ACETIC ACID ETHENYL ESTER

Vinyl acetate (VAM, VAC) is a colourless, highly flammable, mobile liquid with a sweet, fruity, pungent odour, chemical formula C₄H₆O₂, IUPAC name ethenyl acetate, molecular weight 86.09 g/mol, CAS number 108-05-4, EC number 203-545-4, HS code 29153200, Beilstein 1209327, MDL MFCD00008713, PubChem CID 7904, ChemSpider 7616, ChEBI CHEBI:46916, UNII L9MK238N77, DTXSID3021431, melting point −93.5°C, boiling point 72.7°C, density 0.934 g/cm³, refractive index 1.392–1.393, flash point −8°C (18°F, closed cup), lower flammability limit (LFL) 2.6%, upper flammability limit (UFL) 13.4%, autoignition temperature 427°C (699.82 K), dipole moment 1.70 D, acentric factor ω 0.340, XLogP3 0.70, and McGowan volume 70.36 mL/mol; it is the acetate ester of vinyl alcohol (ethenol) — CH₃CO₂CH=CH₂ — and the world's most important vinyl monomer, with global production capacity exceeding 6.9 million tonnes per year; it is supplied stabilised with a radical inhibitor (typically hydroquinone, HQ, ≤15 ppm) to prevent polymerisation during storage and transport.
Vinyl acetate is used primarily (approximately 80% of production) as a monomer for the manufacture of polyvinyl acetate (PVAc), polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymers, vinyl acetate-acrylic acid (VA/AA) copolymers, polyvinylpyrrolidone-vinyl acetate (VP/VA) copolymers, and polyvinyl chloride-acetate (PVCA); these polymers are the key raw materials for wood adhesives, latex paints, paper coatings, safety glass laminates, textile sizes, EVA encapsulant films for solar panels, hot-melt adhesives, footwear, and packaging films; vinyl acetate is also used as a transesterification reagent, a transacetylation reagent in asymmetric synthesis, and as a comonomer to modify PVC and acrylic resins.
Vinyl acetate is classified under GHS with Signal Word Danger (H225 highly flammable liquid and vapour; H332 harmful if inhaled; H335 may cause respiratory irritation; H351 suspected of causing cancer based on IARC Group 2B classification; H361 suspected of damaging fertility or the unborn child); it may polymerise exothermically if heated or contaminated with radical initiators, peroxides, or strong acids — containers may rupture violently if polymerisation occurs inside; UN 1301; Hazard Class 3; Packing Group II; NFPA 704: Health 2 / Fire 3 / Reactivity 2.

CAS Number: 108-05-4
EC Number: 203-545-4
Molecular Formula: C₄H₆O₂
Molecular Weight: 86.09 g/mol

Synonyms: VAM, VAC, VyAc, Vinyl acetate monomer, Ethenyl acetate, Ethenyl ethanoate, Acetic acid vinyl ester, Acetic acid ethenyl ester, Acetoxyethene, 1-Acetoxyethylene, Vinyl ethanoate, Acetate de vinyle, Vinylacetat, Vinylacetaat, NSC 8404, Zeset T, VAC (vinyl acetate), VA monomer, VYAC, Everflex 81L, Vinnapas A 50, Beilstein 1209327, MDL MFCD00008713, PubChem CID 7904, ChemSpider 7616, ChEBI CHEBI:46916, EINECS 203-545-4, CAS 108-05-4

Acetic Acid Ethenyl Ester has the molecular formula C₄H₆O₂ and a molar mass of approximately 86.09 g/mol.
The structure of Acetic Acid Ethenyl Ester combines an acetate group with a reactive vinyl group.

Also known as vinyl acetate, Acetic Acid Ethenyl Ester belongs to the vinyl ester family.
The carbon–carbon double bond gives Acetic Acid Ethenyl Ester its characteristic polymerization capability.

Acetic Acid Ethenyl Ester normally appears as a clear and colorless liquid.
A mild, sweet and fruity odor commonly characterizes Acetic Acid Ethenyl Ester.

The boiling point of Acetic Acid Ethenyl Ester lies near 72–73°C.
A freezing point below −90°C allows Acetic Acid Ethenyl Ester to remain liquid at very low temperatures.

Water dissolves only a limited amount of Acetic Acid Ethenyl Ester.
Alcohols, ethers and many other organic solvents mix readily with Acetic Acid Ethenyl Ester.

With a density lower than that of water, Acetic Acid Ethenyl Ester forms an upper layer in aqueous mixtures.
The relatively high volatility of Acetic Acid Ethenyl Ester promotes rapid evaporation during processing.

Modern industrial production of Acetic Acid Ethenyl Ester generally uses ethylene, acetic acid and oxygen.
Palladium-based catalysts promote the reaction used to manufacture Acetic Acid Ethenyl Ester.

Older production processes prepared Acetic Acid Ethenyl Ester by reacting acetylene with acetic acid.
Purification by distillation provides Acetic Acid Ethenyl Ester with controlled monomer purity.

Acetic Acid Ethenyl Ester functions primarily as a reactive monomer in polymer manufacturing.
Free-radical initiators convert Acetic Acid Ethenyl Ester into polymers and copolymers.

Polymerization of Acetic Acid Ethenyl Ester produces polyvinyl acetate.
Polyvinyl acetate derived from Acetic Acid Ethenyl Ester serves as a major component in numerous adhesive formulations.

Wood glues and general-purpose adhesives commonly use polymers prepared from Acetic Acid Ethenyl Ester.
The film-forming ability of Acetic Acid Ethenyl Ester polymers supports strong and uniform adhesive layers.

Paint and coating manufacturers use Acetic Acid Ethenyl Ester in water-based polymer dispersions.
Emulsion polymers containing Acetic Acid Ethenyl Ester can provide adhesion, flexibility and smooth film formation.

Paper coatings may contain binders manufactured from Acetic Acid Ethenyl Ester.
Polymers derived from Acetic Acid Ethenyl Ester can improve paper strength, printability and surface quality.

Textile treatments use Acetic Acid Ethenyl Ester polymers as binders and finishing components.
Acetic Acid Ethenyl Ester contributes to polymer dispersions that help pigments adhere to textile fibers.

Acetic Acid Ethenyl Ester can copolymerize with ethylene to produce ethylene-vinyl acetate.
Changing the proportion of Acetic Acid Ethenyl Ester allows manufacturers to adjust the flexibility and softness of ethylene-vinyl acetate.

Packaging films, cable compounds and flexible molded products can contain copolymers based on Acetic Acid Ethenyl Ester.
Footwear and foam materials may use ethylene copolymers produced with Acetic Acid Ethenyl Ester.

Controlled hydrolysis of polymers made from Acetic Acid Ethenyl Ester produces polyvinyl alcohol.
Polyvinyl alcohol derived from Acetic Acid Ethenyl Ester finds applications in films, paper coatings, adhesives and textile sizing.

Acetic Acid Ethenyl Ester can also copolymerize with acrylic esters and other vinyl monomers.
Formulators adjust the concentration of Acetic Acid Ethenyl Ester to control polymer hardness, adhesion and water resistance.

Emulsion polymerization provides a common method for processing Acetic Acid Ethenyl Ester into water-based dispersions.
Solution, suspension and bulk polymerization can also convert Acetic Acid Ethenyl Ester into useful materials.

Polymerization inhibitors help maintain the storage stability of Acetic Acid Ethenyl Ester.
Heat, light and contamination can accelerate the unwanted polymerization of Acetic Acid Ethenyl Ester.

Controlled temperatures help preserve the quality of Acetic Acid Ethenyl Ester during transportation and storage.
Manufacturers monitor inhibitor concentration and oxygen availability when storing Acetic Acid Ethenyl Ester.

Gas chromatography can determine the purity and residual component profile of Acetic Acid Ethenyl Ester.
Acidity, water content and inhibitor level represent important quality parameters for Acetic Acid Ethenyl Ester.

Uses of Vinyl Acetate:
Vinyl acetate is polymerised to polyvinyl acetate (PVAc) emulsions — the primary component of white wood glue, household adhesive pastes, paper and board adhesives, bookbinding adhesives, and latex-based wall paints; PVAc emulsions are produced by free-radical emulsion polymerisation of VAM in water with surfactants and initiators, yielding stable milky dispersions with particle sizes 0.1–10 µm used directly or further processed into redispersible powder adhesives.
Vinyl acetate is the key monomer for the production of polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) — produced by alcoholysis (saponification) of PVAc with methanol/NaOH catalyst; PVOH is the world's largest-volume water-soluble polymer, used in textile warp sizing, paper coatings, PVA fibres (Vinylon), adhesive films, laundry pods (water-soluble packaging), optical polarising films for LCD displays, and as a feedstock for polyvinyl butyral (PVB) safety glass interlayers.
Vinyl acetate is copolymerised with ethylene to produce EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate) resins at a broad range of VA content (5–50%): low-VA EVA (5–18%) is used for flexible packaging films, cable insulation, and foam; medium-VA EVA (18–35%) is used for hot-melt adhesives, bookbinding, and footwear; high-VA EVA (33–50%) is used as encapsulant film for photovoltaic (solar) modules, where its optical clarity, low-temperature flexibility, UV resistance, and excellent adhesion to glass and silicon protect cells in the field for 25+ years.
Vinyl acetate is copolymerised with acrylic acid (VA/AA), acrylamide, maleic anhydride, and other monomers to produce water-based emulsion polymers for paper coating binders, textile print pastes, carpet backing, nonwoven binders, and construction sealants; these copolymers provide the balance of hardness, flexibility, water resistance, and bonding strength required in each application.
Vinyl acetate is used in organic synthesis as a transacetylation (transesterification) reagent: ROH + CH₂=CHOAc → ROCH=CH₂ + HOAc; this irreversible reaction (driven by the volatility of acetaldehyde by-product) is widely used in lipase-catalysed kinetic resolution of racemic alcohols and esters to give enantioenriched products — vinyl acetate is the standard acyl donor in enzymatic asymmetric synthesis due to its irreversible acyl transfer mechanism.
Vinyl acetate undergoes Diels-Alder reactions with dienes (as an electron-rich dienophile), 2+2 photocycloadditions with monoalkenes, bromine addition to give 1,2-dibromoethyl acetate, and HX addition to give 1-haloethyl acetates; it adds acetic acid in the presence of palladium catalysts to give ethylidene diacetate CH₃CH(OAc)₂.
Vinyl acetate is used in latex paints, sealants, caulks, and plasters for construction and architectural applications; as a food starch modifier in food-contact packaging; in pesticide formulations; in cosmetics and personal care products including hair grooming products and eye makeup; and as a component of certain nail polish formulations.

Benefits and Advantages of Vinyl Acetate:
Vinyl acetate is the essential co-monomer for PVOH, the world's largest-volume water-soluble polymer — no alternative commercial route to PVOH exists; the conversion PVAc → PVOH is achieved industrially in a single transesterification step, providing a highly efficient and scalable route to a polymer critical for sustainable packaging (water-soluble laundry pods), optical films, and textile sizing.
Vinyl acetate's reactivity in radical emulsion polymerisation under mild aqueous conditions (50–80°C, atmospheric pressure) without organic solvents makes PVAc and EVA emulsions among the most environmentally preferred high-performance binder systems available; waterborne VAM-based coatings and adhesives meet stringent VOC regulations in the EU (Directive 2004/42/EC), USA (EPA Method 24), and other regulated markets.

EVA encapsulant films derived from vinyl acetate are the dominant technology protecting photovoltaic solar cells globally; EVA's combination of optical transparency (>91% transmittance), low water vapour transmission rate, thermal stability, and adhesion to glass and EVA backsheets at lamination temperatures (150°C) makes it the standard material in gigawatt-scale solar module production where long field lifetimes (25–30 years) are required.
Vinyl acetate's dual functionality — an electron-rich vinyl double bond and a hydrolysable acetate ester — provides two independent reactive sites that can be exploited sequentially: polymerisation of the vinyl group gives PVAc, which can then be hydrolysed to PVOH, which can then be acetalised with aldehyde to give PVB or PVA; this sequential chemistry from a single inexpensive monomer underpins a high-value polymer tree not achievable from other simple monomers.

Features of Vinyl Acetate:
Vinyl acetate is a colourless, clear, mobile liquid with a sweet, fruity, pungent odour; boiling point 72.7°C; melting point −93.5°C; density 0.934 g/cm³ at 20°C; refractive index n₀ 1.392–1.393 at 20–25°C; flash point −8°C (18°F, closed cup); vapour pressure 97.3–101.3 kPa at 344–346 K; vapour density ~2.97 (vs air); it is slightly soluble in water; it is miscible with ethanol, ether, acetone, benzene, and most common organic solvents; it is supplied stabilised with HQ inhibitor (≤15 ppm) requiring dissolved oxygen for inhibitor function.
Thermodynamic properties: ΔcH°liquid = −2,086.00 ± 10.00 kJ/mol (NIST); ΔfH°gas = −316 to −309 kJ/mol; ΔfH°liquid = −350.8 to −346.0 kJ/mol; ΔvapH° = 37.20 ± 0.84 kJ/mol (NIST); ΔvapH at 320–347.5 K = 31.4–34.4 kJ/mol; ΔfusH° = 9.21 kJ/mol (Joback); Cp,liquid = 169.50 J/(mol·K) at 298 K; proton affinity PAff = 813.90 kJ/mol; gas basicity BasG = 782.90 kJ/mol; magnetic susceptibility χ = −46.4×10⁻⁶ cm³/mol; dipole moment μ = 1.70 D; acentric factor ω = 0.340; Tc = 519–525 K; Pc = 4,185–4,350 kPa; Vc = 0.265 m³/kmol; IE = 9.19–9.85 eV.
Vinyl acetate may polymerise exothermically if heated, contaminated with radical initiators, peroxides, strong acids, or oxidising agents, or if the inhibitor is depleted or dissolved oxygen is removed — polymerisation inside sealed containers can cause violent rupture; it is incompatible with strong bases (saponification of the acetate ester), strong oxidising agents, strong acids, peroxides, and free-radical initiators; vapours are heavier than air and may accumulate in low-lying areas and travel to distant ignition sources.
Vinyl acetate is produced on a multi-million tonne/year scale with global capacity concentrated in the USA, China, Japan, and Taiwan; Celanese is the world's largest producer (~25% global capacity); other major producers include China Petrochemical Corporation (7%), Chang Chun Group (6%), and LyondellBasell (5%); the average list price in 2008 was US$1,600/tonne.

Chemical Properties of Vinyl Acetate:
Vinyl acetate has IUPAC name ethenyl acetate, molecular formula C₄H₆O₂, molecular weight 86.09 g/mol, SMILES C=COC(C)=O, InChI=1S/C4H6O2/c1-3-6-4(2)5/h3H,1H2,2H3, InChIKey XTXRWKRVRITETP-UHFFFAOYSA-N; PubChem CID 7904; ChemSpider 7616; Beilstein 1209327; MDL MFCD00008713; ChEBI CHEBI:46916; KEGG C19309; UNII L9MK238N77; DTXSID3021431; MeSH C011566; EC 203-545-4; UN 1301.
The key chemical reactions of vinyl acetate are: (1) free-radical homo- and co-polymerisation via the vinyl group → PVAc, EVA, VA/AA, and other copolymers; (2) transesterification (transacetylation) with alcohols: ROH + CH₂=CHOAc → ROCH=CH₂ + HOAc — widely used in enzymatic kinetic resolution; (3) alcoholysis (saponification) of PVAc → PVOH + methyl acetate; (4) acetalisation of PVOH with butyraldehyde → PVB; (5) Diels-Alder reaction with electron-rich dienes; (6) HX addition → 1-haloethyl acetates; (7) Br₂ addition → 1,2-dibromoethyl acetate; (8) palladium-catalysed addition of AcOH → ethylidene diacetate.
Vinyl acetate is produced industrially primarily (80%+) by the palladium-catalysed vapour-phase oxidative acetylation of ethylene with acetic acid and oxygen: 2 C₂H₄ + 2 CH₃CO₂H + O₂ → 2 CH₃CO₂CH=CH₂ + 2 H₂O (Hoechst-Bayer/Wacker-type process); approximately 1/3 of world production still uses the addition of acetic acid to acetylene in the presence of zinc acetate catalyst: CH₃CO₂H + C₂H₂ → CH₃CO₂CH=CH₂ (predominantly in China due to its coal-based acetylene feedstock and more relaxed environmental standards); a minor route uses thermal decomposition of ethylidene diacetate.
Vinyl acetate is incompatible with strong bases, strong oxidising agents, strong acids, peroxides, and free-radical initiators; it is susceptible to polymerisation if inhibitor is depleted or oxygen is removed; it undergoes slow hydrolysis in the presence of water and acid or base; it is corrosive to some metals in the presence of moisture; it attacks some plastics and rubbers.

Production of Vinyl Acetate:
The dominant industrial process (>65% of world capacity) is the Wacker-type palladium-catalysed vapour-phase oxidative acetylation of ethylene: ethylene, acetic acid vapour, and oxygen are passed over a palladium chloride (PdCl₂) + gold chloride (HAuCl₄) catalyst supported on silica at 175–200°C and 5–9 bar; the reaction proceeds via PdCH₂CH₂OAc intermediates; beta-hydride elimination generates vinyl acetate and a Pd hydride, which is reoxidised by O₂; side reactions include complete combustion of organic precursors to CO₂ and H₂O; the product is separated by distillation, stabilised with inhibitor, and stored in temperature-controlled tanks.
Approximately one-third of world production — mainly in China — uses the liquid- or gas-phase addition of acetic acid to acetylene in the presence of zinc acetate (Zn(OAc)₂) catalyst at 180–200°C: CH₃CO₂H + C₂H₂ → CH₃CO₂CH=CH₂; this route uses coal-derived acetylene and is being phased out in favour of ethylene-based routes in most Western regions due to environmental concerns and higher feedstock costs.
Commercial vinyl acetate is available as colourless clear liquid, assay ≥99.0% (GC), stabilised with HQ inhibitor ≤15 ppm; specification limits: density 0.932–0.936 g/cm³ at 20°C; refractive index 1.391–1.393; acidity ≤0.005% as acetic acid; water content ≤0.05%; colour (APHA) ≤5; aldehyde (as acetaldehyde) ≤0.05%; packaging: 200 kg steel drum; ISO tank; bulk ship/rail; storage: 15–25°C, away from ignition sources, inhibited, under nitrogen blanket if long-term storage.

Vinyl Acetate Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS):

Handling of Vinyl Acetate:
Vinyl acetate is a highly flammable liquid (flash point −8°C) forming explosive vapour-air mixtures at temperatures well below ambient; eliminate all ignition sources (flames, sparks, static discharge, hot surfaces); handle only in a well-ventilated fume hood or with local exhaust ventilation; use bonded and earthed equipment; do not smoke in work areas; avoid generating and inhaling vapours.
Vinyl acetate is suspected of causing cancer (H351, IARC Group 2B) and reproductive harm (H361); minimise all exposure; wear appropriate PPE including chemical-resistant gloves, safety goggles, and organic vapour (OV) respirator; maintain inhibitor effectiveness — ensure dissolved oxygen is present in headspace; do not store under pure nitrogen or inert atmosphere without specialist advice; subject to exothermic polymerisation if heated, contaminated with initiators, or if inhibitor is depleted — do NOT store near peroxides or radical initiators.

Vinyl Acetate SDS:

Stability and Reactivity of Vinyl Acetate:

Chemical stability:
Vinyl acetate is stable under recommended storage conditions (15–25°C, tightly closed, inhibited with HQ, oxygen present in headspace, away from ignition sources and incompatible materials).
Vinyl acetate may polymerise exothermically if heated, contaminated, or if inhibitor is depleted — violent container rupture is possible.

Reactivity:
Vinyl acetate forms explosive vapour-air mixtures (LEL 2.6%, UEL 13.4%) at ambient temperature; violent reactions are possible with strong oxidising agents, strong bases, and peroxides.
Exothermic polymerisation may be initiated by heat, peroxides, strong acids, strong bases, or radical initiators.

Conditions to avoid:
All ignition sources (flame, spark, hot surface, static discharge) — flash point −8°C.
Heat above ambient (increases vapour pressure and explosion risk; may initiate polymerisation).
Strong oxidising agents (peroxides, permanganates, concentrated HNO₃).
Strong bases — saponification of acetate ester.
Radical initiators (AIBN, peroxides, diazo compounds) — polymerisation.
Depletion of HQ inhibitor or removal of dissolved oxygen.

Incompatible materials:
Strong oxidising agents — violent reaction, fire/explosion risk.
Strong bases (NaOH, KOH, amines) — saponification and/or polymerisation initiation.
Peroxides and radical initiators — violent exothermic polymerisation.
Strong acids — polymerisation and/or hydrolysis.
Reactive metals (alkali metals).

Hazardous decomposition products:
Carbon monoxide (CO) and carbon dioxide (CO₂) upon combustion.
Acetic acid vapour — irritant — upon hydrolysis or thermal decomposition.
Acetaldehyde — flammable, toxic — minor thermal decomposition product.

Handling and Storage of Vinyl Acetate:

Handling:
Keep away from all ignition sources; eliminate static discharge; bond and earth containers during transfer.
Use exclusively in well-ventilated areas or under local exhaust ventilation.
Wear chemical-resistant gloves, safety goggles, and OV respirator or SCBA.
Maintain inhibitor effectiveness — ensure adequate dissolved oxygen in headspace.
Avoid skin contact and vapour inhalation; wash hands after handling.

Storage:
Store at 15–25°C in tightly closed, original containers in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from ignition sources, sunlight, and heat.
Maintain inhibitor integrity — do not store in pure nitrogen atmosphere without specialist advice.
Keep away from strong oxidants, peroxides, strong acids, and strong bases.
Use nitrogen blanket only with confirmed oxygen content monitoring (>2% O₂ in vapour phase).
Packaging: 200 kg steel drum; 1,000 L IBC; ISO tank; bulk ship/rail.
Transport: UN 1301 (Vinyl acetate, inhibited); Hazard Class 3 (Flammable liquid); Packing Group II.

First Aid Measures for Vinyl Acetate:

Inhalation:
Move the affected person to fresh air; if breathing is difficult, administer oxygen; if breathing has stopped, apply artificial respiration.
Call a physician; symptoms of acute inhalation: eye and respiratory tract irritation, headache, dizziness, nausea; IARC Group 2B — suspected carcinogen with chronic inhalation.

Skin contact:
Immediately remove contaminated clothing; flush skin with water for at least 15 minutes; wash with soap and water.
Seek medical attention if irritation develops; note sensitisation risk from repeated contact.

Eye contact:
Remove contact lenses; irrigate immediately with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes.
Seek immediate medical attention.

Ingestion:
Rinse the mouth with water; do not induce vomiting; seek medical attention.
Provide the physician with the SDS.

Firefighting Measures for Vinyl Acetate:

Suitable extinguishing media:
CO₂, dry chemical, alcohol-resistant foam; water mist (not jet water on burning liquid).

Specific hazards:
Vinyl acetate is a highly flammable liquid (flash point −8°C); vapours are heavier than air (~2.97 vs air) and may travel to distant ignition sources and flash back; subject to exothermic polymerisation if containers are heated in fire — containers may rupture violently; combustion produces CO, CO₂, and acetic acid vapour.
NFPA 704: Health 2 / Fire 3 / Reactivity 2.

Protective equipment for firefighters:
SCBA and full chemical-resistant protective clothing; cool containers with water spray; move undamaged containers away from fire if safe to do so.

Accidental Release Measures for Vinyl Acetate:

Personal precautions:
Remove all ignition sources; ventilate area; wear appropriate PPE (SCBA in enclosed areas; OV respirator, gloves, and chemical-resistant clothing in open areas); avoid skin contact and vapour inhalation.

Environmental precautions:
Prevent entry of vinyl acetate into drains, sewers, and water courses; it is slightly soluble in water and may polymerise in drains — fire and explosion hazard in sewer systems; notify environmental and health authorities for large spills.

Clean-up methods:
Absorb with inert, non-combustible absorbent (vermiculite, sand — NOT sawdust or cellulose); collect in sealed, labelled containers for disposal as flammable waste; dispose through licensed contractor per applicable regulations.

Exposure Controls / Personal Protective Equipment for Vinyl Acetate:

Engineering controls:
Local exhaust ventilation; closed-system transfer; eliminate ignition sources; work in well-ventilated area or fume hood; intrinsically safe (Ex-rated) electrical equipment.

Eye protection: Chemical splash goggles; face shield for bulk handling.
Hand protection: Chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile ≥0.4 mm or neoprene; test for vinyl acetate permeation).
Body protection: Chemical-resistant protective clothing; solvent-resistant boots; flame-retardant antistatic clothing for bulk handling.
Respiratory protection: OV cartridge respirator with P2 filter for routine work; SCBA for spill response or high concentrations.

Hygiene measures:
Wash hands before breaks and at end of workday; do not eat, drink, or smoke in work areas; remove contaminated clothing immediately; avoid repeated skin exposure (sensitisation risk).

Vinyl Acetate Identifiers:
CAS Number: 108-05-4
EC Number: 203-545-4
HS Code: 29153200
MDL Number: MFCD00008713
Beilstein: 1209327
PubChem CID: 7904
ChemSpider: 7616
ChEBI: CHEBI:46916
KEGG: C19309
DTXSID: DTXSID3021431
UNII: L9MK238N77
MeSH: C011566
ECHA InfoCard: 100.003.224
IUPAC Name: Ethenyl acetate
Molecular Formula: C₄H₆O₂
Molecular Weight: 86.09 g/mol
SMILES: C=COC(C)=O
InChI: InChI=1S/C4H6O2/c1-3-6-4(2)5/h3H,1H2,2H3
InChIKey: XTXRWKRVRITETP-UHFFFAOYSA-N
XLogP3: 0.70
Dipole moment: 1.70 D
McGowan volume: 70.36 mL/mol
ΔcH°liquid: −2,086.00 ± 10.00 kJ/mol (NIST)
ΔvapH°: 37.20 ± 0.84 kJ/mol (NIST)
ΔfusH°: 9.21 kJ/mol
Tc: 519–525 K; Pc: 4,185–4,350 kPa; Vc: 0.265 m³/kmol; ω: 0.340
IE: 9.19–9.85 eV
GHS Signal Word: Danger
GHS Hazard Statements: H225, H332, H335, H351, H361
NFPA 704: Health 2 / Fire 3 / Reactivity 2
UN Number: UN 1301
UN Proper Shipping Name: Vinyl acetate, inhibited
Hazard Class: 3 (Flammable liquid)
Packing Group: II
IARC: Group 2B (possibly carcinogenic to humans)
Inhibitor: HQ (hydroquinone) ≤15 ppm
LFL: 2.6%; UFL: 13.4%

Properties of Vinyl Acetate:
Physical state: Liquid
Appearance: Colourless, clear, mobile liquid
Odour: Sweet, fruity, pungent; may be sharp and irritating
Molecular formula: C₄H₆O₂
Molecular weight: 86.09 g/mol
Melting point: −93.5°C
Boiling point: 72.7°C
Flash point: −8°C (18°F, closed cup)
Autoignition temperature: 427°C (699.82 K)
LFL: 2.6%; UFL: 13.4%
Density: 0.934 g/cm³ (20°C)
Refractive index: 1.392–1.393 (20–25°C)
Vapour pressure: ~101 kPa (~72.7°C); ~10 kPa (20°C)
Water solubility: Slightly soluble (~20 g/L at 20°C)
LogP: 0.693 (XLogP3: 0.70)
GHS Classification: Danger — H225, H332, H335, H351, H361
Inhibitor: HQ ≤15 ppm; requires dissolved O₂
Storage: 15–25°C; tightly closed; away from ignition sources and incompatible materials

Vinyl Acetate Properties — Specifications:
Product name: Acetic acid ethenyl ester (Vinyl acetate, VAM, inhibited)
CAS Number: 108-05-4
EC Number: 203-545-4
Molecular Formula: C₄H₆O₂
Molecular Weight: 86.09 g/mol
Assay: ≥99.0% (GC); ≥99.5% (reagent/high purity)
Inhibitor: HQ ≤15 ppm
Density: 0.932–0.936 g/cm³ (20°C)
Refractive index: 1.391–1.393
Acidity: ≤0.005% (as acetic acid)
Water content: ≤0.05%
Colour (APHA): ≤5
Acetaldehyde: ≤0.05%
Appearance: Colourless clear mobile liquid
Boiling point: 72–73°C
Flash point: −8°C (18°F)
Sensitivity: Polymerisation risk if heated/contaminated/inhibitor depleted
Storage: 15–25°C; tightly closed; inhibited; away from ignition, oxidants, peroxides, bases
Packaging: 200 kg steel drum; 1,000 L IBC; ISO tank; bulk ship/rail
Documents: CoA (Certificate of Analysis), MSDS/SDS available

Names of Vinyl Acetate:
Vinyl acetate
VAM (Vinyl Acetate Monomer)
VAC
VyAc
VYAC
Vinyl acetate monomer
Ethenyl acetate
Ethenyl ethanoate
Acetic acid vinyl ester
Acetic acid ethenyl ester
Acetoxyethene
1-Acetoxyethylene
Vinyl ethanoate
Acetate de vinyle
Vinylacetat
Vinylacetaat
NSC 8404
Zeset T
Everflex 81L
Vinnapas A 50
Beilstein 1209327
MDL MFCD00008713
PubChem CID 7904
ChemSpider 7616
ChEBI CHEBI:46916
CAS 108-05-4
EINECS 203-545-4
UN 1301