Oxygenated Solvents · Ester · European B2B Sourcing
Pricing, availability and grade options discussed directly based on your application, volume and delivery location. The preferred ester solvent for printing inks, food-contact packaging and nitrocellulose coating systems.
Specification, pricing and availability are indicative and subject to confirmation at the time of enquiry. Industrial and B2B enquiries only.
Send an ETAC enquiryProduct overview
Ethyl acetate is the most widely used ester solvent in European industrial markets. Its clean evaporation profile and absence of residual odour make it the default choice for printing inks, food-contact packaging and sensitive coating applications.
Ethyl acetate (ETAC, EtOAc, CAS 141-78-6) is a fast-evaporating ester solvent with a boiling point of approximately 77°C and an evaporation rate of ~6.2 (relative to butyl acetate = 1). Its excellent nitrocellulose solvency and no-residual-odour profile after evaporation make it the standard choice in flexographic and gravure printing inks, particularly for food-contact packaging.
At industrial grade, ETAC is specified by purity (by GC), water content, ethanol content, acidity and residual odour. Ethanol (main trace impurity, ≤300 ppm indicative) and water (≤300 ppm indicative) are separately specified, both relevant in formulations where alcohol content or moisture affects product performance or compliance.
ETAC is classified as Highly Flammable (Flam. Liq. 2, H225) with a flash point around -4°C. This is comparable to MEK and requires equivalent attention to ATEX storage, ADR transport and ventilation. See the flash point vs boiling range guide for context on solvent handling classification.
For alternative solvent systems, buyers often also evaluate dearomatized hydrocarbons (D-cuts), aromatic solvents or white spirit grades, depending on solvency requirements, evaporation profile and flammability constraints.
Key procurement parameters
Flash point ~-4°C, handle accordingly
ETAC is highly flammable at ambient temperature. ADR transport (UN1173, PG II), ATEX zone classification, grounding and bonding requirements, and ventilation design all require specific assessment. Review the current SDS before procurement and before any change to storage or handling infrastructure.
No residual odour
Per indicative specification, ETAC leaves no residual odour after evaporation (ASTM D1296). This is commercially critical for food packaging inks, flexible packaging coatings and applications where residual solvent odour triggers consumer or regulatory complaints. One of ETAC's defining commercial advantages.
Purity, ethanol and water content
ETAC purity (~99.8 wt% min, GC area%) is specified with water and acidity subtracted. Ethanol (≤300 ppm indicative) and water (≤300 ppm indicative) are separately specified, both relevant where alcohol content or moisture affects performance or compliance in the specific application.
Hydrolysis sensitivity
As an ester, ETAC can hydrolyse slowly in the presence of strong acids, bases or water at elevated temperatures, producing acetic acid and ethanol. Relevant in formulation stability assessments, particularly in water-based or mixed solvent systems with extended storage.
Indicative specification
All values are indicative and based on typical commercial specification data sourced from producer documentation. Actual specification is subject to production batch, origin and supply route, and is confirmed only at the time of quotation. All numeric values are prefixed with ~ to reflect their indicative nature. Source: Anno Chemicals NV ETAC Specification; Anno Chemicals NV ETAC SDS (Feb 2020). For orientation only, does not constitute a guarantee or warranty. TDS, SDS and CoA available on request prior to supply.
| Property | Units | Indicative value | Test method (ref.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ethyl acetate purity | wt% | ~99.8 min (GC area%)* | ASTM D3545-06 |
| Specific gravity at 20/20°C | , | ~0.900 – 0.903 | ASTM D4052-96 |
| Distillation range | °C | ~75.5 – 78.0 | ASTM D1078-05 |
| Water content | ppm | ~300 max | ASTM D1364-02 |
| Acidity (as acetic acid) | ppm | ~50 max | ASTM D1613-06 |
| Ethanol content | ppm | ~300 max | ASTM D3545-06 |
| Colour (Platinum-Cobalt) | Pt-Co | ~10 max | ASTM D1209-05 |
| Non-volatile matter | mg/100 ml | ~5 max | ASTM D1353-03 |
| Residual odour | , | No residual odour | ASTM D1296-01 |
| Flash point (closed cup) | °C | ~-4, Flam. Liq. 2 (H225) | CLP/GHS |
| Boiling point | °C | ~77 | SDS |
| Evaporation rate | , | ~6.2 (BuAc = 1) | Calculated |
| Vapour pressure at 20°C | mmHg | ~73 | SDS |
| Water solubility at 20°C | % | ~8.7 (limited) | SDS |
| Density at 20°C | g/mL | ~0.8945 | SDS |
| Auto-ignition temperature | °C | ~426 | SDS |
*GC Area% method. Water and acidity subtracted from purity. Source: Anno Chemicals NV ETAC Specification; Anno Chemicals NV ETAC SDS (Feb 2020). All values indicative, subject to batch, origin and supply route.
Industrial applications
ETAC's combination of fast evaporation, clean odour profile and strong ester solvency makes it the preferred solvent in printing inks, flexible packaging coatings and adhesive systems where residual solvent matters.
Printing inks, flexo & gravure
Primary carrier in flexographic and gravure printing inks for flexible packaging. ETAC's no-residual-odour profile and fast evaporation are critical where the printed substrate contacts food or is smell-sensitive.
Key: no residual odour · low ethanol · purity
Food-contact packaging
Solvent in coatings and inks for food packaging films and laminates. Absence of residual odour is a commercial and regulatory requirement. Ethanol content is separately monitored as it affects compliance in some jurisdictions.
Key: no residual odour · low ethanol · water
Industrial coatings & lacquers
Carrier and co-solvent in nitrocellulose lacquers, polyurethane coatings and wood finishes. ETAC's excellent nitrocellulose solvency and clean evaporation make it the standard choice in many wood coating and furniture finishing systems.
Key: purity · distillation range · residual odour
Adhesives & laminates
Solvent carrier in solvent-based adhesives, particularly for flexible packaging laminates. ETAC's limited water miscibility (~8.7%) is relevant in moisture-sensitive adhesive bond lines and laminate assemblies.
Key: water content · purity · residual
Extraction & process chemistry
Used as extraction solvent in fine chemical and pharmaceutical process chemistry. ETAC's limited water miscibility enables selective liquid-liquid extraction. Ethanol content is monitored in regulated process applications.
Key: purity · ethanol · water · acidity
Industrial cleaning
Surface preparation and precision cleaning where fast evaporation and strong ester solvency are required. ETAC's sweet characteristic odour (not residual) and fast evaporation suit many cleaning applications.
Key: purity · non-volatile matter
Resin dissolution & formulation
Solvent for epoxy, alkyd, polyester and nitrocellulose resins. ETAC's solvency for film-forming polymers makes it a formulation standard, often blended with slower solvents to control open time.
Key: purity · distillation range · water
Agrochemical formulation
Co-solvent and carrier in professional-use agrochemical formulations and emulsifiable concentrates. Limited water miscibility can be advantageous in oil-in-water formulations where a water-immiscible carrier is required.
Key: purity · water · ethanol
Application suitability is the buyer's responsibility. Industrial and B2B applications only. ETAC is not intended for food, pharmaceutical or consumer use.
Ester vs ketone vs alcohol
ETAC, MEK and IPA are the three most commonly purchased oxygenated solvents in European industrial markets. They are often purchased together or blended, but their properties are distinct enough that the choice is not interchangeable.
ETAC's key advantage over MEK is its clean odour profile, no residual odour after evaporation. Both have comparable flash points (~-4°C vs <0°C for MEK) and evaporation rates, but the ester chemistry gives ETAC superior solvency for nitrocellulose and better compatibility in laminate adhesive systems.
Versus IPA, ETAC offers stronger resin solvency, faster evaporation and limited water miscibility, advantages for certain coating and extraction applications. IPA is preferred where full water miscibility, lower flammability risk (~12°C flash point) or cleaning applications dominate.
In many industrial systems, flexo inks, adhesives, coatings, ETAC, MEK and IPA are all present in a blend. All three can be enquired in a single form. See also the IPA supplier page and the MEK supplier page.
Indicative comparison
| Parameter | ETAC | MEK | IPA |
|---|---|---|---|
| CAS | 141-78-6 | 78-93-3 | 67-63-0 |
| Chemistry | Ester | Ketone | Alcohol |
| Flash point | ~-4°C | ~<0°C | ~12°C |
| Purity (industrial) | ~99.8% min | ~99.5% min | ~99.8% min |
| Boiling point | ~77°C | ~79–81°C | ~82–83°C |
| Evap. rate (BuAc=1) | ~6.2 | ~7.7 (faster) | ~1.8 (slower) |
| Water miscibility | Limited (~8.7%) | Moderate | Full |
| Residual odour | None | Slight | Slight |
| NC solvency | Excellent | Good | Limited |
| Typical use | Inks, coatings, laminates | Coatings, adhesives | Cleaning, formulation |
All values indicative. NC = nitrocellulose. Actual properties subject to grade, batch and supply route confirmation.
Regulatory context
ETAC has a well-established regulatory profile. Flammability and residual odour in food-contact applications are the primary procurement considerations.
CLP / GHS, Flammability
ETAC is classified Flam. Liq. 2 (H225, Highly flammable liquid and vapour), Eye Irrit. 2 (H319) and STOT SE 3 (H336) under CLP/GHS. EUH066: repeated exposure may cause skin dryness or cracking. Flash point ~-4°C. Full classification in current SDS.
Highly flammable, H225ADR Transport
Shipping name: Ethyl acetate. UN Number: UN1173. Hazard Class 3. Packing Group II. ADR Tunnel Code D/E. Transport compliance assessment required for all modes, road, rail, sea (IMDG), air (IATA). Confirm with the current SDS and logistics provider.
UN1173 · PG II · Class 3REACH & Inventory Status
Ethyl acetate (CAS 141-78-6, Index 607-022-00-5) is listed on key national chemical inventories including TSCA (US), DSL (Canada), EU EIN, AIIC (Australia), ENCS (Japan), KECI (Korea) and IECSC (China). Subject to supply route and origin confirmation.
Listed globally, indicativeVOC Classification, EU
ETAC is classified as a Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) under EU Directive 2010/75/EU on industrial emissions. Relevant for buyers in coatings, inks and cleaning operating under regulated emission limits. VOC threshold and exemption status varies by application and directive.
VOC, buyer to assessStorage, ATEX & Safety
Flash point ~-4°C means ETAC is highly flammable at ambient temperature. ATEX zone classification for storage areas, grounding and bonding, explosion-proof equipment and ventilation design all require specific assessment. Consult the current SDS and applicable DSEAR/ATEX guidance.
ATEX assessment requiredFood packaging relevance
ETAC is used in printing inks and coatings for food packaging. Residual solvent limits in finished packaging are governed by EU Regulation 10/2011 and sector-specific standards (EuPIA, etc.). The no-residual-odour profile is commercially relevant but does not substitute regulatory compliance assessment by the manufacturer.
Buyer to assess per end-useAll regulatory information is indicative and based on available producer and industry documentation. It does not constitute legal advice. Buyers are solely responsible for assessing regulatory, safety, transport and storage obligations applicable to their specific use, site and jurisdiction. Always consult the current SDS and applicable authorities.
Packaging & delivery
ETAC is available in multiple packaging formats. Due to its flammability classification, packaging and transport require compliance with ADR requirements, confirmed at the time of enquiry.
Steel drums
200 L
UN-approved packaging for flammable liquids. Suitable for smaller volumes, trials and qualification batches.
IBC (tote)
1,000 L
Must be rated for flammable liquid service. Common for mid-volume buyers, more logistics-efficient than drums at comparable volumes.
Road tanker (bulk)
~20–24 MT
ADR-compliant tank vehicle required. Most cost-effective per tonne for high-volume buyers. Subject to receiving infrastructure and minimum volume.
ISO tank
~20 MT
For export or longer-distance supply. Flammable liquid rating required. Subject to origin, destination and current supply route.
Enquiry process
From initial requirement to commercial response, handled directly, without automated routing or internal delay.
Requirement submitted
Product, purity, ethanol and water spec (if relevant), delivery country, volume and packaging, submitted via the enquiry form. More context produces a more specific commercial response.
Grade & supply review
Enquiry reviewed against current market position, supply route options and the specific requirement. Purity, ethanol, water, residual odour and packaging considered together from the start.
Commercial response
Pricing, availability, lead time and packaging route. Most enquiries receive a response from the relevant supplier in the network. Reviewed personally, no automated reply.
Documentation on request
TDS, SDS, CoA and regulatory documentation discussed as part of the enquiry. For food packaging applications, flag documentation requirements early, residual odour profile and ethanol content may both be relevant.
Frequently asked
Commercial enquiries
Pricing, availability and grade discussed directly, in the context of your specific application, delivery country and volume. Most enquiries receive a commercial response from the relevant supplier in the network.
Enquiries are reviewed and responded to personally. No automated reply system. If your requirement falls outside our current sourcing capability, we will say so directly.
ETAC enquiry received.
Your requirement has been received and will be reviewed directly. You can expect a personal commercial response from the relevant supplier in the network.
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Important note, all specifications indicative
All product information, specification data and regulatory summaries on this page are provided for general orientation purposes only. They are based on indicative information derived from producer documentation and do not constitute a guarantee, warranty or representation of any kind.