Methyl Acetate
Methyl Acetate is a colorless, volatile, and flammable liquid with a pleasant, fruity odor. It is an ester formed from methanol and acetic acid and is widely used as a solvent in coatings, adhesives, inks, and cleaning products. Known for its excellent solvency power and fast evaporation rate, methyl acetate is preferred in industrial and commercial applications where quick drying is essential.
Methyl Acetate
Primary Uses
- Coatings and Paints
- Used as a solvent in lacquers, varnishes, and automotive and industrial coatings.
- Facilitates fast drying and smooth film formation.
- Adhesives and Sealants
- Solvent in adhesive formulations, especially for pressure-sensitive adhesives and contact cements.
- Printing Inks
- Serves as a solvent for inks, enhancing flow properties and drying speed.
- Cleaning Products
- Utilized in industrial and household cleaners and degreasers for efficient removal of oils and greases.
Secondary Uses
- Pharmaceutical Industry
- Used as a solvent or intermediate in drug manufacturing processes.
- Cosmetics and Personal Care
- Occasionally used as a solvent in perfumes and nail polish removers.
- Laboratory Reagent
- Applied in chemical synthesis and analytical laboratories as a solvent.
1. Basic Identification Attributes
- Chemical Name (IUPAC): Methyl acetate
- Common/Trade Name: Methyl Acetate
- CAS Number: 79-20-9
- HS Code: 2915.31.00
- Synonyms: Acetic acid methyl ester; methyl ethanoate
2. Physical & Chemical Properties
- Physical State: Liquid
- Color & Odor: Colorless; pleasant fruity odor
- Boiling Point: 56°C
- Melting Point: -98°C
- Flash Point: -1°C (closed cup)
- Density: 0.932 g/cm³ at 20°C
- Solubility: Slightly soluble in water; miscible with most organic solvents
3. Safety & Hazard Attributes
- GHS Classification: Flammable liquid, Category 2
- Toxicity: Low to moderate toxicity; avoid ingestion and prolonged skin contact
- Exposure Limits: OSHA PEL - 610 mg/m³ (200 ppm); ACGIH TLV - 200 ppm
4. Storage & Handling Attributes
- Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, well-ventilated area away from ignition sources and incompatible materials
- Container Type: Supplied in metal drums, plastic containers, or bulk tanks suitable for flammable liquids
- Shelf Life: Stable under proper storage conditions for several years
- Handling Precautions: Use flame-proof equipment; avoid inhalation and skin contact; wear appropriate PPE
5. Regulatory & Compliance Attributes
- Complies with international chemical safety standards and regulations (e.g., REACH, OSHA)
- Listed on major chemical inventories worldwide
6. Environmental & Health Impact
- Biodegradability: Readily biodegradable
- Ecotoxicity: Low environmental impact when used as directed
- Bioaccumulation: Low potential for bioaccumulation
- Carcinogenicity/Mutagenicity: Not classified as carcinogenic
Safety Handling Precautions
- PPE Required: Chemical-resistant gloves, safety goggles, and flame-resistant clothing recommended
- Handling Guidelines: Use in well-ventilated areas; prevent vapor accumulation; ground and bond containers during transfer
- Storage Measures: Keep containers tightly closed and away from incompatible substances
First Aid Measures
- Inhalation: Move to fresh air; seek medical attention if breathing difficulties occur
- Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing; wash skin thoroughly with soap and water
- Eye Contact: Rinse eyes with water for at least 15 minutes; seek medical attention if irritation persists
- Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting; seek immediate medical assistance
Firefighting Measures
- Fire Hazards: Highly flammable liquid and vapor
- Extinguishing Media: Use alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical, or carbon dioxide extinguishers
- Special Precautions: Evacuate area; wear full protective equipment and self-contained breathing apparatus
- Hazardous Combustion Products: May produce carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and other toxic gases under fire conditions
Related products
Butyl Acetate
Butyl Acetate is a clear, colorless liquid with a characteristic pleasant fruity odor similar to pears or bananas. It is an ester formed from butanol and acetic acid. Due to its excellent solvent properties, moderate evaporation rate, and relatively low toxicity, it is widely used in industrial, pharmaceutical, food flavoring, and cosmetic applications. It dissolves many resins and polymers and is prized for improving flow and finish in coatings and inks.
Cyclohexanone
Cyclohexanone is a clear, colorless to pale yellow liquid with a sharp, sweet, acetone-like odor. It is a cyclic ketone with the molecular formula C₆H₁₀O and a moderately high boiling point. Cyclohexanone is a key intermediate in the chemical industry, primarily used in the manufacture of nylon, pharmaceuticals, and agrochemicals. Its excellent solvency and chemical reactivity make it valuable for a wide range of industrial applications, including solvent use and chemical synthesis.
Di Acetone Alcohol
Di Acetone Alcohol (chemical name: 4-Hydroxy-4-methylpentan-2-one) is a clear, colorless to pale yellow liquid with a mild acetone-like odor. It is a versatile organic solvent and intermediate widely used in the manufacture of coatings, adhesives, inks, and specialty chemicals. Di Acetone Alcohol exhibits excellent solvency for resins, oils, and fats, combined with moderate evaporation rate and low volatility compared to acetone, making it suitable for controlled drying applications. It also serves as a chemical intermediate in synthesis reactions and as a component in solvent blends to optimize performance and drying characteristics.
Ethyl Glycol Acetate
Ethyl Glycol Acetate, also known as 2-Ethoxyethyl acetate, is a clear, colorless liquid solvent with a mild, sweet, and slightly fruity odor. It belongs to the family of glycol ethers and esters, combining excellent solvency power with moderate evaporation rates. This makes it highly suitable for use in coatings, inks, adhesives, and cleaning formulations where good solvency and controlled drying times are desired. Ethyl Glycol Acetate is compatible with a wide range of resins, including nitrocellulose, alkyd, acrylic, and vinyl resins, making it a versatile industrial solvent. Its balanced physical properties allow for efficient thinning, cleaning, and dissolution without rapid evaporation or harsh odors.
Methyl Iso Butyl Ketone
Methyl Iso Butyl Ketone (MIBK) is a clear, colorless liquid with a characteristic sharp, sweet odor. It is a versatile solvent widely used in industrial applications due to its excellent solvency, moderate evaporation rate, and chemical stability. MIBK is commonly utilized in coatings, adhesives, printing inks, and chemical synthesis.
N-Butanol
N-Butanol (1-butanol) is a four-carbon linear alcohol with the chemical formula C₄H₉OH. It is a colorless, flammable liquid with a mild, alcoholic odor. N-Butanol is widely used as a solvent in paints, coatings, adhesives, and chemical synthesis. It serves as an intermediate in the manufacture of plasticizers, butyl acrylate, and other chemicals. Its moderate volatility and solvent properties make it valuable in industrial and commercial applications.
Normal Butanol
Normal Butanol is a straight-chain primary alcohol with the chemical formula C4H10O. It is a colorless, flammable liquid with a characteristic alcoholic odor. Known for its good solvent properties and moderate evaporation rate, n-Butanol is widely used in industrial applications such as solvents for paints, coatings, adhesives, and as an intermediate in chemical synthesis.
White Spirit
White Spirit is a clear, colorless, petroleum-derived solvent widely used in industrial, commercial, and household applications. It is composed primarily of aliphatic and alicyclic hydrocarbons, offering excellent solvency properties, moderate evaporation rate, and low odor varieties. White Spirit serves as a powerful degreaser, paint thinner, and cleaning agent, facilitating effective removal of oils, greases, and paints.

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