CH3CH2COOCH2CH3

CH3CH2COOCH2CH3, also known as ethyl propionate, is an organic compound that belongs to the ester family. It is the ethyl ester of propanoic acid. At room temperature, ethyl propionate is a colorless liquid with a fruity odor, often described as smelling like rum.

This compound has the chemical formula C5H10O2 and a molecular weight of 102.13 g/mol. Its structure consists of a propionyl group (CH3CH2CO-) attached to an ethyl group (-OCH2CH3) through an ester linkage (-COO-).

Ethyl propionate is used as a solvent in various applications, including in the formulation of lacquers, paints, and coatings. Its pleasant aroma also leads to its use as a flavoring agent in food and beverages, and as a fragrance component in perfumes and cosmetics. It can be synthesized through the esterification of propanoic acid with ethanol, typically in the presence of an acid catalyst. Ethyl propionate is moderately soluble in water and miscible with many organic solvents.