Physical Properties:

It is a clear, colourless liquid that has a typical ester odour similar to glues and nail polish removers. It is very flammable with a flashpoint of -10 °C and a flammability rating of 3. Methyl acetate is commonly used in low toxicity solvents such as glues, nail polish removers.

Application:

Industry Uses

Industry uses of methyl ethanoate involve the reaction of carbonylation to produce acetic anhydride. It is also used in paint and coating adhesives, lubricants, intermediates, processing aids and as a solvent in paint, glue, nail polish and graffiti removers.

Methyl ethanoate is also used as a chemical intermediate for the synthesis of chlorophacinone, diphacinone, fenfluramine, o-methoxyphenylacetone, p-methoxyphenylacetone, methyl cinnamate, methyl cyanoacetate, methyldopa, and phenylacetone and in the manufacturing of cellulose adhesives and perfumes.

Commercial Uses

Methyl ethanoate is used commercially as a flavouring agent in food additives for rum, brandy, whisky, in adhesives, cleaning products, personal care and cosmetic products, lubricants, fast-paced drying paints such as lacquers, motor vehicle coatings, furniture coatings, industrial coatings (low boiling point) inks, resins, oils artificial leathers and electronic products. The main user end markets for this product are the paint, coatings, cosmetic, textiles and motor industries.