Ethyl Acetate - Colorless Liquid Solvent | Low Toxicity, Sweet Aroma, Ideal For Decaffeination And Cleaning

Ethyl acetate (systematically, ethyl ethanoate, commonly abbreviated EtOAc or EA) is the organic compound with the formula CH3COOCH2CH3. This colorless liquid has a characteristic sweet smell (similar to pear drops) and is used in glues, nail polish removers and cigarettes (see list of additives in cigarettes). Ethyl acetate is the ester of ethanol and acetic acid; it is manufactured on a large scale for use as a solvent.

Uses:

Ethyl acetate is used primarily as a solvent and diluent, being favored because of its low cost, low toxicity and agreeable odor. For example, it is commonly used to clean circuit boards and in some nail varnish removers (acetone and acetonitrile are also used). Coffee beans and tea leaves are decaffeinated with this solvent.[3] It is also used in paints as an activator or hardener.[citation needed] Ethyl acetate is present in confectionery, perfumes and fruits. In perfumes, it evaporates quickly, leaving only the scent of the perfume on the skin.

Laboratory Uses:

a c In the laboratory, mixtures containing ethyl acetate are commonly used in column chromatography and extractions.
a c Ethyl acetate is rarely selected as a reaction solvent because it is prone to hydrolysis and transesterification
a c Ethyl acetate is very volatile and has a boiling point of 77 A C. Due to these properties, it can be removed from a sample by heating in a hot water bath and providing ventilation with compressed air