Ethyl acetate (EA) is a colorless, clear liquid widely used across various industries as an effective solvent. This organic compound, scientifically known as ethyl ethanoate, is an ester formed from ethanol and acetic acid, possessing the chemical formula C4H8O2. It has a mild, sweet, and distinctly fruity aroma, often compared to pear drops. Its low toxicity and ability to dissolve a wide range of substances make it popular in manufacturing. Applications include components in glues and nail polish removers, and use in the decaffeination of coffee and tea.
Commercial Availability and Purchase Options
The sources for purchasing ethyl acetate depend on the required quantity and the intended application. For small volumes needed for household projects, cleaning, or hobby use, retail sources are the most accessible. Hardware stores often carry products containing EA, such as lacquer thinners or solvent blends, though purity is typically lower than pure chemical grades.
Beauty supply stores may offer high-purity ethyl acetate as an alternative to acetone-based nail polish remover. Specialized hobby or science supply vendors also stock very small containers for uses like insect collecting or small-scale laboratory work.
Purchasing online provides access to a broader range of purities and volumes, typically from 1 quart up to 5-gallon containers. Chemical supply companies sell directly to consumers and small businesses via e-commerce platforms. Ordering the 1-quart size offers a practical advantage: the potential to bypass expensive hazardous material (Hazmat) shipping fees.
This volume often qualifies as a “Limited Quantity” shipment under transportation regulations, significantly reducing costs. Larger medium-sized quantities, such as 5-gallon pails, are commonly available but are more likely to incur Hazmat fees and are usually restricted to ground shipping.
Bulk or industrial-scale buyers, such as manufacturers, must procure ethyl acetate directly from specialized chemical distributors. These distributors sell in large volumes like 55-gallon drums, intermediate bulk containers (IBCs), or full tanker truckloads. These transactions require establishing a commercial account and meeting minimum order quantities, often measured in hundreds or thousands of pounds. For most general consumers, the online market offering quart and gallon sizes provides the best balance of availability, purity, and manageable shipping logistics.
Selecting the Right Grade and Purity
The intended use of ethyl acetate dictates the necessary chemical grade and purity level, as impurities can interfere with sensitive applications.
Technical or Industrial Grade
This is the least refined option, suitable for general solvent applications such as cleaning, thinning paints, or formulating adhesives where trace impurities are acceptable. This grade typically offers a purity of at least 99.0 percent.
Cosmetic or USP Grade
A higher purity level is mandatory for personal care products, cosmetics, or pharmaceuticals to ensure user safety. The Cosmetic or USP (United States Pharmacopeia) Grade meets stringent quality standards with tight controls on residual solvents and heavy metals. This grade features a purity greater than 99.5 percent and is necessary for products that contact the skin or are used in pharmaceutical manufacturing.
Food Grade
The highest quality is the Food Grade, often labeled as FCC (Food Chemicals Codex) Grade or E1504 in Europe. This grade is required for use in flavorings, fragrances, and food-related extraction processes like decaffeination. It often exceeds 99.7 percent purity and must pass sensory tests to ensure it does not impart any unwanted odor or taste.
Purchasing these higher grades often involves requesting a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) from the supplier. The CoA confirms the material meets specified purity standards and details the analysis of various impurities, which is necessary for regulatory compliance and quality assurance. Choosing a grade that is purer than required is often unnecessary and more costly, while using a grade that is not pure enough can compromise the end product.
Essential Safety Considerations for Handling and Storage
Ethyl acetate is classified as a highly flammable liquid, making safe handling and storage protocols important. The compound has a very low flash point, typically around -4°C to -3°C, meaning its vapors can ignite easily at or below typical freezer temperatures. Therefore, it must be stored and used far away from any source of ignition, including open flames, sparks, and hot surfaces.
When handling EA, adequate ventilation is necessary to prevent the buildup of vapors, which can cause irritation and central nervous system effects such as dizziness or drowsiness. Working outdoors or in a space with local exhaust ventilation is the best practice to minimize inhalation exposure. Personal protective equipment (PPE) is also required, including chemical-resistant gloves and safety goggles to protect the eyes and skin from splashes.
Proper storage involves keeping ethyl acetate in a tightly sealed, non-reactive container in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area. The storage location should be out of direct sunlight and away from incompatible materials, specifically strong oxidizing agents, strong acids, and strong bases, which can cause hazardous reactions. To mitigate the risk of static discharge igniting the flammable vapors, containers and receiving equipment should be grounded and bonded during transfer.