6008. Methyl Acetate

Nomenclature

CAS number: 79-20-9
Acetic acid methyl ester; methyl ethanoate.
C3H6O2; mol wt 74.08.
C 48.64%, H 8.16%, O 43.19%.
Chemical structure

Properties

Colorless liquid; pleasant odor. mp 98°. bp 56.9°. d420 0.9342; d425 0.9279. nD20 1.3614: Mumford, Phillips, J. Chem. Soc. 1950, 75. Flash pt, closed cup: 14°F (10°C). Sol in water; miscible with alcohol, ether.

Caution

Potential symptoms of overexposure are irritation of eyes, skin, nose and throat; headache, drowsiness; optic nerve atrophy; chest tightness. See NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards (DHHS/NIOSH 97-140, 1997) p 196.

Use

Solvent for nitrocellulose, acetylcellulose, and many resins and oils; manuf artificial leather.