ETHYL ACETATE (C4H8O2)

Ethyl Acetate (Ethyl Acetate, EtOAc, EA) — CAS number 141-78-6 — is the most widely used organic ester solvent in the paint, ink, adhesive, pharmaceutical, and electronics industries in Vietnam. With its chemical formula C₄H₈O₂ (CH₃COOCH₂CH₃)Ethyl acetate has a moderate evaporation rate, dissolves well in many types of engineering plastics, and is classified as GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) by the FDA for food and pharmaceutical applications. Loc Thien supplies industrial ethyl acetate with a purity of ≥99,5% in 170 kg drums and 1000L IBCs, with delivery within Ho Chi Minh City and Dong Nai in 2–4 hours.

Specifications

Industry-Specific Applications

Ethyl acetate is one of the few solvents that achieves an optimal balance between solubility, evaporation rate, and safety level — which is why EA is found in the product formulations of most industrial manufacturing sectors in Vietnam.

1. Industrial Paints & Coatings

In the paint industry, ethyl acetate is used as a Diluent for alkyd, acrylic, and epoxy paintsThe medium evaporation rate (Evaporation Index RE ≈ 6,0) ensures a smooth paint film and completely eliminates air bubbles, leaving no white residue (blushing) even under the high humidity typical of Southern Vietnam. EA is highly compatible with two-component (2K) paint systems, making it suitable for electrostatic powder coating and coil coating lines.

2. Flexo & Gravure Printing Inks

Ethyl Acetate is solvent is the primary solvent in solvent-based printing inks. Used for flexographic and gravure printing on PE, PP, and PET plastic packaging. EA dissolves nitrocellulose (NC) and polyurethane (PU) resins well—the two most common binders in food packaging inks. Its rapid evaporation after printing shortens drying time, increases printing speed, and reduces the risk of smearing on finished rolls.

3. Adhesives & Paint Removers

With the ability Dissolves cellulose acetate, polyester and chlorinated rubberEthyl acetate is used in hot melt adhesives and contact adhesives for the footwear, textile, and packaging industries. In paint strippers, EA acts quickly on acrylic plastic films without corroding the metal substrate, making it suitable for refinishing in automotive and mechanical workshops.

4. Pharmaceuticals & Food

Ethyl acetate is FDA approved. GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) Listed in the USP and EP pharmacopoeias as extraction solvents and flavor synthesis solvents, EA is used in pharmaceutical manufacturing for the purification of active ingredients (APIs) due to its efficient organic-water phase separation. In the food flavoring industry, EA is used as a natural fruit flavoring agent (pear, cherry, raspberry) at ppm concentrations.

5. Electronics & Industrial Cleaning

In the manufacturing and maintenance of electronic components, ethyl acetate is used for Clean the PCB circuit board and remove flux residue. After wave soldering and reflow soldering, EA is used. Compared to IPA (isopropanol), EA has a stronger ability to dissolve flux rosin and is a no-clean agent, making it particularly suitable for cleaning high-density solder joints. Additionally, EA is used in industrial cleaning to degrease metal surfaces before painting or electroplating.

Why Choose Loc Thien as Your Ethyl Acetate Supplier?

With over 10 years of experience distributing industrial chemicals in Ho Chi Minh City and Dong Nai, Loc Thien understands the practical requirements of procurement and technical departments at manufacturing plants in Southern Vietnam.

• ✅ Direct import, competitive prices: Loc Thien imports Ethyl Acetate directly from manufacturers in Southeast Asia and China, without intermediaries — ensuring stable prices and clear origin with Certificates of Origin (C/O) and Certificates of Analysis (COA) for each shipment.
• ✅ Stock available in Ho Chi Minh City & Dong Nai: The warehouse meets fire safety standards for flammable solvents and always maintains a minimum stock of 50 drums — ensuring immediate delivery upon order, eliminating the need for long advance bookings.
• ✅ Industry-specific technical consulting: Loc Thien's technical team assists in selecting the appropriate solvent based on the current paint/ink/adhesive formula, advises on mixing ratios, and assesses the possibility of substitution when supply prices fluctuate.
• ✅ Fast delivery within the city in 2–4 hours: Orders placed before 10 AM will be delivered the same day in Ho Chi Minh City. For Dong Nai province (Bien Hoa, Long Thanh, Nhon Trach), delivery will be on the same day or the following morning. We use specialized trucks equipped with Class 3 safety equipment for transporting hazardous materials.

Chemical Storage and Safety Guidelines

Ethyl acetate is classified as a flammable liquid (Class 3). Strict adherence to proper storage and handling procedures is mandatory to ensure the safety of workers and the production facility.

Storage Conditions

• Storage temperature: below 30°C, avoid direct sunlight.
• The storage area must be well-ventilated and free from solvent vapor buildup at floor level.
• Containers/drums must be tightly sealed after each use to avoid prolonged exposure to air.
• Completely isolated from sources of fire, sparks, and high-heat generating equipment.
• Do not store together with strong oxidizing agents (nitric acid, peroxide).

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

• Hand: Nitrile gloves with a minimum thickness of 0,11 mm — latex gloves (EA absorbent) are not permitted.
• Eyes/Face: Protective eyewear (chemical splash goggles), combined with a face shield, is recommended when pouring large quantities.
• Close: Wear chemical-resistant clothing and avoid clothing made of synthetic fibers that easily accumulate static electricity.
• Respiration: In enclosed spaces or areas with high vapor concentrations, use an OV (Organic Vapor) type air filter mask conforming to EN 14387 standards.

Troubleshooting & First Aid

• Inhaling solvent vapors: Move the victim to a well-ventilated area immediately; if breathing is difficult, administer oxygen and call emergency services.
• Skin contact: Wash immediately with soap and clean water continuously for at least 15 minutes; remove contaminated clothing.
• Into the eye: Rinse your eyes immediately with clean water or saline solution continuously for 15 minutes, keeping your eyelids open; seek medical attention if irritation persists.
• Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting; rinse your mouth with water and go to a medical facility immediately.
• Overflow: Remove all sources of fire and electricity; absorb the contents with dry sand or an inert absorbent material; collect the contents in a sealed container and do not flush them down the drain.

Shipping Information

• UN NUMBER: 1173
• Shipping name: Ethyl Acetate
• Classify: Class 3 — Flammable Liquid
• Packaging team: Packing Group II
• Transported in specialized trucks with Class 3 warning signs, equipped with CO₂ fire extinguishers and spill response systems.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is ethyl acetate toxic? Is it safer than MEK or toluene?

Ethyl Acetate has significantly lower toxicity compared to most common industrial solvents. The permissible exposure limit for TLV-TWA is 400 ppm (ACGIH) — twice the 200 ppm level of MEK and five times the 50 ppm level of toluene. EA is not classified as a carcinogen and does not bioaccumulate. It biodegrades rapidly in the natural environment (BOD/COD ratio > 0,6). However, all solvents require the use of adequate PPE and good ventilation.

What is the difference between Ethyl Acetate and Butyl Acetate? Which one should I choose for paint?

This is the most common question from the R&D and paint formulation engineering departments:

• Ethyl Acetate (EA) — Boiling point 77°C, evaporates quickly, RE index ≈ 6,0: suitable for Fast-dry lacquer1K single-coat spray paint, ink requires high-speed drying.
• Butyl Acetate (BA) — Boiling point 126°C, slower evaporation, RE index ≈ 1,0: suitable for Two coats of paint (basecoat/clearcoat) It requires a longer flow and leveling time, reducing the orange peel surface area.
• In practice, many paint formulations use EA + BA mixture Use a ratio of 70/30 or 60/40 to control the overall evaporation rate.

Loc Thien offers both Ethyl Acetate and Butyl Acetate — contact us for advice on selection or sample testing before placing an order.

What quantity do I need to buy to get the best price?

Loc Thien's pricing policy is flexible and tailored to the specific needs of each factory:

• From 1 drum (170 kg): Enjoy distributor pricing, 8-12% lower than retail market prices.
• From 5 drums or more: Tier 2 discounted price, with free delivery within Ho Chi Minh City.
• From IBC 1000L: Special discounted prices, priority given to fixed weekly/monthly delivery schedules as per the framework contract.

Ethyl Acetate prices fluctuate according to the international market — contact us directly for a quote based on your specific needs and monthly usage volume.