Material Safety Data Sheet for Ethyl Acetate

Identification

Product Name: Ethyl Acetate
Chemical Formula: C₄H₈O₂
CAS Number: 141-78-6
Recommended Use: Industrial solvent, laboratory reagent, coatings, printing inks, adhesives, pharmaceuticals
Manufacturer/Supplier: Major chemical producers and distributors worldwide
Emergency Contact: Refer to local or national poison control and safety centers

Hazard Identification

Hazard Classification: Flammable liquid (Category 2), Eye irritation (Category 2A), Specific target organ toxicity – single exposure (Category 3, narcotic effects)
Signal Word: Danger
Hazard Statements: Highly flammable liquid and vapor; Causes serious eye irritation; May cause drowsiness or dizziness
Pictograms: Flame, Exclamation mark
Precautionary Statements: Keep away from heat/sparks/open flames/hot surfaces; Wear eye protection/face protection; Avoid breathing vapors; Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area; Store in a tightly closed container; Wash hands thoroughly after handling

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Identity: Ethyl Acetate
Synonyms: Acetic acid ethyl ester, Ethyl ethanoate
Concentration: 99 - 100%
Impurities: Small trace of ethanol, acetic acid, water (less than 1%)

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Remove person to fresh air; Seek immediate medical attention if breathing is difficult or irregular
Skin Contact: Take off contaminated clothing; Rinse skin with water or shower; Wash with mild soap and water
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for at least 15 minutes; Remove contact lenses if present and easy to do; Seek medical advice rapidly
Ingestion: Rinse mouth; Do not induce vomiting; Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person; Get medical attention
Most Important Symptoms: Eye irritation, dizziness, headache, central nervous system depression

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Carbon dioxide, dry chemical, alcohol-resistant foam
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: Direct water jet
Specific Hazards: Vapors form explosive mixtures with air; Combustion releases toxic gases such as carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide
Special Protective Equipment for Firefighters: Self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective gear
Fire-Fighting Instructions: Use water spray to cool fire-exposed containers; Evacuate area and fight fire from a safe distance

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Evacuate non-essential personnel; Wear protective clothing, gloves, eye, and face protection
Environmental Precautions: Prevent spillage from entering drains, sewers, or waterways
Methods for Containment: Contain leaks with non-combustible absorbent materials such as dirt, sand, or vermiculite
Clean-Up Procedures: Absorb and collect residue in suitable containers for disposal; Ventilate the affected area thoroughly
Reference to Other Sections: Use proper personal protective equipment; Refer to disposal considerations for waste management

Handling and Storage

Safe Handling Measures: Ground and bond containers and transfer equipment; Keep away from heat, sparks, and open flame; Use approved explosion-proof equipment; Avoid inhaling vapors and direct contact
Storage Recommendations: Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area; Keep away from incompatible materials such as strong acids, alkalis, oxidizing agents
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizers, acids, bases; Avoid contact with reducing metals
Special Rules for Bulk Storage: Use flame-proof lighting and ventilation systems
Other Safety Directions: Store locked up and keep out of reach of untrained personnel

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Occupational Exposure Limits: OSHA PEL-TWA 400 ppm (1400 mg/m³), ACGIH TLV-TWA 400 ppm
Engineering Controls: Adequate local exhaust ventilation, process enclosures, or other controls to keep airborne levels below recommended limits
Respiratory Protection: Use NIOSH-approved organic vapor respirator when ventilation is inadequate
Skin Protection: Neoprene or nitrile gloves recommended
Eye and Face Protection: Safety goggles or full-face respirator
Other Protective Equipment: Lab coats, chemical-resistant clothing, eye-wash stations, and emergency showers in the work area

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Colorless, transparent liquid
Odor: Sweet, fruity
Boiling Point: 77°C (171°F)
Melting Point: -83°C (-117°F)
Flash Point: -4°C (25°F) (closed cup)
Autoignition Temperature: 427°C (801°F)
Vapor Pressure: 76 mmHg at 20°C
Vapor Density: 3.04 (air = 1)
Solubility: Moderately soluble in water (83 g/L at 20°C); miscible with alcohol, ether, chloroform, acetone
Partition Coefficient (log Kow): 0.73
pH: Not applicable
Density: 0.90 g/cm³ at 20°C
Evaporation Rate: 1.8 (butyl acetate = 1)

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under normal temperatures and pressures
Risk of Hazardous Reactions: May react with strong oxidizers or alkalies producing heat and dangerous vapors
Conditions to Avoid: Heat, flames, sparks, incompatibles
Incompatible Materials: Oxidizing agents, acids, bases, reducing metals like sodium or potassium
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, irritating fumes in the event of fire

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity (Oral): LD₅₀ (rat): 5620 mg/kg
Acute Toxicity (Inhalation): LC₅₀ (rat, 6h): 1600 ppm
Acute Toxicity (Dermal): LD₅₀ (rabbit): >18000 mg/kg
Symptoms of Overexposure: Drowsiness, headache, nausea, central nervous system depression; Prolonged skin contact may result in mild irritation
Chronic Effects: No known carcinogenic, mutagenic, or reproductive toxicity at typical exposure levels
Routes of Entry: Inhalation, ingestion, skin, and eye contact

Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: Harmful to aquatic life at high concentrations; Fish LC₅₀ (Fathead minnow): 230 mg/L/96h
Biodegradability: Readily biodegradable in the environment
Potential for Bioaccumulation: Low (low Kow value)
Mobility in Soil: High mobility due to low adsorption potential
Other Adverse Effects: May contribute to photochemical smog due to volatility
Persistence: Not persistent under normal environmental conditions

Disposal Considerations

Disposal Methods: Incinerate in chemical incinerator approved by local regulations; Do not dispose into the environment or public sewers
Containers/Packaging: Dispose of in compliance with local hazardous waste regulations
Additional Guidance: Handle as hazardous waste; Contaminated packaging should be emptied and disposed appropriately

Transport Information

UN Number: 1173
UN Proper Shipping Name: Ethyl Acetate
Transport Hazard Class: 3 (Flammable liquid)
Packing Group: II (medium danger)
Regulations: Follows IATA (air), IMDG (sea), DOT (US road/rail), ADR (Europe) rules for labeling and packaging
Special Precautions: Keep away from heat and sources of ignition during transport; Secure containers properly to prevent leaks and spills
Labeling: Flammable Liquid (Label 3)

Regulatory Information

OSHA Hazard Communication: Listed as hazardous
EU Classification: F – Highly flammable, Xi – Irritant
TSCA Status: Listed on the Toxic Substances Control Act inventory
SARA 313: No components subject to reporting
REACH Registration: Registered under European regulation
Other Regulatory Compliance: Covered by various international workplace and environmental safety laws
Label Elements: Signal word and hazard pictograms required by GHS and CLP standards