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Methyl acetate

CAS 79-20-9C3H6O274.08 g/mol

Methyl acetate is an acetate ester resulting from the formal condensation of acetic acid with methanol. A low-boiling (57 C) colourless, flammable liquid, it is used as a solvent for many resins and oils. It has a role as a fragrance, a polar aprotic solvent and an EC 3.4.19.3 (pyroglutamyl-peptidase I) inhibitor. It is a volatile organic compound, a methyl ester and an acetate ester.

IUPAC: methyl acetate

Methyl acetate molecular structure

PubChem

Physical & Chemical Properties

Physical and chemical properties
Melting Point-144 °F (NTP, 1992)
Boiling Point134.4 °F at 760 mmHg (NTP, 1992)
Density0.927 at 68 °F (USCG, 1999) - Less dense than water; will float
Solubilitygreater than or equal to 100 mg/mL at 70 °F (NTP, 1992)
Flash Point14 °F (NTP, 1992)
Vapor Pressure170 mmHg at 68 °F ; 235 mmHg at 77 °F (NTP, 1992)
AppearanceMethyl acetate appears as a clear colorless liquid with a fragrant odor. Moderately toxic. Flash point 14 °F. Vapors heavier than air.

Data: PubChem · Last updated: 4/20/2026

GHS Classification

No GHS classification data available.

Classification data is sourced from ECHA.

Regulatory Compliance

TSCA

Listed

note: Status based on EPA TSCA Active Inventory · inventory name: TSCA Chemical Substance Inventory

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SVHC

Not Listed

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FDA GRAS

Not Listed

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No trade flow data available for this chemical.

HS Code(s): 2915

Data: UN Comtrade

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