Methyl acetate (CH3COOCH3) is a kind of ester, with an airy smell similar to glue, clear liquid, colorless and flammable liquid. It is soluble in most organic solvents but is relatively soluble in water. It is a strong solvent that dissolves a wide range of resins, such as cellulose acetate, polyvinyl acetate, acrylics, epoxies, polyester and …

Methyl acetate has a low toxicity and is easily recyclable to the environment, it is not considered a hazardous air pollutant, so the solvent is environmentally friendly. This organic solvent can be used as an alternative to acetone in the production of paints, coatings, cleaning agents for metal surfaces, adhesives, and so on.

In the industry, methyl acetate is produced through the esterification acetic acid with methanol. As a sub-product in the acetic acid production process, it is produced by combining with carbon, methanol. It is also a subsidiary product obtained from the process of producing terephthalic acid and polyvinyl alcohol

Chemical and physical properties of methyl acetate:

• 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
• Vapor Pressure: 170 mm Hg at 68 ° F ; 235 mm Hg at 77° F
• Water Solubility: ~25% (20 °C)
• Density: 0.932 g cm−3
• Log P: 0.18

Methyl Acetate Market Size to Record an Accelerating CAGR of 3.47% due to Increasing Demand for Methyl Acetate in Paints And Coatings Industry.

66% of the market’s growth will originate from APAC during the forecast period. China, India, and Japan are the key markets for the methyl acetate market in APAC. Market growth in this region will be faster than the growth of the market in other regions. The growing population in these countries is expected to result in a high demand for furniture and bedding, which will facilitate the methyl acetate market growth in APAC over the forecast period. 

• Industry Uses

Industry uses of methyl ethanoate involve the reaction of carbonylation to produce acetic anhydride. It is also used in paint and coating adhesives, lubricants, intermediates, processing aids and as a solvent in paint, glue, nail polish and graffiti removers.

Methyl ethanoate is also used as a chemical intermediate for the synthesis of:

• chlorophacinone
• diphacinone
• fenfluramine,
• o-methoxyphenylacetone
• p-methoxyphenylacetone
• methyl cinnamate
• methyl cyanoacetate
• methyldopa
• phenylacetone

and in the manufacturing of cellulose adhesives and perfumes.

• Commercial Uses

Methyl ethanoate 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.

• New drums
• IBCs (intermediate bulk containers)