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Ethyl Acetate

Ethyl Acetate is a versatile solvent widely used in coatings, adhesives, and extraction processes across East Africa.

Procurement of Ethyl Acetate is often driven by its role as an efficient solvent with desirable evaporation and solvency properties, critical for diverse industrial processes.

Packaging

200L drum, 25kg container

Supply Region

East Africa, Kenya

Supplier

Zenco Systems Ltd

What is Ethyl Acetate?

Procurement of Ethyl Acetate is often driven by its role as an efficient solvent with desirable evaporation and solvency properties, critical for diverse industrial processes. Buyers in manufacturing and processing sectors specify this product for its balance of volatility and solvent power which streamline production workflows.

Ethyl Acetate is an organic ester characterized by the chemical formula C4H8O2 and identified under CAS number 141-78-6. It presents as a colorless, transparent liquid with a distinctive fruity odor. Its solvent capabilities extend across multiple industries such as coatings, adhesives, pharmaceuticals, printing inks, and food processing.

The commercial significance of Ethyl Acetate in East Africa is notable, with demand fueled by its use in paint and coating formulations, adhesive manufacture, and as a solvent in pharmaceutical and food-grade extractions. Zenco Systems Ltd supplies this chemical reliably across Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and neighboring countries, ensuring consistent availability aligned with industrial requirements.

Ethyl Acetate: Detailed Product Overview

Ethyl Acetate is chemically classified as an ester formed by the reaction between ethanol and acetic acid, resulting in a compound with moderate polarity and a molecular weight of 88.11 g/mol. This moderate polarity enables it to dissolve a wide range of organic compounds including resins, cellulose derivatives, and many plastics, making it particularly suited for industries requiring effective yet fast-evaporating solvents.

Its volatility, with a boiling point of approximately 77°C and vapor pressure conducive to rapid evaporation at ambient temperatures, facilitates quick drying times in applications such as paints and inks. This property supports efficient production cycles and high throughput in coatings and adhesive formulations. The solvent strength of Ethyl Acetate also aids in dissolving active pharmaceutical ingredients and excipients during manufacturing.

From a performance perspective, the chemical’s miscibility with many organic solvents and partial miscibility with water supports its function in varied formulation environments. Ethyl Acetate's low toxicity profile relative to other organic solvents allows controlled use in food-grade processes, including flavor extraction and solvent recovery systems.

Industrial users frequently depend on its balance of solvent power and evaporation rate to achieve product consistency and quality. However, due to its flammable nature and potential irritant effects, strict adherence to handling protocols is essential. Zenco Systems Ltd ensures that supplied Ethyl Acetate meets local and international standards, verified by certificates of analysis and compliance documentation upon request.

Applications and Uses of Ethyl Acetate

Solvent in Coatings and Paints

Ethyl Acetate acts as a primary solvent in the manufacture of coatings and paints, particularly for nitrocellulose and acrylic formulations. Its ability to dissolve film-forming agents while evaporating swiftly enables smooth application and rapid drying of paint layers. Typical usage involves blending with other solvents to optimize viscosity and drying profile, improving surface finish and durability.

Adhesive Formulations

In adhesive production, Ethyl Acetate dissolves polymer resins to create uniform solutions essential for consistent bonding performance. Its volatility ensures rapid set times without compromising adhesive strength. It is especially common in pressure-sensitive adhesives and those used in packaging, where fast curing and strong bonds are critical.

Printing Inks

Ethyl Acetate is used as a solvent in printing ink formulations to dissolve pigments and binders, enabling proper flow and adhesion on substrates. Its rapid evaporation facilitates quick drying of inks on paper and plastic films, essential for high-speed printing processes. It also influences gloss and color brightness by affecting ink film formation.

Pharmaceutical Manufacturing

In pharmaceutical synthesis and formulation, Ethyl Acetate serves as a solvent for extraction and purification of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). It allows efficient separation of impurities due to its selective solvency and evaporates cleanly during drying phases. Its use complies with regulatory standards when purified to pharmaceutical grade.

Food Extraction and Flavoring

Ethyl Acetate is employed as an extraction solvent in the food industry, particularly for natural flavor compounds and essential oils. Its low toxicity and acceptable organoleptic profile make it suitable for recovering flavors from plant materials. The solvent is removed thoroughly post-extraction, ensuring food safety and product integrity.

Industrial Cleaning

Due to its effective solvency properties, Ethyl Acetate is used in industrial cleaning applications to remove oils, greases, and residues on metal and glass surfaces. Its fast evaporation leaves minimal residue, reducing the need for additional drying steps. This application is common in electronics manufacturing and precision cleaning.

Looking for alternatives for a specific process? Browse the full Solvents & Thinners range or ask our technical team which grade fits your application.

Benefits and Advantages

Efficient Solvency and Fast Drying

Ethyl Acetate offers an optimal combination of solvent strength and evaporation rate, enabling manufacturers to formulate products that apply smoothly and dry quickly. This enhances production speed and reduces downtime, particularly in coatings and adhesives sectors.

Versatility Across Industries

Its solvency profile suits a broad spectrum of materials from resins to pharmaceuticals and flavors, making Ethyl Acetate a universally applicable solvent. This versatility reduces the need for multiple solvent inventories, simplifying procurement and logistics.

Compliance with Food and Pharma Standards

Pharmaceutical and food-grade Ethyl Acetate meets stringent purity criteria, allowing its use in sensitive applications like drug manufacturing and flavor extraction. Buyers benefit knowing the product adheres to regulatory frameworks in East Africa and beyond.

Support from Reliable Supply Chain

Procurement through Zenco Systems Ltd provides assurance of consistent product quality and availability within Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and neighboring countries. Their technical support assists buyers in ensuring the chemical’s suitability for specific industrial processes.

Packaging Information

Ethyl Acetate is supplied primarily in 200L steel drums to facilitate bulk handling and storage for industrial users. For smaller-scale or specialized applications, 25kg containers are available. Zenco Systems Ltd coordinates logistics across East Africa, including Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, and neighboring countries, ensuring reliable delivery and adherence to packaging standards suitable for flammable liquids.

Standard formats: 200L drum, 25kg container

Storage and Handling

Ethyl Acetate should be stored in tightly sealed, corrosion-resistant containers away from heat sources and direct sunlight due to its flammability and volatility. Ideal storage temperatures range from 15 to 25°C in well-ventilated areas to minimize vapor accumulation. Containers must be grounded to prevent static discharge. Avoid mixing with strong oxidizers or incompatible substances. Shelf life depends on storage conditions but typically remains stable for 12 months if properly stored.

Safety Information

Ethyl Acetate is classified as a flammable liquid with potential hazards including skin and eye irritation. Use protective gloves, goggles, and appropriate ventilation during handling. In case of contact, rinse thoroughly with water. Avoid inhalation of vapors as they may cause respiratory irritation. Follow local regulations for disposal and refer to the Safety Data Sheet provided by Zenco Systems Ltd for detailed protective measures and emergency procedures.

Technical Specifications

GradeConfirm with supplier
PurityConfirm with supplier
Density0.90 g/cm³ at 20°C
FormulaC4H8O2
Packaging200L drum, 25kg container
AppearanceColorless transparent liquid with fruity odor
CAS Number141-78-6
SolubilitySlightly soluble in water; miscible with most organic solvents
Flash Point-4°C (closed cup)
Boiling Point77.1°C
Chemical NameEthyl Acetate
Storage ConditionsStore in cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from ignition sources

Applications

  • Solvent in coatings
  • Adhesive formulations
  • Printing inks
  • Pharmaceutical solvent
  • Food extraction
  • Industrial cleaning

Technical Data Sheet (TDS)

GradeConfirm with supplier
PurityConfirm with supplier
Density0.90 g/cm³ at 20°C
FormulaC4H8O2
Packaging200L drum, 25kg container
AppearanceColorless transparent liquid with fruity odor
CAS Number141-78-6
SolubilitySlightly soluble in water; miscible with most organic solvents
Flash Point-4°C (closed cup)
Boiling Point77.1°C
Chemical NameEthyl Acetate
Storage ConditionsStore in cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from ignition sources

Product Features

  • - Colorless transparent liquid
  • - Fruity characteristic odor
  • - Moderate polarity solvent
  • - Fast evaporation rate
  • - Solvent for resins and plastics
  • - Flammable organic ester

Industries Served

  • - Coatings and paints
  • - Adhesives manufacturing
  • - Pharmaceuticals
  • - Food processing
  • - Printing inks
  • - Industrial cleaning

Product Overview

Frequently Asked Questions About Ethyl Acetate

What are the main uses of Ethyl Acetate in industrial applications?

Ethyl Acetate serves primarily as a solvent in coatings, adhesives, printing inks, pharmaceutical production, and food flavor extraction due to its solvency and evaporation properties.

Is Ethyl Acetate supplied in food-grade quality by Zenco Systems Ltd?

Yes, Zenco Systems Ltd supplies Ethyl Acetate that meets food-grade specifications suitable for use in flavor extraction and pharmaceutical manufacturing. Confirm exact purity with the supplier.

What packaging options are available for Ethyl Acetate in East Africa?

Zenco Systems Ltd offers Ethyl Acetate in 200L drums for bulk industrial use and 25kg containers for smaller scale applications across Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and neighboring countries.

How should Ethyl Acetate be stored and handled safely?

Store Ethyl Acetate in cool, ventilated areas away from ignition sources. Use PPE such as gloves and goggles during handling to avoid skin and eye contact, and prevent vapor inhalation.

Do you supply Ethyl Acetate outside Kenya?

Yes, Zenco Systems Ltd supplies Ethyl Acetate throughout East Africa including Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, Ethiopia, Somalia, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo with reliable logistics.

What is the shelf life of Ethyl Acetate under recommended storage conditions?

Typically, Ethyl Acetate retains its quality for up to 12 months when stored in sealed containers under cool and ventilated conditions, away from heat and sunlight.

Is Ethyl Acetate compatible with water and other solvents?

Ethyl Acetate is slightly soluble in water and fully miscible with many organic solvents, making it adaptable for various formulation needs.

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