What Is Ethyl Acrylate?
Ethyl acrylate, an organic acrylic ester compound, is a clear, colorless, and volatile liquid with a fruity odor and moderate water solubility. Its chemical formula is CH2=CHCOOC2H5, with a molecular weight of 100.1 and CAS No. 140-88-5.
Uses of Ethyl Acrylate
This compound is highly reactive and used in various chemical reactions. It serves as a raw material for products like fiber treatment agents, adhesives, paints, resins, acrylic rubber, emulsions, and processing agents for leather and paper. Additionally, it’s found in pharmaceutical intermediates and used as a flavoring agent, detectable in pineapple and Beaufort cheese.
Principles of Ethyl Acrylate
Ethyl acrylate has properties such as a melting point of -105°F, a boiling point of 177°F, a flash point of 27°F, and a density of 0.953-0.959 g/mL at 68°F. It’s synthesized through the esterification of ethanol with acrylic acid, typically involving an acid catalyst. Industrial production may use the Reppe reaction with acetylene, carbon monoxide, ethanol, and a nickel (II) bromide catalyst. Commercial ethyl acrylate includes polymerization inhibitors like hydroquinone to prevent radical-induced polymerization.
1. Synthesis of Ethyl Acrylate
Produced by esterifying ethanol with acrylic acid in the presence of an acid catalyst or through the Reppe reaction.
2. Reactions of Ethyl Acrylate
Involved in various reactions like ester exchange, Michael addition, polymerization, and Diels-Alder reaction.
Types of Ethyl Acrylate
Available in both large volumes for industrial use and smaller quantities for reagent applications, with packaging varying from small bottles to large drums and trucks.
Other Information on Ethyl Acrylate
Safety Information on Ethyl Acrylate
Handling ethyl acrylate requires caution due to potential hazards like drowsiness, dizziness, long-term health impacts, and aquatic toxicity. Though it’s a suspected carcinogen in animal studies, its carcinogenicity to humans is not conclusively determined.