Methyl Acetate Formula – Structure, Properties, Uses, Sample Questions

Methyl acetate is a carboxylate ester with the chemical formula CH₃COOCH₃. It is a chemical compound that is formed by esterification reaction. It is formed by condensation of acetic acid and methanol. Chemical formula of Methyl Acetate is CH₃COOCH₃ or C₃H₆O₂. Some other names of Methyl Acetate are Methyl Ester and Methyl Ethanoate.

In this article, we will learn about, Methyl Acetate, Methyl Acetate Structure, Methyl Acetate Formula, and others in detail.

What is Methyl Acetate?

Methyl Acetate is an ester and it is acidic. It is a colourless and flammable liquid that consists of 3 carbon atoms, 6 Hydrogen atoms, and 2 Oxygen atoms. Some basic properties of Methyl Acetate are,

Chemical Formula	C3H6O2
Molecular Weight of Methyl Acetate (C3H6O2)	74.079 g/mol
Density of Methyl Acetate	0.932 g/cm3
Melting Point of Methyl Acetate	−98 °C
Boiling Point of Methyl Acetate	56.9 °C

It is prepared by condensation of Acetic Acid with Methanol. Hydrogen in Acetic acid is replaced with a methyl group and it forms Methyl acetate. In the presence of strong acids or strong bases, the methyl acetate is hydrolyzed and forms back Acetic acid and Methanol.

Structure of Methyl Acetate (C₃H₆O₂)

Methyl Acetate Structure is added in the image below,

Structure of Methyl Acetate

There are ten sigma (σ) bonds and one pi (π) bond in Methyl Acetate. The C–C–O bond of carbonyl carbon has a bond angle of 111.2°, whereas the O–C–O bond has a bond angle of 123.2°. In methyl acetate, the ester function group is flexible and spins around the C–O–C bond. Methyl acetate becomes less rigid and more volatile as a result of this flexibility.

Methyl Acetate Formula

Chemical formula for Methy Acetate is, C₃H₆O₂

Preparation of Methyl Acetate (C₃H₆O₂)

Heating of Methanol (Methyl alcohol) with Acetic Acid in the presence of Sulphuric Acid produces Methyl Acetate. Here, sulphuric acid acts as a catalyst. The reaction for the same is added below,

CH₃COOH + CH₃OH + H⁺   ↔   CH₃COOCH₃ + H₂O

This reaction is also called as, Eastrification Reactions

Production of Methyl Acetate

• Metyl Acetate in industrial level is prepared by Carbonylation of Methanol in which Methyl Acetate is byproduct of synthesis of Acetic Acid.
• Esterfication is also and imporatnt method in production of Methyl Acetate.

Properties of Methyl Acetate – C₃H₆O₂

Various properties of Methyl Acetate are categorized into two part as, Physcial Properties and Chemical Properties that are explained as,

Physical Properties of Methyl Acetate – C₃H₆O₂

• Methyl Acetate is a colourless liquid with a fragrant or fruity odour and is moderately toxic.
• Density of Methyl Acetate is 0.932g.cm³.
• Melting point of Methyl Acetate is -98°C (or) -144°F.
• Boiling point of Methyl Acetate is 56.9°C (or) 134.4°F.
• Methyl Acetate is less soluble in water.
• Refractive index of Methyl Acetate is 1.361.
• Molar mass of Methyl Acetate is 74.079 g/mol.

Chemical Properties of Methyl Acetate – C₃H₆O₂

In the presence of strong acids or strong bases the methyl acetate is hydrolyzed and forms back Acetic acid and Methanol.

CH₃COOCH₃ + H₂O   ⇢    CH₃COOH + CH₃OH

Uses of Methyl Acetate – C₃H₆O₂

• It is utilized as a flavouring ingredient in food additions for whiskey, rum, and other spirits because of its pleasant aroma.
• It is used for coatings, such as on automobiles, furniture, and industrial equipment.
• Cleaning, personal care, and cosmetic items all include it.
• It’s used in glue, paint, and nail polish removers, among other things.
• It’s also used as a chemical intermediary in the production of methyl cyanoacetate, phenylacetone, and other compounds.
• Methyl acetate is used as an intermediate in the production of cellulose adhesives and fragrances.

Health Hazards of Methyl Acetate – C₃H₆O₂

Methyl Acetate is a compound that is used in various industrial and laboritrical process. Still we need to use it with utmost caution as it has severe health impact. Some health hazards of Methyl Acetate are,

• Methyl Acetate can cause headache, drowsiness, and fatigue if inhaled.
• Inhaling high concentrations of Methyl Actetae can result in CNS depression.
• Swallowing Methyl Acetate causes dizziness, drowsiness, headache, and fatigue.
• If methyl Acetate comes contact with eyes can also damage the eyes.

Methyl Acetate-Fcolourlessequently Asked Questions

What is Difference between Methyl Acetate and Acetone?

Methyl acetate, unlike acetone, has a mild odour, making it perfect for usage in furniture and automobiles. Methyl acetate may also be found in cosmetics like fragrances and nail paint removers, and it causes less harm to the nails than acetone.

What is Functional Group of Methyl Acetate?

Methyl acetate has Ester functional group. Symbol for ester is RCOOR′.

Can Methyl Acetate form Hydrogen Bonds with Water?

Methyl Acetate did not form hydrogen bonding with water since it lacks -OH bond.

How is Methyl Acetate Produced?

Methyl Acetate can easily be produced by Eastrification Reaction.

What is Name of C₃H₆O₂?

Name of C₃H₆O₂ is Methyl Acetate.