Organic Ester Compound Ethyl Acetate

Ethyl Acetate is an organic ester compound with a molecular formula of C4H8O2 (commonly abbreviated as EtOAc or EA), appears as a colorless liquid. It is highly miscible with all common organic solvents (alcohols, ketones, glycols, esters), which make it a common solvent for cleaning, paint removal and coatings.
Ethyl acetate is found in alcoholic beverages, cereal crops, radishes, fruit juices, beer, wine, spirits etc. It has a fruity characteristic odor that is commonly recognized in glues, nail polish remover, decaffeinating tea and coffee, and cigarettes. Due to its agreeable aroma and low cost, this chemical is commonly used and manufactured in large scale in the world, as over 1 million tons annually.

Ethyl acetate (structure shown above) is the most familiar ester to many chemistry students and possibly the ester with the widest range of uses. Esters are structurally derived from carboxylic acids by replacing the acidic hydrogen by an alkyl or aryl group. Ethyl acetate itself is a colourless liquid at room temperature with a pleasant "fruity" smell, b.p. 77°C.

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 is also used). Coffee beans and tea leaves are decaffeinated with this solvent (when supercritical CO2 extraction is not possible). It is also used in paints as an activator or hardener. Ethyl acetate is present in confectionery, perfumes, and fruits. In perfumes it evaporates quickly, leaving the scent of the perfume on the skin.