Ethyl Acetate

Classification

Flammable liquid, Category 2; Eye irritation, Category 2; STOT single exposure, Category 3 (central nervous system: drowsiness or dizziness)

Hazard statements

• H225 Highly flammable liquid and vapor.
• H319 Causes serious eye irritation.
• H336 May cause drowsiness or dizziness.

Key precautionary statements

• P210 Keep away from heat, hot surfaces, sparks, open flames and other ignition sources. No smoking.
• P233 Keep container tightly closed.
• P240 Ground and bond container and receiving equipment.
• P241 Use explosion-proof electrical, ventilating and lighting equipment.
• P261 Avoid breathing vapors.
• P280 Wear protective gloves, protective clothing, eye protection and face protection.
• 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+P235 Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep cool.

OSHA, NIOSH and ACGIH all use 400 ppm as the long-term limit: the OSHA PEL is 400 ppm (1400 mg/m³) as an 8-hour TWA from Table Z-1, NIOSH recommends 400 ppm as a 10-hour TWA, and the ACGIH TLV is 400 ppm TWA. None of them set a short-term limit. The IDLH of 2000 ppm is set at 10% of the lower explosive limit, so fire risk drives the emergency value. Skin contact can add to the dose even when air levels are within limits. State OSHA plans may set different limits.

• Appearance: Colorless liquid
• Odor: Fruity, ether-like odor
• Molecular weight: 88.1
• Boiling point: 171°F (77°C)
• Freezing point: -117°F (-83°C)
• Flash point: 24°F (-4°C), Class IB flammable liquid
• Autoignition temperature: 800°F (427°C)
• Explosive limits: LEL 2.0%, UEL 11.5%
• Vapor pressure: 73 mmHg
• Vapor density: 3.04 (heavier than air)
• Specific gravity: 0.90 (floats on water)
• Water solubility: 10% at 77°F

Inhalation

Irritates the nose and throat. High levels cause headache, dizziness, lightheadedness, nausea and weakness, and can lead to loss of consciousness.

Skin

Mild irritation. Repeated contact removes skin oils and causes drying and cracking.

Eyes

Vapor and splashes cause serious eye irritation.

Ingestion

Can cause nausea and nervous system effects such as drowsiness. Get medical attention immediately.

Target organs

Eyes, skin, respiratory system, central nervous system

Long-term effects

The New Jersey Department of Health notes that long-term exposure may affect the liver and kidneys and may reduce male fertility. Like other organic solvents, it can cause nervous system effects at high doses. It behaves much like methyl ethyl ketone in the workplace, though its exposure limit is higher.

Gloves

Butyl rubber is the material recommended by ACGIH, as cited by the New Jersey Department of Health. Ethyl acetate attacks many plastics and rubbers, so confirm the choice with the glove maker's permeation data. See hand protection.

Eyes and face

Chemical splash goggles; add a face shield for large transfers.

Respiratory

Use local exhaust ventilation first. Above exposure limits, NIOSH lists air-purifying respirators with organic vapor cartridges or canisters up to 2000 ppm. Use a pressure-demand SCBA for emergencies or unknown concentrations.

Clothing

Solvent-resistant clothing for splash risk. Remove clothing promptly if wet, because it is flammable, and wash skin when contaminated.

Store in tightly closed containers in a flammable-liquid cabinet or approved flammables area that is cool and well ventilated, away from heat, moisture and ignition sources.

Ground and bond metal containers during transfer and use non-sparking tools and explosion-proof equipment. Avoid very long storage, since ethyl acetate is listed as able to form peroxides over time.

Keep away from

• Strong oxidizers (such as peroxides, nitrates, perchlorates, chlorine and fluorine)
• Strong acids such as nitric acid and sulfuric acid
• Strong bases such as sodium hydroxide
• Lithium aluminum hydride and potassium tert-butoxide

• Eliminate all ignition sources and ventilate the area.
• Evacuate unprotected people until cleanup is complete; vapors can travel to an ignition source and flash back.
• Use spark-proof tools and explosion-proof equipment.
• Absorb with activated charcoal or another inert absorbent and place in covered containers for disposal.
• Keep out of sewers, drains and confined spaces because of explosion risk.
• Waste may need to be handled as hazardous waste (RCRA U112).
• For larger spills, refer to ERG Guide 129.

Suitable extinguishing media

• Alcohol-resistant foam
• Dry chemical
• Carbon dioxide (CO₂)
• Water spray to cool fire-exposed containers (water may not put out the fire)

Special hazards

Highly flammable. Vapors are heavier than air, travel along the ground and can flash back. Containers may explode in a fire, and burning gives off irritating and toxic gases. Firefighters should wear SCBA and full protective gear.

• OSHA Hazard Communication (29 CFR 1910.1200): Hazardous chemical; labels, safety data sheets and worker training required.
• OSHA Flammable Liquids (29 CFR 1910.106): Class IB flammable liquid.
• OSHA Air Contaminants (29 CFR 1910.1000 Table Z-1): 400 ppm (1400 mg/m³) TWA.
• CERCLA hazardous substance (40 CFR 302.4): Reportable quantity 5,000 lb; RCRA waste code U112.
• EPCRA Section 302 (40 CFR 355): Not listed as an extremely hazardous substance.
• EPCRA Section 313 / TRI: Not listed.
• Clean Air Act: Not listed under the 112(r) Risk Management Program (40 CFR 68.130).
• DOT Hazardous Materials (49 CFR 172.101): UN1173 Ethyl acetate, Class 3, PG II.

• NIOSH Pocket Guide: Ethyl acetate
• NJ Department of Health Hazardous Substance Fact Sheet: Ethyl Acetate
• NOAA CAMEO Chemicals: Ethyl Acetate
• Fisher Scientific SDS: Ethyl acetate