Ethyl acetate (also called ethyl ethanoate, CAS 141-78-6) is a commonly used industrial solvent. It is widely applied in coatings, adhesives, pharmaceuticals, and chemical production.
For buyers and distributors, its physical properties-especially density-are important for handling, formulation work, and transportation planning.
This guide gives a simple overview of ethyl acetate density and key physical data based on reliable industrial references.
Synonyms: Ethyl ethanoate, acetic acid ethyl ester, acetoxyethane, acetic ether, ethyl acetic ester, vinegar naphtha, acetic acid, ethyl ester, acetidin
Density of Ethyl Acetate (Ethyl Ethanoate)
The standard density of ethyl acetate is widely accepted as:
- 0.902 g/cm³ (at 20°C)
This value is supported by multiple authoritative chemical data sources and is commonly used in industrial specifications and MSDS documentation.
However, depending on different references and measurement conditions, slight variations may occur:
- 0.902 g/cm³ (20°C or 25°C) – commonly cited by ChemicalBook and Baidu Encyclopedia
- 0.90 g/cm³ – approximate value used in some simplified technical references
- 0.894–0.898 g/cm³ – reported in certain publications, likely due to different temperature or testing conditions
These differences are normal in chemical data reporting and are mainly influenced by measurement standards and environmental conditions.
Factors Affecting Density
The density of ethyl acetate is not a fixed constant and may vary slightly due to the following factors:
Temperature
Temperature is the most significant factor affecting density.
As temperature increases, density decreases
For example, standard reference values are often measured at 20°C or 25°C
Purity Level
Product purity can also influence density:
Industrial grade ethyl acetate may show slight variation
Reagent or high-purity grade typically provides more stable and consistent values
Measurement Conditions
Different laboratories or data sources may use different calibration methods, leading to small discrepancies in reported values.
Relationship with Other Physical Properties
Ethyl acetate density is closely related to its overall physical and chemical behavior:
- Boiling point: 76.5–77.5°C
- Solubility: Slightly soluble in water
- Volatility: High evaporation rate
These properties make ethyl acetate an effective solvent in coatings, inks, adhesives, and pharmaceutical processes.
Ethyl Acetate (Ethyl Ethanoate) Applications / Uses
- Widely used as a solvent in coatings, adhesives, inks, cleaning solutions and degreasing applications
- Used in laboratory settings for extraction, chromatography and sample preparation
- Employed as a drying agent or reaction medium in organic synthesis
- Suited for applications requiring a medium-polarity volatile solvent with favourable evaporation profile
