Propyl acetate, also known as “n-propyl acetate” and “propyl acetate”, occurs naturally in strawberries, bananas and tomatoes. It is a product obtained by esterification of acetic acid and 1-propanol, and has the typical properties of an ester. It is a colorless transparent liquid at room temperature, and is miscible with ethanol and ether, with a special fruit flavor.
n-Propyl Acetate: Overview and Key Properties
| Category | Details |
|---|
| Chemical Name | n-Propyl Acetate (Propyl Ethanoate) |
| Molecular Formula | C₅H₁₀O₂ |
| CAS Number | 109-60-4 |
| Appearance | Colorless liquid |
| Odor | Pleasant, fruity (pear-like) |
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|
| Boiling Point | 101.6°C (214.9°F) |
| Melting Point | −95°C (−139°F) |
| Density (20°C) | 0.888 g/cm³ |
| Vapor Pressure | 25 mmHg (20°C) |
| Flash Point | 14°C (57°F) – Highly flammable |
| Solubility | Slightly soluble in water (1.9 g/100 mL); miscible with most organic solvents |
Production Methods
| Method | Process Description |
|---|
| Esterification | n-Propanol + Acetic Acid (acid catalyst, e.g., H₂SO₄) |
| Reactive Distillation | Continuous process for higher efficiency |
Applications
| Industry | Uses |
|---|
| Coatings & Inks | Solvent for lacquers, flexographic inks |
| Pharmaceuticals | Extraction solvent, intermediate |
| Food & Flavoring | Artificial flavoring (pear, apple notes) |
| Electronics | Cleaning agent for circuit boards |
| Adhesives | Fast-evaporating solvent component |
Safety & Regulatory Status
| Parameter | Details |
|---|
| OSHA PEL | 200 ppm (TWA) |
| Health Hazards | Irritant (eyes/skin); narcotic at high concentrations |
| Storage | Keep in cool, ventilated areas away from ignition sources |
| Regulatory | FDA-approved for food use (21 CFR 172.515) |
Comparison with Similar Acetates
| Acetate | n-Propyl vs. Alternatives |
|---|
| Ethyl Acetate | Higher boiling point, slower evaporation |
| Butyl Acetate | Less pungent odor, lower solubility in water |
| Isopropyl Acetate | Similar properties but different isomer structure |
Environmental & Handling Data
| Property | Value |
|---|
| Biodegradability | Readily biodegradable (OECD 301B) |
| LD50 (Oral, Rat) | 9.370 mg/kg |
| VOC Status | Classified as VOC (EPA) |
Market Information
| Aspect | Details |
|---|
| Global Demand | ~150.000 tons/year |
| Price Range | $1.200–1.800/ton |
| Major Producers | Dow, Eastman, BASF, Showa Denko |
Key Advantages and Limitations
| Advantages | Limitations |
|---|
| Balanced evaporation rate | High flammability risk |
| Low toxicity (vs. ketones) | Moderate water solubility limits some uses |
| Pleasant odor for consumer applications | VOC regulations may restrict use |
Summary
n-Propyl Acetate is a versatile solvent prized for its fruity odor, moderate evaporation rate, and broad compatibility in coatings, inks, and flavorings. While its flammability requires careful handling, its favorable toxicity profile and biodegradability make it a preferred choice over harsher solvents. Market growth is driven by demand in eco-friendly coatings and food applications.
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