Ethyl acetate

• BPEthyl Acetate
• Ph. Eur.Ethyl Acetate
• USP–NFEthyl Acetate

Acetic acid ethyl ester; acetic ether; acetoxyethane; ethyl ethanoate; ethylis acetas

Ethyl acetate · [141-78-6]

UNII 76845O8NMZ · PubChem CID 8857

C4H8O2 · 88.11

Solvent, humectant

Typical concentrations: — · Dosage forms: Solid

Used as a volatile solvent in film-coating solutions, in the preparation of microspheres and nanoparticles by emulsion–solvent evaporation (for example with PLGA), in topical and transdermal products and in the extraction and purification of drug substances. As a less toxic alternative to dichloromethane it is widely used in microencapsulation. It is also used as a flavouring agent in foods and confectionery.

A clear, colourless, volatile and flammable liquid with a characteristic fruity odour; when diluted it has a pleasant fruity taste.

Boiling point

about 77 °C

Density

about 0.90 g/cm³ at 20 °C

Flash point

about −4 °C (closed cup)

Solubility

soluble in about 10 parts of water; miscible with acetone, chloroform, ethanol and ether

Residual solvent class

ICH Q3C Class 3 (PDE 50 mg/day)

Ethyl acetate is slowly hydrolysed by water, becoming acidic as acetic acid forms; hydrolysis is catalysed by acids and bases. Store in an airtight container, protected from light, in a cool place away from sources of ignition.

Incompatible with strong oxidising agents, strong acids and strong bases, and with nitrates. It dissolves or attacks many plastics and rubbers, which should be considered when choosing equipment and closures.

Made mainly by acid-catalysed esterification of ethanol with acetic acid followed by distillation; it can also be made from acetaldehyde by the Tishchenko reaction.

Of low systemic toxicity; in the body it is hydrolysed to ethanol and acetic acid. High vapour concentrations irritate the eyes, nose and throat and can cause headache, dizziness and central nervous system depression; repeated skin contact causes defatting and dryness. In medicines its residual level is controlled under ICH Q3C as a Class 3 solvent.

Highly flammable: handle in a well-ventilated area with flameproof equipment, away from heat and sparks, and earth equipment to prevent static discharge. Eye protection and solvent-resistant gloves are recommended; the occupational exposure limit is 400 ppm (ACGIH TLV, OSHA PEL).

GRAS listed as a flavouring substance in the USA. Included in the FDA Inactive Ingredient Database and in non-parenteral medicines licensed in Europe. Evaluated by JECFA as a flavouring agent.

Acetone; ethanol; ethyl lactate; isopropyl acetate.

Its partial miscibility with water (roughly 8% w/w at room temperature) is useful in emulsion-based microencapsulation, because the solvent can be extracted into the aqueous phase to harden the particles. Residual solvent in the final product should be checked, typically by gas chromatography.