Methyl acetate
Synonyms
Acetic acid, methyl ester;
FEMA No. 2676;
Category
Non-ionic surfactant
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Chemical Numbering System
CAS: 79-20-9
EINECS: 201-185-2
Molecular Formula & Molecular Weight
Molecular Formula: C3H6O2
Molecular Weight: 74.08
Structure
Properties
Appearance (1), liquid.
Odor fruity odor.
Solubility soluble in water.
Stability stable. Under strong acid or strong alkali condition, easily hydrolyzed.
Risk Liquid form: flammable material; irritation, irritation to skin, eye, respiratory system. Harmful products of combustion are CO, CO2 and so on. Contact with strong oxidants, can cause to burn.
GHS label: 
Animal Toxicity
Table 1 Animal toxicity values
|
cat inhalation LCLo |
67000mg/m3/1H[1] |
|
cat subcutaneous LDLo |
3000mg/kg[1] |
|
guinea pig skin LD50 |
> 20mL/kg[1] |
|
guinea pig subcutaneous LDLo |
3000mg/kg[1] |
|
mouse inhalation LCLo |
34000mg/m3/4H[1] |
|
rabbit intraduodenal LD50 |
3700mg/kg[1] |
|
rabbit oral LD50 |
3705mg/kg[1] |
|
rabbit skin LD50 |
> 5000mg/kg[1] |
|
rat inhalation LCLo |
32000ppm/4H[1] |
|
rat oral LD50 |
> 5000mg/kg[1] |
|
rat subcutaneous LDLo |
8000mg/kg[1] |
Human Toxicity
Table 2 Human toxicity values
|
human inhalation TCLo |
15000mg/m3[1] |
Ecology may be hazardous to environment. Water body should be given special attention.
Biodegradability biodegradable.
Characteristics excellent cleansing, dispersing, masking abilities. Volatile.
Synthesis
Quality Standards & Test Methods
1, Physical and chemical indexes
|
Item |
Physical and chemical indexes |
|
Liquid |
|
|
Actives, %, ≥ |
95.0 |
Test Methods
(1), Actives
GB/T 13173 Surface active agents -- Detergents -- Testing methods
2, Hazardous substances indexes
|
Item |
Hazardous substances indexes |
|
Liquid |
|
|
Heavy metals (as Pb), mg/kg, ≤ |
20 |
|
As, mg/kg, ≤ |
3 |
Test Methods
(1), Heavy metals (as Pb)
Safety and Technical Standards for Cosmetics (2015 Edition)
GB/T 30799 The test method of food detergents -- Determination of heavy metals
(2), As
Safety and Technical Standards for Cosmetics (2015 Edition)
GB/T 30797 The test method of food detergents -- Determination of total arsenic
3, Product standards
(1), Chinese standards
(1a), HG/T 5626 Methyl acetate for industrial use
4, Further explanation
(a), On physical and chemical indexes: firstly, shall be indicated carbon atom distribution; secondly, shall be indicated average molecular weight.
(b), Used in cosmetics, should be test for harmful substances or furtherly test for microorganisms, according to local regulations and standards.
Major Uses
1, Typical applications
Use as solvent.
Use as industrial cleaning agent, paint stripper.
Use as intermediate in organic synthesis.
Use as perfume.
2, Personal care products
Solvent, perfume in personal care products.
3, Food
Use as food additive (perfume).
Manufacturers
References
[1]: ChemIDplus. 79-20-9, Methyl acetate
Update: 20141029(1); 20200517(2);