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N-Propyl Acetate, also known as propyl ethanoate, is an organic compound with the formula C₅H₁₀O₂. It is a clear, colorless liquid with a characteristic fruity odor.
This ester is commonly used as a solvent in various industrial applications due to its favorable properties, including its ability to dissolve many organic compounds and its relatively low toxicity
Cas Number
109-60-4
Synonyms
n-propyl acetate, 1-propyl acetate, propyl acetate, npac, npa, np, normal propyl acetate, propyl ethanoate, n-propyl ethanoate, propyl ester, acetic acid, n-propyl ester, 1-acetoxypropane.
Production and Synthesis
N-Propyl Acetate is typically synthesized through the esterification of propanol with acetic acid in the presence of an acid catalyst, such as sulfuric acid. The reaction can be represented as follows:
CH₃CH₂CH₂OH + CH₃COOH → CH₃COOCH₂CH₂CH₃ + H₂O
The reaction is typically carried out under reflux conditions to ensure complete conversion of the reactants. The product is then purified by distillation to remove any unreacted starting materials and by-products.
Physical and Chemical Properties
N-Propyl Acetate exhibits several key physical and chemical properties that make it suitable for a wide range of applications:
Viscosity: Low viscosity, making it easy to handle and apply.
Thermal Stability: Stable at room temperature but can decompose at high temperatures.
Hydrophobicity: Insoluble in water but miscible with most organic solvents.
Surface Tension: Low surface tension, allowing it to spread easily on surfaces.
Solubility: Soluble in alcohols, ethers, and other organic solvents.
Applications in Industry
N-Propyl Acetate is widely used in various industries due to its solvent properties and relatively low toxicity. Some of its key applications include:
Paints and Coatings: Used as a solvent in the formulation of paints, varnishes, and coatings. It helps to dissolve resins and other components, providing a smooth and even application.
Adhesives: Used in the production of adhesives and sealants, where it acts as a solvent for the adhesive components and helps to control the viscosity of the final product.
Inks: Used as a solvent in the production of printing inks, where it helps to dissolve the pigments and other components, ensuring a consistent and high-quality print.
Cleaning Products: Used in industrial and household cleaning products, where it acts as a degreaser and solvent for removing oils, greases, and other contaminants.
Pharmaceutical Applications
N-Propyl Acetate is also used in the pharmaceutical industry, primarily as a solvent for the production of various drugs and medicinal products.
Its low toxicity and ability to dissolve a wide range of organic compounds make it suitable for use in the formulation of topical creams, ointments, and other medicinal products.
Safety and Regulatory Considerations
N-Propyl Acetate is generally considered to be of low toxicity, but it can cause irritation to the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract if not handled properly.
It is also flammable, and its vapors can form explosive mixtures with air.
Therefore, it is important to handle N-Propyl Acetate with care, using appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and ensuring adequate ventilation in the workplace.
Regulatory agencies, such as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), have established guidelines for the safe use and handling of N-Propyl Acetate.
These guidelines include limits on occupational exposure, requirements for labeling and packaging, and recommendations for safe storage and disposal.
Environmental Impact
N-Propyl Acetate is biodegradable and is not expected to persist in the environment. However, it can be harmful to aquatic organisms if released into water bodies in large quantities.
Therefore, it is important to prevent the release of N-Propyl Acetate into the environment and to follow proper disposal procedures.
Conclusion
N-Propyl Acetate is a versatile and widely used solvent with a range of applications in industry and pharmaceuticals.
Its favorable properties, including its ability to dissolve many organic compounds, low toxicity, and relatively low cost, make it an important component in the production of paints, adhesives, inks, and cleaning products.
However, it is important to handle N-Propyl Acetate with care, following appropriate safety and regulatory guidelines to ensure the health and safety of workers and the environment.
SAFETY INFORMATION ABOUT N-PROPYL ACETATE
First aid measures:
Description of first aid measures:
General advice:
Consult a physician.
Show this safety data sheet to the doctor in attendance.
Move out of dangerous area:
If inhaled:
If breathed in, move person into fresh air.
If not breathing, give artificial respiration.
Consult a physician.
In case of skin contact:
Take off contaminated clothing and shoes immediately.
Wash off with soap and plenty of water.
Consult a physician.
In case of eye contact:
Rinse thoroughly with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes and consult a physician.
Continue rinsing eyes during transport to hospital.
If swallowed:
Do NOT induce vomiting.
Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person.
Rinse mouth with water.
Consult a physician.
Firefighting measures:
Extinguishing media:
Suitable extinguishing media:
Use water spray, alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical or carbon dioxide.
Special hazards arising from the substance or mixture
Carbon oxides, Nitrogen oxides (NOx), Hydrogen chloride gas
Advice for firefighters:
Wear self-contained breathing apparatus for firefighting if necessary.
Accidental release measures:
Personal precautions, protective equipment and emergency procedures
Use personal protective equipment.
Avoid breathing vapours, mist or gas.
Evacuate personnel to safe areas.
Environmental precautions:
Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so.
Do not let product enter drains.
Discharge into the environment must be avoided.
Methods and materials for containment and cleaning up:
Soak up with inert absorbent material and dispose of as hazardous waste.
Keep in suitable, closed containers for disposal.
Handling and storage:
Precautions for safe handling:
Avoid inhalation of vapour or mist.
Conditions for safe storage, including any incompatibilities:
Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place.
Containers which are opened must be carefully resealed and kept upright to prevent leakage.
Storage class (TRGS 510): 8A: Combustible, corrosive hazardous materials
Exposure controls/personal protection:
Control parameters:
Components with workplace control parameters
Contains no substances with occupational exposure limit values.
Exposure controls:
Appropriate engineering controls:
Handle in accordance with good industrial hygiene and safety practice.
Wash hands before breaks and at the end of workday.
Personal protective equipment:
Eye/face protection:
Tightly fitting safety goggles.
Faceshield (8-inch minimum).
Use equipment for eye protection tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or EN 166(EU).
Skin protection:
Handle with gloves.
Gloves must be inspected prior to use.
Use proper glove
removal technique (without touching glove's outer surface) to avoid skin contact with this product.
Dispose of contaminated gloves after use in accordance with applicable laws and good laboratory practices.
Wash and dry hands.
Full contact:
Material: Nitrile rubber
Minimum layer thickness: 0.11 mm
Break through time: 480 min
Material tested:Dermatril (KCL 740 / Aldrich Z677272, Size M)
Splash contact
Material: Nitrile rubber
Minimum layer thickness: 0.11 mm
Break through time: 480 min
Material tested:Dermatril (KCL 740 / Aldrich Z677272, Size M)
It should not be construed as offering an approval for any specific use scenario.
Body Protection:
Complete suit protecting against chemicals, The type of protective equipment must be selected according to the concentration and amount of the dangerous substance at the specific workplace.
Respiratory protection:
Where risk assessment shows air-purifying respirators are appropriate use a fullface respirator with multi-purpose combination (US) or type ABEK (EN 14387) respirator cartridges as a backup to engineering controls.
If the respirator is the sole means of protection, use a full-face supplied air respirator.
Use respirators and components tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or CEN (EU).
Control of environmental exposure
Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so.
Do not let product enter drains.
Discharge into the environment must be avoided.
Stability and reactivity:
Chemical stability:
Stable under recommended storage conditions.
Incompatible materials:
Strong oxidizing agents:
Hazardous decomposition products:
Hazardous decomposition products formed under fire conditions.
Carbon oxides, Nitrogen oxides (NOx), Hydrogen chloride gas.
Disposal considerations:
Waste treatment methods:
Product:
Offer surplus and non-recyclable solutions to a licensed disposal company.
Contact a licensed professional waste disposal service to dispose of this material.
Contaminated packaging:
Dispose of as unused product.
