Ethyl acetate is one of the simplest carboxylate esters. (Former Molecule of the Week methyl formate is the simplest.) The colorless liquid has a sweet, fruity odor that most people find pleasant. As you might expect, ethyl acetate was first synthesized from ethanol and acetic acid.
Ethyl acetate is one of the simplest carboxylate esters. (Former Molecule of the Week methyl formate is the simplest.) The colorless liquid has a sweet, fruity odor that most people find pleasant.

As you might expect, ethyl acetate was first synthesized from ethanol and acetic acid. The reaction was the classic acid-catalyzed Fischer esterification, which dates back to 1895. This is still the most widely used commercial synthesis. An alternative method is the Tishchenko reaction in which acetaldehyde disproportionates in the presence of base to the alcohol and the acid that then esterify in situ.

Ethyl acetate is a widely used solvent, especially for paints, varnishes, lacquers, cleaning mixtures, and perfumes. Like last week’s MOTW, dichloromethane, it is used as a solvent for decaffeinating coffee beans. In the lab, ethyl acetate is a common solvent for column and thin-layer chromatography.
Ethyl acetate is the acetate ester formed between acetic acid and ethanol. It has a role as a polar aprotic solvent, an EC 3.4.19.3 (pyroglutamyl-peptidase I) inhibitor, a metabolite and a Saccharomyces cerevisiae metabolite. It is an acetate ester, an ethyl ester and a volatile organic compound.
Ethyl Acetate is a natural product found in Vitis rotundifolia, Cinnamomum sieboldii, and other organisms with data available.
Ethyl acetate appears as a clear colorless liquid with a fruity odor. Flash point 24 °F. Less dense than water. Vapors heavier than air.
Ethyl acetate is used as a solvent for varnishes, lacquers, dry cleaning, stains, fats and nitrocellulose. It is released during the production of artificial silk and leather, and during the preparation of photographic films and plates. It is released during the manufacture of linoleum, and 'plastic' wood, dyes, pharmaceuticals, drug intermediates, acetic acid, artificial fruit flavorings and essences, and perfumes and fragrances. Ethyl acetate is used as a solvent in nail polish, nail polish remover, base coats and other manicuring products. Ethyl acetate is present in wines.
Short-term exposure to high levels of ethyl acetate results first in irritation of the eyes, nose and throat, followed by headache, nausea, vomiting, sleepiness, and unconsciousness. Very high concentrations may cause a stupor. Prolonged exposures may cause clouding of the eye, damage to the lungs and heart and kidney and liver problems.