Ethyl acetate

What is ethyl acetate?

Ethyl acetate is a clear, colourless liquid with a pleasant fruity smell reminiscent of ripe pears. Due to its properties, ethyl acetate is often used as a solvent in the coatings, paints, adhesives and printing ink industries. It also plays a role as a flavouring agent in the food industry. As an ester, ethyl acetate is one of the most important chemical compounds for various industrial processes.

Creation

Ethyl acetate can be produced synthetically by the reaction of acetic acid with ethanol or by natural fermentation of acetic acid and ethanol. In nature, it is present in small quantities in various fruits, where it contributes to their characteristic odour.

Recognition

Ethyl acetate has a sweet, fruity odour that is clearly perceptible. The liquid itself is colourless and evaporates easily. When inhaled, ethyl acetate can cause irritation of the respiratory tract and, at high concentrations, can cause headaches and drowsiness.

Limit values

In Germany, the limit values for ethyl acetate are regulated by the Technical Instructions on Air Quality Control (TA-Luft) and the occupational exposure limit values (OEL). The AGW for ethyl acetate is 141 mg/m³. These limit values are intended to ensure that the concentrations in the workplace do not cause any damage to health.

Hazards

Health: Ethyl acetate can cause headaches, dizziness and drowsiness at high concentrations. Prolonged or repeated exposure may cause respiratory irritation and possible liver and nervous system damage. Environment: Although biodegradable, ethyl acetate in high concentrations may harm aquatic organisms and pollute ecosystems. Economic damage: Due to its flammability, ethyl acetate can cause fires and explosions if handled improperly. It also plays a role as a flavouring agent in the food industry. As an ester, ethyl acetate is one of the most important chemical compounds for various industrial processes.

Creation

Ethyl acetate can be produced synthetically by the reaction of acetic acid with ethanol or by natural fermentation of acetic acid and ethanol. In nature, it is present in small quantities in various fruits, where it contributes to their characteristic odour.

Recognition

Ethyl acetate has a sweet, fruity odour that is clearly perceptible. The liquid itself is colourless and evaporates easily. When inhaled, ethyl acetate can cause irritation of the respiratory tract and, at high concentrations, can cause headaches and drowsiness.

Limit values

In Germany, the limit values for ethyl acetate are regulated by the Technical Instructions on Air Quality Control (TA-Luft) and the occupational exposure limit values (OEL). The AGW for ethyl acetate is 141 mg/m³. These limit values are intended to ensure that the concentrations in the workplace do not cause any damage to health.

Hazards

Health: Ethyl acetate can cause headaches, dizziness and drowsiness at high concentrations. Prolonged or repeated exposure may cause respiratory irritation and possible liver and nervous system damage. Environment: Although biodegradable, ethyl acetate in high concentrations may harm aquatic organisms and pollute ecosystems. Economic damage: Due to its flammability, ethyl acetate can cause fires and explosions if handled improperly.