etyyliasetaatin

Etyyliasetaatin is the genitive form of etyyliasetaatti, the Finnish name for ethyl acetate, also known as ethyl ethanoate. In English usage, the substance is a colorless, flammable ester with a characteristic fruity odor. Its chemical formula is C4H8O2, and its boiling point is about 77.1°C. It is miscible with many organic solvents and has limited solubility in water.

Production and properties

Ethyl acetate is primarily produced by the acid-catalyzed esterification of ethanol with acetic acid, with removal of water to drive the reaction toward product formation. Other industrial routes include transesterification or use of acetic anhydride. It is known for being a relatively high-volume solvent, offering good solvency for many resins, coatings, and adhesives. It evaporates readily, contributing to its usefulness as a fast-drying solvent in various applications.

Uses

Ethyl acetate is widely used as a solvent in paints, coatings, inks, adhesives, and cleansers. It serves as a major component in nail polish remover and other cosmetic products. It is also employed in the decaffeination of coffee and tea, where it acts as a solvent that extracts caffeine while leaving many flavor components intact.

Safety and regulation

Ethyl acetate is flammable and its vapors can form explosive mixtures with air. Exposure can cause irritation of the eyes, skin, and respiratory system and may produce dizziness or headaches. It should be handled with adequate ventilation away from ignition sources. It is subject to regulatory controls as a volatile organic compound (VOC) in many jurisdictions and is managed under appropriate chemical-safety guidelines.

Environmental aspects

Ethyl acetate hydrolyzes slowly in water to ethanol and acetic acid and is considered readily biodegradable under many conditions.