Ethyl Acetate — properties & hazards overview
Boiling point
≈ 77 °C
Flash point
−4 °C (CC)
Vapour pressure (20 °C)
≈ 100 hPa
Water solubility
~ 8 % w/w (at 20 °C)
Flammability
Highly flammable
Toxicity
Low acute toxicity
Chronic risk
Mild CNS effects
Environmental
Rapidly biodegradable
| Property | Value / Note |
|---|---|
| Physical state | Colourless, volatile liquid with characteristic sweet odour; common solvent in coatings and inks. |
| Density (20 °C) | ≈ 0.90 g/cm³ |
| Explosive limits | LEL ≈ 2.2 %, UEL ≈ 11.5 % (v/v in air) |
| Typical sources | Paint booths, adhesives, cleaning operations, printing and coating exhaust, solvent recovery units. |
| Best analytical detection | FID (flame ionization detection) — ideal for total VOC and solvent quantification due to high hydrocarbon response and linearity across ppm–% range. |
*Typical solvent data; verify with SDS and local occupational exposure limits (OEL ≈ 400 ppm TWA).