Material Safety Data Sheet: Ethyl Acetate

Identification

Product Name: Ethyl Acetate
Chemical Formula: C4H8O2
CAS Number: 141-78-6
Recommended Use: Used as a solvent in inks, adhesives, coatings, pharmaceuticals, and food processing
Supplier: Check with local distributor or manufacturer
Contact Number for Emergencies: Provided by local supplier or CHEMTREC
Synonyms: Acetic acid ethyl ester, Ethyl ethanoate, EA
UN Number: 1173
Relevant Identifiers: EINECS: 205-500-4
Molecular Weight: 88.11 g/mol
Physical Form: Liquid

Hazard Identification

Classification: Flammable liquid, Eye irritant, Specific organ toxicity (single exposure), Narcotic effects
Signal Word: Warning
Hazard Statement: Highly flammable liquid and vapor, causes serious eye irritation, may cause drowsiness or dizziness, may cause respiratory irritation
GHS Pictograms: Flame, Exclamation mark
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin contact, eye contact, ingestion
Potential Health Effects: Dizziness, headache, irritation of eyes and respiratory tract, narcosis at high concentrations, prolonged skin exposure may cause mild dermatitis in sensitive individuals
Target Organs: Central nervous system, respiratory system, eyes
Environmental Effects: Vapor contributes to smog formation, readily evaporates, can pollute air and water if spilled
Precautionary Statements: Keep away from heat and open flames, use explosion-proof equipment, avoid breathing vapors and eye contact, use in well-ventilated areas

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Component: Ethyl Acetate
Percentage by Weight: ≥99%
Impurities: Trace amounts of ethanol, acetic acid, and water may exist
CAS Number: 141-78-6
EC Number: 205-500-4

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Remove person to fresh air, keep at rest, seek medical attention if symptoms persist or breathing becomes difficult
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, wash affected area thoroughly with soap and water, seek medical attention if irritation develops
Eye Contact: Immediately flush eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, remove contact lenses if present, continue rinsing, seek medical attention
Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting, rinse mouth with water, never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person, get medical attention
Most Important Symptoms: Eye redness, skin dryness, headache, drowsiness, confusion in cases of significant inhalation
Notes to Physician: Provide supportive care, monitor respiratory and central nervous system function

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Dry chemical, CO2, foam, alcohol-resistant foam
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: Avoid water jet; may spread the fire
Special Hazards: Vapors can ignite explosively, heavier than air, may travel long distances to ignition sources
Hazardous Combustion Products: CO, CO2, irritating gases and vapors
Protective Equipment for Firefighters: Full protective clothing, self-contained breathing apparatus
Firefighting Instructions: Cool containers with water spray to prevent pressure build-up, remove containers from area if safe to do so, remain upwind

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Evacuate area, eliminate ignition sources, ventilate area, avoid inhaling vapors, wear personal protective equipment such as gloves, eye protection, and respirator in confined areas
Environmental Precautions: Prevent spill from entering drains, watercourses, or soil
Containment Methods: Dike and absorb with inert materials like sand or earth, transfer to suitable containers for proper disposal
Cleanup Procedures: Collect spilled material, use tools that do not produce sparks, ventilate area for vapor dissipation, wash spill site after material pickup
Decontamination: Dispose of contaminated absorbents in accordance with local, state, and federal regulations

Handling and Storage

Handling: Use only in places with good ventilation, keep containers tightly closed, avoid skin and eye contact, take precautions against static discharge, ground and bond containers during transferring, avoid breathing vapor and mist, do not eat, drink, or smoke in work area
Storage: Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area, away from heat, sparks, open flame, and incompatible materials like oxidizers and acids, keep container tightly sealed, protect from direct sunlight, store in properly labeled containers
Storage Stability: Stable under recommended storage conditions, incompatible with strong acids, alkalis, and oxidizing agents
Specific Practices: Only trained personnel should handle large quantities, keep emergency spill response equipment accessible

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Occupational Exposure Limits: OSHA TWA 400 ppm (1400 mg/m3), ACGIH TWA 400 ppm, NIOSH TWA 400 ppm
Engineering Controls: Mechanical exhaust or local ventilation to maintain airborne concentration below exposure limits
Respiratory Protection: Use NIOSH-approved respirators in poorly ventilated or confined spaces
Skin Protection: Nitrile or neoprene gloves, long sleeves
Eye Protection: Safety goggles, face shield if risk of splashing exists
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands thoroughly after handling, do not eat or drink in handling area
Personal Protective Equipment: Lab coat, gloves, goggles, use flame-resistant protection if handling large amounts or working near ignition sources

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Clear, colorless liquid
Odor: Fruity, sweet, characteristic
Odor Threshold: 70 ppm
pH: Not applicable (neutral organic solvent)
Melting Point: -83°C
Boiling Point: 77°C
Flash Point: -4°C (closed cup)
Evaporation Rate: 4.1 (butyl acetate = 1)
Flammability: Highly flammable
Upper/Lower Flammability Limits: 11.5% / 2.2% (by volume in air)
Vapor Pressure: 97 hPa at 20°C
Vapor Density: 3.04 (air = 1)
Relative Density: 0.90 (water = 1)
Solubility: 8.3 g/100 mL in water at 20°C, miscible with most organic solvents
Partition Coefficient (log Kow): 0.73
Autoignition Temperature: 427°C
Decomposition Temperature: Not well-defined; decomposes to CO, CO2
Viscosity: 0.45 mPa·s at 25°C

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under normal storage and handling conditions
Reactivity: Can react with strong acids and bases, oxidizing agents, and undergoes hydrolysis under acidic and alkaline conditions
Conditions to Avoid: Heat, sparks, open flames, electrostatic discharge, contact with incompatible materials
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizing agents, acids, bases, nitrates
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, acetic acid fumes
Polymerization: Will not occur under ordinary conditions
Sensitivities: High concentrations of vapor can displace oxygen in poorly ventilated areas

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: Oral LD50 (rat): 5,620 mg/kg; Dermal LD50 (rabbit): 20,000 mg/kg
Inhalation Effects: Headache, drowsiness, dizziness, possible respiratory tract irritation
Skin Corrosion/Irritation: Mild skin irritation possible, prolonged or repeated contact may increase risk
Serious Eye Damage/Irritation: Causes significant eye irritation, watering, redness, pain
Respiratory Sensitization: Brief exposure may irritate airways, extended or repeated exposure increases discomfort
Carcinogenicity: Not classified as carcinogenic by IARC, NTP, or OSHA
Reproductive Toxicity: Limited evidence, no major effects in animal studies
Specific Target Organ Toxicity (Single Exposure): May cause drowsiness or dizziness, affects central nervous system
Chronic Effects: Frequent inhalation or skin contact may cause dermatitis or mild respiratory issues in sensitive persons
Mutagenicity and Genotoxicity: No mutagenic effects noted in standard tests

Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: Moderate aquatic toxicity, LC50 (fish, 96 h): 230 mg/L; EC50 (daphnia, 48 h): 560 mg/L
Persistence and Degradability: Degradable in water and soil by natural processes, readily biodegraded under aerobic conditions
Bioaccumulative Potential: Low potential (log Kow = 0.73)
Mobility in Soil: High mobility, moves rapidly through soil to groundwater
Other Adverse Effects: Contributes to VOC emissions, can add to ground-level ozone formation
Recommendation: Keep spills away from waterways, use containment to minimize environmental release

Disposal Considerations

Disposal Methods: Collect and transfer to labeled waste containers, incineration under controlled conditions preferred
Contaminated Packaging: Empty containers may contain residue and vapors, handle as hazardous waste, dispose in accordance with local, state, federal, and national regulations
Special Precautions: Do not dump into sewers, storm drains, or bodies of water
Waste Codes: U112 (EPA Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, hazardous waste code for ethyl acetate)

Transport Information

UN Number: 1173
UN Proper Shipping Name: Ethyl Acetate
Transport Hazard Class(es): 3 (Flammable liquid)
Packing Group: II
Labels Required: Flammable liquid
Environmental Hazards: Not a marine pollutant
Special Precautions for User: Avoid leaks, transport only in secure, sealed containers, keep away from heat sources, follow carrier safety procedures
Land Transport (ADR/RID): Keep vehicles cool and ventilated, mark with hazard labels, emergency response guidebook code 129
Air Transport (ICAO/IATA): Prohibit sources of ignition, ground support staff require gloves and goggles
Sea Transport (IMDG): Segregate from oxidizing substances, flammable materials require restricted stowage

Regulatory Information

OSHA Hazard Communication Standard: Classified as hazardous under OSHA HCS (29 CFR 1910.1200)
SARA Title III Section 313: Not listed
TSCA Inventory: Listed
REACH Registration Number: 01-2119475103-46-xxxx
California Proposition 65: Not listed
WHMIS Classification (Canada): B2 (flammable liquid), D2B (toxic material)
Other National Regulations: Subject to workplace exposure requirements, reporting and recordkeeping under many jurisdictions
Labeling Requirements: GHS label, flame pictogram, exclamation mark, signal word “Warning,” hazard and precautionary statements as described above
Additional Requirements: Employers must provide training on physical and health hazards, safe use, and emergency response measures, must keep records of spills and worker exposure as per legal provisions