Ethyl Acetate (CAS 141-78-6) is one of the most versatile industrial solvents in the GCC market — used across printing inks, packaging adhesives, pharmaceutical manufacturing, food flavouring, and nail care products. Its combination of fast evaporation, pleasant odour, and relatively low toxicity compared to aromatic solvents makes it a preferred choice for industries where worker exposure and end-product safety are priorities.
Technical Specifications — Ethyl Acetate (Industrial Grade)
Parameter Specification Test Method
CAS Number 141-78-6 — HS Code 2915.31 — Molecular Formula C₄H₈O₂ — Purity (GC) ≥ 99.5% GC Appearance Clear, colourless liquid Visual Density @ 20°C 0.894–0.898 g/cm³ ASTM D4052 Boiling Point 76.5–77.5°C ASTM D1078 Flash Point (closed cup) -4°C ASTM D93 Water Content ≤ 0.05% Karl Fischer Acidity (as CH₃COOH) ≤ 0.005% Titration Rel. Evaporation Rate (BuAc=1) 4.1–5.0 — GHS Classification Flammable Liq. Cat. 2, Eye Irrit. 2, STOT SE 3 GHS Packaging 180 kg net drum, IBC —
What Resins and Polymers Does Ethyl Acetate Dissolve?
Ethyl acetate is a selective solvent — it dissolves some polymers excellently and others poorly. Understanding its solvency profile is critical for formulation:
Excellent dissolution: Nitrocellulose (the most important application), cellulose acetate, cellulose acetate butyrate (CAB), polyvinyl acetate (PVAc), acrylic copolymers, polyurethane coatingsGood dissolution: Chlorinated rubber, vinyl chloride-acetate copolymers, ketone and aldehyde resinsPoor dissolution: Alkyds, epoxy resins, polyesters (requires co-solvents), polyolefins, polyamides
Key Applications Across GCC Industries
Printing Inks and Packaging (Largest Application in GCC)
The UAE's large packaging, printing, and converting sector is the primary consumer of Ethyl Acetate in the region. In gravure and flexographic printing inks, Ethyl Acetate provides fast drying (critical for high-speed printing presses), good solvency for nitrocellulose and polyurethane resins, and acceptable regulatory status for food-contact packaging applications.
Gravure printing inks for flexible packaging (films, foils, laminates) Flexographic inks for paper and board packaging Lacquers and overprint varnishes for food packaging Solvent for nitrocellulose in decorative printing Adhesives and Laminates
Ethyl Acetate is a primary solvent for polyurethane (PU) laminating adhesives used in flexible packaging manufacture — a major industry in the UAE's Jebel Ali industrial zone. It dissolves both the isocyanate component (Part A) and the polyol component (Part B) of two-component PU adhesive systems.
Paints and Coatings
In paint formulations, Ethyl Acetate is used as a fast-drying component in aerosol coatings, touch-up paints, and wood lacquers. Its low odour relative to Acetone or MEK and good solvency for cellulosic resins and vinyl resins make it preferred in enclosed application environments. Used at levels of 5–20% in solvent blends for spray lacquers and furniture coatings.
Pharmaceutical and Extraction
Ethyl Acetate is a preferred extraction solvent in pharmaceutical API (Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient) production due to its low toxicity, easy removal from products (low boiling point), and regulatory acceptance for pharmaceutical use under ICH Q3C. Saudi Arabia's growing pharmaceutical manufacturing sector drives demand for pharmaceutical-grade Ethyl Acetate.
Food and Flavouring
Ethyl Acetate is a GRAS (Generally Regarded as Safe) flavouring substance approved by the US FDA and permitted under EU Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008. It is used as a carrier solvent in food flavouring preparations and occurs naturally in many fruits (responsible for the characteristic "fruity" aroma). Food-grade Ethyl Acetate must meet specific purity standards and be sourced from an approved supplier.
Solvent Comparison — Ethyl Acetate vs Alternatives
Solvent Evap. Rate Flash Point Aromatic Typical Price vs EAc
Ethyl Acetate 4.1–5.0 -4°C No Baseline Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) 3.8 -7°C No Similar Acetone 5.6–7.0 -20°C No Lower Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA) 1.7 12°C No Similar Xylene 0.6–0.7 27°C Yes Lower Butyl Acetate 1.0 22°C No Similar–Higher
Storage and Safety Requirements in UAE and Saudi Arabia
Critical Safety Alert
Ethyl Acetate has a flash point of -4°C, classifying it as an extremely flammable liquid (GHS Category 2). In UAE and Saudi Arabia summer conditions, vapour pressure increases significantly — ensuring adequate ventilation and absence of ignition sources is critical. Never store in direct sunlight or near heat sources.
Store in a cool (<25°C), ventilated, dedicated flammable liquid store Keep away from all ignition sources (sparks, flames, hot surfaces) — Ethyl Acetate vapours are heavier than air and can travel to distant ignition sources Use explosion-proof electrical equipment in storage and handling areas Bond and earth all containers and pumps during transfer operations Wear nitrile gloves, chemical splash goggles, and organic vapour respirator (OV cartridge) during handling
