Ethyl acetate, also known as ethyl acetate, is an organic compound. It is a common ester compound formed by the reaction of acetic acid and ethanol. Ethyl acetate is a colorless and fruity liquid. It is widely used as solvent and extractant in industry. In addition, ethyl acetate is also used as a component of paints, glues, perfumes and food additives.
Because of its low boiling point and volatility, it is very popular in many applications. The chemical formula C4H8O2 represents the atomic composition of ethyl acetate molecule. Where c stands for carbon, h stands for hydrogen and o stands for oxygen. The number 4 in the chemical formula represents the number of carbon atoms in the molecule, the number 8 represents the number of hydrogen atoms, and the number 2 represents the number of oxygen atoms.
Ethyl acetate is a relatively stable compound, which is not easy to decompose under general environmental conditions. However, in the presence of strong acid or alkali, it may undergo hydrolysis reaction and decompose into acetic acid and ethanol.
Chemical properties of ethyl acetate
1, solubility: ethyl acetate has good solubility in many organic solvents, such as alcohols, ethers and lipids. However, its solubility is worse than that of polar solvents such as water.
2. Hydrolysis: Ethyl acetate can be hydrolyzed under acidic or alkaline conditions. Under acidic conditions, it will be decomposed by water to produce acetic acid and ethanol. Under alkaline conditions, it will be decomposed by water to produce ethanol and acetate.
3. Transesterification: Ethyl acetate can react with other alcohols to produce transesterification. This reaction can be used to synthesize other ester compounds.
4. Combustibility: Ethyl acetate is combustible, which can burn to give off flame. Its combustion products are mainly carbon dioxide and water.
5. Acidity and alkalinity: Ethyl acetate is a neutral compound and does not show obvious acidity or alkalinity.
6. Chemical reaction: Ethyl acetate can participate in many organic reactions, such as esterification, ester hydrolysis, reduction or oxidation of carbonyl compounds, etc.