What is the Formula for Ethyl Acetate?
The formula for ethyl acetate is CH3COOCH2CH3.
Ethyl acetate formula is given here along with its structure. Ethyl acetate, also known as ethyl ethanoate is one organic compound and is mainly used as a solvent in different reactions. Ethyl acetate is obtained from the direct esterification of ethyl alcohol with acetic acid, a process which involves mixing acetic acid with an excess of ethyl alcohol and adding a small amount of sulphuric acid.
The chemical and structural formula of ethyl ethanoate is mentioned below.
Structure & Formula for Ethyl Acetate
Ethyl ethanoate is generally abbreviated as EtOAc, EA, or ETAC. It has a molar mass of 88.106 g/mole. The carbonyl group carbon has a sp2 hybridization and the other part of the molecule has a tetrahedral geometry. The chemical formula for ethyl acetate and its structural formula are given below.
1. Ethyl Ethanoate Structural Formula
2. Ethyl Ethanoate Chemical Formula
| Chemical Formula of Ethyl Acetate | C4H8O2 |
| Extended Formula for Ethyl Acetate | CH3COOCH2CH3 |
3. Ball and Stick Model for Ethyl Acetate
Ethyl acetate is highly flammable and generally found in alcoholic drinks like wines. It is also used as an organic solvent in paints, cellulose, rubber, etc.
Ethyl Acetate Properties
Commercially, ethyl acetate is made from 10% acetic acid “quick vinegar” process and 50% alcohol “high wines” by a distillation process. A ternary mixture of ethyl acetate, water and ethyl alcohol distils first. Ethyl acetate is a colourless and sweet-smelling ester of acetic acid and ethanol.
| Physical state | 1 atm |
| Molecular weight | 88.11 |
| Boiling point | 77.1 °C |
| Freezing point | -83.6 °C |
| Specific gravity | 0.902 at 20oC |
| Vapour density | 3.0 |
| Heat of combustion | -10,110 |
| Heat of decomposition | Not pertinent |
Ethyl Acetate Uses
- Used as an indirect food additive in certain packaging materials.
- Used as an oxygenated solvent widely used in the inks, pharmaceuticals and fragrance sectors.
- Used as flavouring agents and preservatives in the food industry.
- Used as a good solvent for nitrocellulose, fats, varnishes, lacquers inks and aeroplane dopes, it is used in the production of smokeless powder, artificial leather, photographic films and plates and artificial silk.
- Used as a cleaning agent in the textile industry.
Health Hazard
- Acute toxicity was reported while the inhalation in rats as 5.6g/kg after 8hrs.
- It is tested in petroleum produced no irritation after 48hr closed patch test in 25 human subjects.
- It is tested at a concentration of 10% in petroleum and produced no sensitization reactions.
- It is hydrolysed to ethyl alcohol which is then partly excreted in the expired air and urine.
Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs
Why is ethyl acetate a good solvent?
Ethyl ether and other ethers, ethyl acetate and ketones are molecules that accept hydrogen bonds and therefore remove electron donors solve more easily than chloroform, the most frequently used solvent for electron donors.
What products contain ethyl acetate?
Ethyl acetate which has a sweet smell is used to impart flavour to any fruit-flavored candy, baked food, gum, etc. Ethyl acetate is also used to decaffeinate cigarettes, coffee, and tea leaves. Ethyl acetate is used as an artificial flavour in ice creams and cakes.
What is the hydrolysis of ethyl acetate?
Hydrolysis is a chemical breakdown that involves breaking a bond and adding elements of water. HCl was present in this ester (ethyl acetate) hydrolysis with an alkali (sodium hydroxide). Used to speed it up as a catalyst.
Does ethyl acetate-mix with water?
Ethyl acetate is immiscible with water. So, with water, you can’t dilute it.
How is ethyl acetate manufactured?
The main method of producing ethyl acetate is to esterify ethanol with acetic acid, although some are produced by the catalytic condensation of acetaldehyde with alkoxide.
To know about the chemical formulas of various other chemical compounds, keep visiting BYJU’S.
Comments