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💏intro to chemistry review

Ethyl Ethanoate

Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025

Definition

Ethyl ethanoate, also known as ethyl acetate, is an organic compound that is commonly used as a solvent and in the production of various products. It is a colorless, volatile liquid with a sweet, fruity odor. Ethyl ethanoate is classified as an ester, which is a type of organic compound formed by the reaction between a carboxylic acid and an alcohol.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. Ethyl ethanoate is commonly used as a solvent in various industries, including paints, coatings, and adhesives, due to its low toxicity and high volatility.
  2. The production of ethyl ethanoate involves the reaction between acetic acid (a carboxylic acid) and ethanol (an alcohol), resulting in the formation of the ester and water.
  3. Ethyl ethanoate is a polar molecule, which allows it to dissolve a wide range of organic compounds, including fats, oils, and certain plastics.
  4. The presence of the ester functional group in ethyl ethanoate gives it a characteristic sweet, fruity odor, which is often used in the production of artificial flavorings and fragrances.
  5. Ethyl ethanoate is also used as a component in some nail polish removers and as a cleaning agent for electronic devices due to its ability to dissolve certain types of adhesives and coatings.

Review Questions

  • Explain the relationship between ethyl ethanoate and the class of organic compounds known as esters.
    • Ethyl ethanoate is an ester, which is a class of organic compounds formed by the reaction between a carboxylic acid and an alcohol. In the case of ethyl ethanoate, the carboxylic acid is acetic acid, and the alcohol is ethanol. The reaction between these two compounds results in the formation of ethyl ethanoate, with the elimination of water. Esters, including ethyl ethanoate, are characterized by the presence of the ester functional group, which gives them unique chemical and physical properties, such as their ability to act as solvents and their characteristic sweet, fruity odors.
  • Describe the role of ethyl ethanoate in the context of aldehydes, ketones, carboxylic acids, and esters.
    • Ethyl ethanoate is an ester, which is a type of organic compound that is closely related to aldehydes, ketones, and carboxylic acids. Aldehydes and ketones are both carbonyl compounds, with the main difference being the position of the carbonyl group. Carboxylic acids contain a carboxyl group, which is a carbonyl group with a hydroxyl group attached. Esters, like ethyl ethanoate, are formed by the reaction between a carboxylic acid and an alcohol, with the elimination of water. This relationship between these classes of organic compounds is important in understanding the chemical properties and reactions of ethyl ethanoate, as well as its potential applications in various industries.
  • Analyze the potential uses and significance of ethyl ethanoate in the context of its chemical properties and its relationship to other organic compounds.
    • Ethyl ethanoate, as an ester, exhibits a range of chemical properties that make it useful in various applications. Its polarity and ability to dissolve a wide variety of organic compounds, including fats, oils, and certain plastics, make it a valuable solvent in industries such as paints, coatings, and adhesives. Additionally, the presence of the ester functional group gives ethyl ethanoate a characteristic sweet, fruity odor, which is utilized in the production of artificial flavorings and fragrances. Furthermore, the relationship between ethyl ethanoate and other organic compounds, such as aldehydes, ketones, and carboxylic acids, is significant in understanding its chemical reactivity and potential for further derivatization or transformation into other useful compounds. The versatility and widespread use of ethyl ethanoate highlight its importance as a key organic compound in various chemical and industrial applications.