79-20-9
CAS Number
Fast-Evaporating Ester Solvent
Eastman Methyl Acetate
A mild-odor, fast-drying solvent for coatings, printing inks, adhesives and cleaning formulations.
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About the Company
Ascent Group Co., Ltd supplies Eastman Methyl Acetate to formulators who need a dependable, fast-acting solvent for industrial systems. Our manufacturing and quality-control practices center on tight specification control, careful handling of low-boiling flammable liquids, and practical technical support from sample evaluation through production. Every consignment is supplied against a clearly defined product identity, so customers can qualify the material with confidence.
Batch-to-batch consistency is maintained by monitoring the defining physical properties of the solvent before release. This focus on measurable quality helps production teams reproduce coating and ink performance without reformulation. The result is a supply you can build into a repeatable process.
79-20-9
CAS Registry Number
C₃H₆O₂
Molecular Formula
74.08 g/mol
Molar Mass
What Is Methyl Acetate
Eastman Methyl Acetate is a fast-evaporating, mild-odor active solvent produced from methyl acetate, also known as acetic acid methyl ester. It dissolves a broad range of coating and ink resins, including nitrocellulose, acrylics, vinyl copolymers, epoxies, alkyds and polyesters, and serves as the fast-evaporating component in both high- and low-solvent systems. Compared with acetone, it offers a higher flash point and stronger blush resistance, making it a practical choice where rapid solvent release, quick dry-to-touch, and a gentler odor profile are required.
With a low boiling point and complete miscibility with most common organic solvents, it integrates easily into existing formulations without major process changes. Its combination of solvency speed and manageable odor has made it a widely adopted option across industrial coating and graphic arts applications.
Technical Specifications
Methyl acetate is a colorless, volatile ester with a low boiling point and a light, fruity odor. The properties below are the reference points most often used when evaluating it as a solvent. Review them together with the handling guidance further down this page.
C₃H₆O₂
Molecular Formula
74.08
Molecular Weight (g/mol)
56.9 °C
Boiling Point
AppearanceColorless transparent liquid
OdorFragrant, mild
Density (20 °C)0.93 g/cm³
Melting Point-98 °C
Flash Point (closed cup)-9 °C
Refractive Index (20 °C)1.3595
Water Solubility (20 °C)24.5 g/100 mL
Vapor Density (air = 1)2.55
Autoignition Temperature454 °C
Organic SolventsMiscible with most
Key Advantages
Choosing the right fast solvent means balancing evaporation, odor, solvency and regulatory profile. Eastman Methyl Acetate is recognized as a VOC-exempt, non-HAP and non-ODS solvent and is readily biodegradable. The points below summarize why formulators select it for demanding coating and ink systems.
Fast Evaporation
A boiling point near 57 °C gives methyl acetate a rapid evaporation rate. This supports short dry-to-touch times and higher throughput on coating and printing lines.
Mild Odor
Compared with acetone and ethyl acetate, methyl acetate has a gentler, less penetrating odor. It suits formulations where odor control matters to operators and end users.
Broad Solvency
Methyl acetate acts as a solvent for nitrocellulose, acrylic, vinyl, epoxy, alkyd and polyester resins. It is miscible with most common organic solvents.
Applications
Eastman Methyl Acetate is used across coating, ink, adhesive and cleaning formulations where fast drying and good resin compatibility are needed. In paints and lacquers it functions as a fast-evaporating component that improves blush resistance and dry-to-touch time. Printing inks and adhesive systems use it to control viscosity and set speed, while formulators also value it in cleaners and as a chemical intermediate.
Because it is an active solvent for many film-forming resins, it can serve as the primary volatile component or as a faster adjunct alongside slower esters and ketones.
Coatings & Paints
Printing Inks
Adhesives & Sealants
Cleaners & Degreasers
Chemical Synthesis
Handling & Storage
Methyl acetate is a highly flammable liquid with a flash point near -9 °C and vapors heavier than air. The following practices reflect the standard precautions for low-boiling ester solvents. Review them before planning any handling or storage procedure.
01
Ventilation
Use closed handling and general ventilation to keep vapor concentrations low. Avoid confined spaces where vapors can accumulate.
02
Ignition Control
Keep away from open flame, sparks and hot surfaces. Use explosion-proof equipment and eliminate static discharge.
03
Storage & PPE
Store in a cool, well-ventilated area away from oxidizers, acids and alkalis. Wear chemical goggles, anti-static clothing and resistant gloves.
Packaging & Delivery
Because methyl acetate is volatile and flammable, delivery focuses on containment and stability rather than on a single fixed package format. Containers are selected to be compatible with low-boiling ester solvents and to withstand normal transport conditions. The points below describe the handling principles applied from packing through storage.
Sealed, Compatible Containers
Packed in closed containers suited to flammable liquids, limiting vapor loss and moisture pickup during transit.
Transport Compliance
Shipped in accordance with the transport requirements that apply to low-boiling flammable liquids.
Cool, Segregated Storage
Kept in a ventilated area away from ignition sources and incompatible substances such as strong oxidizers.
Get a Quote
To discuss Eastman Methyl Acetate for your formulation, contact the Ascent Group team directly. We can review your application and the product specification, and outline practical next steps for evaluation. Use any of the channels below to reach Kristy Chen.
Whether you are screening a faster solvent or qualifying a replacement for acetone or ethyl acetate, send your requirement and we will respond with the information you need.
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