Methyl Acetate
DESCRIPTION OF METHYL ACETATE
Methyl acetate is a neutral and colorless liquid with an ester-like odor. This substance is also known as methyl ethanoate or acetic acid methyl ester. The production line of this material with a purity of 85% is active in Iran and is continuously produced and sold. Methyl acetate is produced by reacting methanol with acetic acid and then distilling the final product. Sometimes confused with acetone, methyl acetate is also known as acetic acid methyl ester. It is in the form of a clear, highly flammable liquid with a pleasant smell reminiscent of some glues and nail polish removers. Its characteristics are very similar to those of ethyl acetate. Weakly polar (lipophilic) and aprotic, it is fairly soluble in water at elevated temperatures. It hydrolyses at an elevated temperature: into methanol and acetic acid (in the presence of strong aqueous acids or into acetate in the presence of a strong aqueous base).Methyl acetate is used as a solvent in glue, paint and nail polish remover, in organic synthesis and for extractions.
ABOUT METHYL ACETATE
Methyl acetate, also known as MeOAc, acetic acid methyl ester or methyl ethanoate, is a carboxylate ester with the formula CH3COOCH3. This compound is a flammable liquid with a specific aromatic odor similar to that of some adhesives and nail polish removers. Methyl acetate is sometimes used as a solvent because it is weakly polar and lipophilic, but ethyl acetate, a structurally similar compound, is a more common solvent that is more toxic and less soluble in water. The solubility of methyl acetate is 25% in water at room temperature. At high temperature, its solubility in water will be much higher. Methyl acetate is not stable in the presence of strong base solutions or acidic solutions.
METHYL ACETATE PRODUCTION METHOD
Methyl acetate is obtained industrially through the carbonylation of methanol as a byproduct of acetic acid production. Methyl acetate is also formed by esterifying acetic acid with methanol in the presence of strong acids such as sulfuric acid. This production process is known as the “Eastman Kodak process” using reactive distillation.
APPLICATION OF METHYL ACETATE
Methyl acetate 85%
One of the applications of this product is in paint and coating industries, the reason for that is the lack of volatile organic substances in methyl acetate as well as its high evaporation rate, which makes its use in the production of paints and coatings more. It is used in the production of various fast-drying paints and wood coatings (varnishes), industrial applications, automobile industries, marine vehicles and equipment, cans, etc. It is also very suitable as a solvent in nail polish.
Methyl acetate 99%
Due to its high solubility, this material is used by many special users as a solvent for polyurethane coatings and adhesives, and as a bubble-creating agent in polyurethane foams, and as a process solvent for agricultural materials and organic material synthesis. The main uses of this product are:
- Making artificial leather
- As a flavoring agent in food
- Making biodegradable materials
- As a softening agent
- Making lubricants
- Making paint cleaning sprays
INDUSTRY USES
Industry uses of methyl acetate involve the reaction of carbonylation of it to produce acetic anhydride. It is commonly used in low toxicity solvents such as paint and coating adhesives, lubricants, intermediates, processing aids and as a solvent in paint, glue, nail polish and graffiti removers. Methyl acetate is also used as a chemical intermediate for the synthesis of chlorophacinone, diphacinone, fenfluramine, o-methoxyphenyl acetone, p-methoxyphenyl acetone, methyl cinnamate, methyl cyanoacetate, methyldopa, and phenylacetone and in the manufacturing of cellulose adhesives and perfumes.
COMMERCIAL USES
Methyl acetate is used commercially as a flavoring agent in food additives for rum, brandy, whisky, in adhesives, cleaning products, personal care and cosmetic products, lubricants, fast-paced drying paints such as lacquers, motor vehicle coatings, furniture coatings, industrial coatings (low boiling point) inks, resins, oils artificial leathers and electronic products. The main user end markets for this product are the paint, coatings, cosmetic, textiles and motor industries
COLOR AND COATING USES
Soluble methyl acetate is a high evaporation rate, so it can be used in the production of all types of early drying paints and wood coatings (varnishes), industrial applications, automobile industry, vehicles and marine equipment, cans and more. The lack of volatile organic matter in methyl acetate has increased its use in the production of colors and coatings. It is also very suitable as a solvent in nail polish.
CLEAN THE SURFCES USES
used as a solvent in surface cleansers due to its water-repellent and rapid drying properties. Because methyl acetate is rapidly converted to steam. Pollutants do not absorb air to the desired level. In addition, the methyl acetate water-repellent properties make it suitable for cleaning metal surfaces before painting and preparing them for marine applications and moisture-sensitive equipment.
OTHER USE
also used as a solvent in the production of quick drying adhesives. The adhesives are produced by dissolving rubber and resin in methyl acetate. When the adhesive is applied on the surface, methyl acetate evaporates rapidly and causes the adhesive to harden and adheres to the surface. Methyl acetate is also used in cosmetics, personal care products such as perfume, nail polish and lacquer cleaner.
PHYSUCAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES
This substance has low solubility in water, but it has high solubility in most organic solvents. It can be synthesized using acetic acid and methanol, it is also naturally present in fruits such as apples and bananas. This is a very good solvent for nitrocellulose, cellulose acetate, cellulose ethers, celluloid, polyvinyl acetate, many resins including acrylics, vinyls, epoxies, urethanes, polyesters, phenolics, plasticizers, as well as for many It is oils and fats. Of course, materials such as rubber, bitumen, polyvinyl chloride, polyisobutylene and polyvinyl carbazole cannot be dissolved in this solvent.
METHYL ACETATE PRODUCTION REACTION
The most common method for the commercial production of methyl acetate is the esterification of methanol and acetic acid in the presence of a strong acid. Esterification is a process in which an alcohol and an acid are converted into an ester by a carboxylic acid. Sulfuric acid is known as the usual catalyst in this process. In some units, solid acid is used for production, this will increase the reaction efficiency, reduce the amount of methanol and acetic acid in the product, and also reduce corrosion in process equipment. These types of catalysts can work for 3 years or more under normal conditions.
PRODUCTION PROBLEMS
One of the problems in the production of methyl acetate with high purity is the azeotropes that acetic acid, water and methanol can create. Due to the physical conditions they create, azeotropes lower the purity percentage of the reaction and do not allow further purification through distillation in a tower. Therefore, in the old units used for production, there is a reactor with 9 distillation towers, which increases the production time and increases its cost. Also, solving the problem of azeotropes should be done through methods such as liquid-liquid separation. Another problem in these units is the reversibility of the reaction, which leads to production with low efficiency. Also, in these processes, large amounts of unreacted methanol and acetic acid are returned to the reaction, which makes separation difficult and consumes a lot of energy. becomes In more advanced units, the reaction-distillation process is used, in which the reaction and separation take place at the same time, and to some extent, they do not have the mentioned problems. As mentioned, in new production methods, solid acids such as acidic ion exchange resins are used instead of sulfuric acid, which have the following advantages over sulfuric acid:
- Fewer side effects
- Less corrosion of equipment
- Lower cost of production
- They rarely cause pollution
APPLICATIONS OF METHYL ACETATE
Methyl acetate Usage
Use as solvent in polyurethane coatings and adhesives, process solvent for agricultural chemicals and synthesis of organic materials are the main applications of this compound. Other uses include paint, fuel system cleaners and additives, battery electrolytes, polymerization solvents, cleaners for electronic devices, printer ink, etc. This substance is a volatile solvent, therefore it is used in quick-drying paints and the production of celluloid adhesives from recycled films. Among other uses, we can mention the use in varnish to reduce viscosity and in the manufacture of perfumes and paints.
HARMS AND GHS HAZARD STATEMENT
This substance can cause problems when it enters the body through breathing or contact with the skin. Contact with the eyes can cause irritation and redness of the eyes with side effects.
- H225 – Highly flammable liquid and vapour.
- H319 – Causes serious eye irritation.
- H336 – May cause drowsiness or dizziness.
- EUH 066 – Repeated exposure may cause skin dryness or cracking
GHS PRECAUTIONARY STATEMENTS
- P210 – Keep away from heat, sparks, open flames, hot surfaces. No smoking.
- P305 + P351 + P338 – IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.
- P403 + P233 – Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep container tightly closed.
METHYL ACETATE: CHEMICAL AND PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
- Molecular Formula: C3H6O2 / CH3COOCH3
- Synonyms: methyl ethanoate, acetic acid methyl ester, MeOAc, tereton, devoton, methyl ester of acetic acid, methylacetate
- CAS Number: 79-20-9
- Molecular Mass: 74.079 g·mol−1
- Exact Mass: 74.036779 g/mol
- Flashpoint: 14 °F / -10 °C
- Boiling Point: 134.4 °F at 760 mm Hg / 56.8 °C
- Melting Point: -144 °F / -98.0 °C
- Vapour Pressure: 170 mm Hg at 68 ° F ; 235 mm Hg at 77° F
- Water Solubility: ~25% (20 °C)
- Density: 0.932 g cm−3
- Viscosity: 0.36 mPa.s at 25℃
- Autoignition Temperature: 455℃ / 851℉
- Vapor Density: 2.8 (Relative to Air)
- Odor: Pleasant odor. Fragrant, Fruity odor
- Color/ Form: Colorless, volatile liquid
SAFEETY OF ACETATES
All types of acetates that we talked about in this discussion are considered among industrial organic solvents and need to be observed by the workers. Regarding the safety and caution points for butyl acetate, methyl acetate and ethyl acetate, pay attention to the following:
- To prevent the formation of airborne particles, follow proper hygiene practices when working with butyl acetate, methyl acetate, and ethyl acetate chemicals.
- Do not eat any food in your workplace while working with these chemicals.
- Never smoke in warehouses containing butyl acetate, methyl acetate and ethyl acetate or in the workplace with these substances.
- Only use acetates in well-ventilated areas.
- Avoid sprinkling or spraying acetate on closed head areas.
- At the end of work, wash your hands with each of butyl acetate, methyl acetate and ethyl acetate.
- Observe safe storage conditions, including any other chemical incompatibilities, when working with a variety of acetates and increase your knowledge in this area.
STORAGE AND MAINTENANCE OF ACETATES
Barrels of methyl acetate should be stored in a cool place. You must provide ventilation for containers and warehouses. Avoid storing barrels of these chemicals near sources of extreme heat, sources of ignition, or open flames. Barrels should be kept away from food. Keep barrels containing butyl acetate, methyl acetate and ethyl acetate away from oxidizing agents. Packages should be kept in cool and dry conditions in closed containers. Close the container tightly after each use. Also, keep the barrels in a safe place away from sources of ignition. Protect barrels from freezing and physical damage.
PACKING OF METHYL ACETATE
In general, the packaging of all kinds of acetates, including butyl acetate, methyl acetate and ethyl acetate, is in the form of a barrel and is usually available in 180 kg weight. The purchase of Indian acetate, Chinese acetate and Iranian acetates is done under the same conditions. If the customers are applying for bulk purchase of acetates, bulk transportation by tankers is possible under completely standard conditions.
TECHNICAL DATA SHEET OF METHYL ACETATE 85 %
| PROPERTIES | UNIT | METHOD | RESULT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purity | 𝑾𝒕% | ASTM D3545 | Min 85 |
| Density at 20℃ | 𝒈/𝒄𝒎3 | ASTM D1298 | 0.910-0.925 |
| Water content | 𝑾𝒕% | ASTM E203 | Max 0.3 |
| Acidity as Acetic Acid | 𝑾𝒕% | ASTM D1613 | Max 0.01 |
| Appearance | − | Visual Inspection | Clear & Bright |
TECHNICAL DATA SHEET OF METHYL ACETATE 99 %
| PROPERTIES | UNIT | METHOD | RESULT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purity | 𝑾𝒕% | ASTM D3545 | Min 99 |
| Density at 20℃ | 𝒈/𝒄𝒎3 | ASTM D1298 | 0.930-0.935 |
| Water content | 𝑾𝒕% | ASTM E203 | Max 0.3 |
| Acidity as Acetic Acid | 𝑾𝒕% | ASTM D1613 | Max 0.01 |
| Appearance | − | Visual Inspection | Clear & Bright |
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