etüülaatsetaat

Etüülaatsetaat, also known in Estonian as etüülatsetaat and in English as ethyl acetate, is an organic ester with the formula C4H8O2 and the IUPAC name ethyl ethanoate. It is a colorless, volatile liquid with a characteristic sweet, fruity odor. Its boiling point is about 77.1 °C and its flash point is around −4 °C, making it highly flammable. It is miscible with many organic solvents and with water, and it is relatively volatile, contributing to rapid evaporation in use.

Industrial production of etüülaatsetaat typically involves the esterification of ethanol with acetic acid, often using a mineral acid catalyst such as sulfuric acid. A common alternative route is the reaction of ethanol with acetic anhydride. The process produces water as a byproduct, which is removed to shift the reaction toward ester formation.

Uses of etüülaatsetaat are diverse. It is a widely used solvent in coatings, paints, varnishes, adhesives, and printing inks due to its ability to dissolve a broad range of resins and pigments. It is also employed in the formulation of nail polish removers and cosmetics, as well as in the decaffeination of coffee and tea where it serves as a solvent for caffeine removal. In the flavors and fragrances industry, it functions as a solvent and, in some cases, a carrier for aroma compounds.

Safety and environmental aspects are important. Ethyl acetate is flammable, and vapors can form explosive mixtures with air. Exposure can irritate the eyes, skin, and respiratory tract; inhalation may cause dizziness or drowsiness. It is biodegradable and has relatively low acute toxicity to aquatic life, but spills should be contained and managed to minimize environmental impact. Proper handling, ventilation, and storage away from heat sources are standard precautions.