CAS 141-78-6 · Ester Solvent
Ethyl Acetate
Ethyl Ethanoate · C₄H₈O₂ · MW 88.11 g/mol
A fast-evaporating ester solvent with a characteristic fruity odor, widely used in coatings, printing inks, adhesives, and pharmaceutical extraction. Its low toxicity profile and good solvency make it a preferred alternative to ketone and aromatic solvents in many applications. Texas-Chem supplies ethyl acetate in drums, totes, and bulk.
Formula
C₄H₈O₂
Boiling Point
77.1 °C
Solubility
Partially water-miscible
Pack Sizes
Drums · Totes · Bulk
Structural Formula
Ester functional group — carbonyl (C=O) and ether oxygen (–O–) linking acetyl and ethyl groups
Safety & Regulatory
- NFPA Health
- 1 — Slight hazard
- NFPA Flammability
- 3 — Serious hazard
- NFPA Reactivity
- 0 — Stable
- OSHA PEL (TWA)
- 400 ppm (1,400 mg/m³)
- ACGIH TLV (TWA)
- 400 ppm
- IDLH
- 2,000 ppm
- DOT Hazard Class
- 3 — Flammable Liquid
- UN Number
- UN 1173
- Packing Group
- II
SDS available upon request.
Grades & Packaging
Available Grades
Pack Sizes
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Molecular Formula | C₄H₈O₂ |
| Molecular Weight | 88.11 g/mol |
| CAS Number | 141-78-6 |
| Boiling Point | 77.1 °C (170.8 °F) |
| Melting Point | −83.6 °C (−118.5 °F) |
| Flash Point | −4 °C (24.8 °F) — Flammable |
| Density | 0.902 g/cm³ at 20 °C |
| Vapor Pressure | 9.7 kPa at 20 °C |
| Solubility in Water | 8.3 g/100 mL at 20 °C |
| Refractive Index | 1.3723 at 20 °C |
| Auto-ignition Temp. | 426 °C (799 °F) |
| Explosive Limits | 2.0% – 11.5% (v/v in air) |
Industrial Applications
Coatings & Lacquers
Fast-evaporating ester solvent for nitrocellulose lacquers, acrylic coatings, and wood finishes. Produces high-gloss, blush-resistant films.
Printing Inks
Primary solvent in gravure and flexographic inks for flexible packaging, labels, and publication printing. Excellent pigment wetting and fast drying.
Adhesives
Solvent in pressure-sensitive adhesives, laminating adhesives, and packaging adhesives where fast evaporation and clean residue are required.
Food Flavoring
FCC-grade ethyl acetate is a GRAS food flavoring agent used in artificial fruit flavors, confectionery, and beverage formulations.
Pharmaceutical Extraction
Standard extraction solvent for natural products, alkaloids, and APIs. Preferred for its low toxicity, easy removal, and good selectivity.
Laboratory & Analytical
ACS/HPLC-grade ethyl acetate is a common mobile phase solvent in thin-layer and column chromatography.
Why Source Ethyl Acetate from Texas-Chem?
- 35+ years supplying industrial solvents to Texas manufacturers
- Industrial, ACS, HPLC, and FCC grades available
- Flexible packaging from 55-gal drums to bulk tanker delivery
- Competitive pricing backed by top-tier producer relationships
- Technical support and SDS documentation with every order
- Same-day quotes for standard quantities