Overview

Ethyl acetate (ETH-uhl ASS-uh-tate) is a clear, colorless, volatile, flammable liquid with a pleasant fruity odor. Its appealing odor and fruity taste (in dilute solutions) explains one of its primary uses: as an additive in foods and drugs to improve their flavor.

How It Is Made

Ethyl acetate occurs naturally in fruits, where it is responsible for the pleasant odor and taste of the fruit. It is also found in yeasts and sugar cane. The compound is made synthetically by reacting acetic acid (CH₃COOH) with ethanol (ethyl alcohol; CH₃CH₂OH) in the presence of a sulfuric acid catalyst.

Key Facts

Other Names:

Acetic acid; ethyl ester; acetic ether

Formula:

CH₃COOC₂H₅

Elements:

Carbon, hydrogen, oxygen

Compound Type:

Ester (organic)

State:

Liquid

Molecular Weight:

88.11 g/mol

Melting Point:

−83.8°C (−118°F)

Boiling Point:

77.11°C (170.8°F)

Solubility:

Slightly soluble in water; miscible with alcohol, ether...