range of 76.2–77.8 °C and a density of 0.901 g/cm³. Typical ethanol, water and evaporation-residue values are reported on the certificate of analysis.
Ethyl acetate is a highly flammable liquid transported as UN 1173. ChemPortal supplies it in steel drums, IBC totes and ISO tank containers for coatings, ink, adhesive, pharmaceutical and flavor applications.
Key features
- Purity ≥ 99 % by mass, color ≤ 10 Hazen
- Acidity ≤ 0.004 % as acetic acid
- Distillation range 76.2–77.8 °C; density 0.901 g/cm³
- Low water and evaporation residue, reported per lot
- UN 1173 flammable liquid; drums, IBCs, ISO tanks
Applications
- Active solvent for nitrocellulose, acrylic and PU coatings
- Flexographic and gravure printing inks
- Solvent-based adhesives, tapes and laminating adhesives
- Pharmaceutical extraction, crystallization and decaffeination
- Flavors, fragrances and cosmetics (nail-polish remover)
- Cleaning and degreasing of electronics and metal parts
Analysis specification
| Parameter | Limit |
|---|---|
| Chroma /Hazen Pt-Co | ≤10 |
| Mass fraction of ethyl acetate/% | ≥99 |
| Mass fraction of Ethanol/% | 0.031 |
| Mass fraction of Acid (As CH3COOH) /% | ≤0.004 |
| Mass fraction of water/% | 0.1 |
| Mass fraction of evaporation residue/% | 0.001 |
| Distillation range °C | 76.2-77.8 |
| Density, g/cm³ | 0.901 g/cm³ |
On a small screen, scroll the technical table horizontally.
Physical properties
- Appearance
- Transparent liquid, no suspended impurities
Identifiers
| CAS No. | 141-78-6 |
| EINECS No. | 205-500-4 |
| HS code | 29153100 |
| Formula | CH3COOCH2CH3 |
| Molecular weight | 88.12 g/mol |
| SMILES | CCOC(C)=O |
| InChI | InChI=1S/C4H8O2/c1-3-6-4(2)5/h3H2,1-2H3 |
| InChIKey | XEKOWRVHYACXOJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N |
| Synonyms | ethyl ethanoate, acetic acid ethyl ester, acetic ether, EtOAc, ethyl acetic ester |
Transport & safety
- UN number
- UN 1173
- Classification
- Flammable liquid
Dangerous-goods classification and handling instructions are provided in the safety data sheet, available on request.
Packaging & logistics




Standard packaging options. Confirm the packaging, lot size and delivery terms with your quotation.
Frequently asked questions
Where is ethyl acetate used instead of ketones such as MEK?
Where a milder odor, lower toxicity or better compatibility with nitrocellulose and polyurethane resins is wanted. It evaporates slightly slower than acetone and faster than butyl acetate, which gives a good balance of drying speed and flow in coatings and inks.
What purity does the grade offer?
≥ 99 % ethyl acetate by mass, with color ≤ 10 Hazen, acidity ≤ 0.004 % and a narrow distillation range of 76.2–77.8 °C, which indicates low levels of ethanol and water.
Is ethyl acetate hazardous to store?
It is highly flammable, with vapors heavier than air, so store in cool, well-ventilated areas with grounded, closed containers away from ignition sources. It is transported as UN 1173; see the SDS for full handling guidance.
What packaging and volumes can ChemPortal supply?
Steel drums, 1,000 L IBC totes and ISO tank containers, from part loads to full container quantities. Send the volume and destination port for delivered pricing and a certificate of analysis.
Published reference specifications. Confirm the current grade, SDS / TDS / COA, packaging and delivery terms with your quotation.
