Ethyl acetate is an organic compound with the chemical formula CH3CO2CH2CH3, abbreviated as C4H8O2. This colorless liquid has a characteristic sweet taste (similar to pear drops) and is used in glue, nail polish remover, and in the decaffeination process of tea and coffee. Ethyl acetate is an ester of ethanol and acetic acid; it is produced on a large scale and used as a solvent.

In 1759, Count de Lauraguais first synthesized ethyl acetate by distilling a mixture of ethanol and acetic acid. [6]

In 2004, global production was estimated at 1.3 million tonnes. [5][7] Total annual production in 1985 from Japan, North America and Europe was about 400,000 tons. The global ethyl acetate market was valued at USD 3.3 billion in 2018. [8]

Ethyl acetate is mainly synthesized industrially through the classical Fischer esterification of ethanol and acetic acid. This mixture was converted to the ester in approximately 65% yield at room temperature:

Ethyl acetate is mainly used as a solvent and diluent and is favored for its low cost, low toxicity and pleasant odor. [5] For example, it is commonly used to clean circuit boards and some nail polish removers (also use acetone). Coffee beans and tea leaves are decaffeinated with this solvent. [10] It is also used as an activator or hardener in paints. Ethyl acetate is found in candy, perfume and fruit. In perfume, it evaporates quickly, leaving a perfumed scent on the skin.