Methyl Acetate: Overview, Questions, Preparation

The formula for Methyl acetate is CH3COOCH3 and it is also known as MeOAc, methyl ethanoate or acetic acid methyl ester. Methyl acetate is a carboxylate ester. Occasionally, it is used as a solvent because it is weakly polar and lipophilic.

A close relative of Methyl acetate is Ethyl acetate, which is a good solvent because it is less toxic and less soluble in water. The solubility of Methyl acetate is 25% in water at room temperature. When the temperature is increased then the solubility in water also increases. Methyl acetate is unstable in the availability of strong aqueous bases or aqueous acids.

Generation of Methyl acetate

Methyl acetate can be produced industrially with the help of carbonylation of methanol as a by-product of the production of acetic acid. It can also be prepared by esterification of acetic acid with methanol with the presence of strong acids like Sulphuric acid.

Some of the features of Methyl acetate are as follows:

•       Methyl acetate is a colourless liquid with a fruity smell.
•       The vapours of Methyl acetate are heavier than air.
•       Its toxicity is moderate.
•       Methyl acetate is available in fruits like grapes, bananas, etc.
•       The molecular weight of Methyl acetate is 74.079g/mol.
•       The density of methyl acetate is 0.932g/cm3.
•       The melting point of Methyl acetate is -98 Degree Celsius.
•       The boiling point of Methyl acetate is 56.9 Degree Celsius.

Reactions related to Methyl acetate

At a very high temperature, Methyl acetate is hydrolysed back to methanol and acetic acid in the presence of strong bases like sodium hydroxide or strong acids like hydrochloric acid or sulphuric acid. There are two types of reactions that take place in the process: the first-order reaction and the second-order reaction.

Methyl acetate is converted back into its components with the help of acid. This is called a first-order reaction. The reaction that takes place between methyl acetate and a base is called a second-order reaction with respect to both reactants. Methyl acetate is actually a Lewis base that forms 1:1 adducts.

Some of the applications of Methyl acetate are as follows:

•       Methyl acetate can be used as a volatile low toxicity solvent in glues, paints and nail polish removers.
•       Methyl acetate can be used as a food additive to increase the flavour
•       It is used in the production of artificial leather
•       It can be used for the biodegradation of organic materials
•       It can be used as a flavouring agent in brandy, whiskey and rum
•       It also finds its application as a plasticiser
•       Lubricants can be produced using Methyl acetate
•       It can also be used in paint removers

This is an important topic for 10th and 12th CBSE students and it is an easy topic to score good marks in chemistry.

A. There are many applications of Methyl acetate. Methyl acetate is used in nail polish removers, glues and paints because it is a volatile low toxicity solvent.  

A. Methyl acetate is converted back into its components with the help of acid. This is called a first-order reaction.  

 

Q. What are the applications of Methyl acetate?

Q. What is the meaning of a First-order reaction?

Q. What is the meaning of Second-order reaction?

Q. What are the chances of health hazards from Methyl acetate?

Q. What is the molecular weight of Methyl acetate?

Q. What is the method of production of Methyl acetate?

Q. What is the boiling point of Methyl acetate?