Methyl acetate
- Benchmark: Benchmark 2
- Assessed: 2016-11-28
- Expires: 2024-09-27
Used primarily in Cosmetics & Personal Care, Food Contact & Additives, and Solvents & Cleaning applications, Methyl acetate is specifically used in chemical intermediate, cosmetics, food industry, household products, and solvent.
Methyl acetate is primarily used as a solvent in adhesives, paint systems, cosmetic agents, and cleaning
products (70%). It is also used as a chemical intermediate for plant protection products, vitamins (10%),
and sweeteners (20%) (ECB 2003). Use levels as a solvent in adhesives and paints were reported to be
up to 80% by weight (ECB 2003). Additionally, methyl acetate is a flavoring agent in foods and
alcoholic beverages, with a reported maximum use level of 31 ppm (HSDB 2015). Methyl acetate is
manufactured by the reaction of methanol and acetic acid at elevated temperatures in the presence of
sulfuric acid followed by distillation. It can also be manufactured by the reaction of methanol and
carbon monoxide (HSDB 2015).
Chemical Synonyms Acetic acid, methyl ester; CCRIS 5846; Devoton; EC 201-185-2; EINECS 201-185-2; Ethyl ester of monoacetic acid; FEMA No. 2676; FEMA Number 2676; HSDB 95; Methyl acetate (natural); Methyl acetic ester; Methyl ethanoate; NSC 405071; RTECS AJ7224000; Tereton; UNIIW684QT396F; Methyl acetate [UN1231] [Flammable liquid]; UN1231 (ChemIDplus 2019)
Key Functions: Cosmetics & Personal Care, Food Contact & Additives, Solvents & Cleaning