Propyl acetate:Odor,Uses,Hazard and Market prospects

Propyl acetate(propyl ethanoate) is a colorless liquid, usually use as a solvent, also used in fragrances and as a flavor additive.

Odor

Propyl acetate's characteristic odor of pears and some apples.

ODOR THRESHOLD = 0.18 to 0.67 ppm

Uses

Propyl acetate is used as a solvent for cellulose esters, resinsand plastics, as a flavoring agent, and in perfumes.

Preparation

Propyl acetate is formed by the esterification of acetic acid and propan-1-ol, often via Fischer–Speier esterification, with sulfuric acid as a catalyst and water produced as a byproduct.[1]

Market prospects

The ability to effectively dissolve and thin out other organic compounds make propyl acetate a popular solvent to use as it is relatively affordable, effective, and reliable. The increase in production of end products made out of wood, steel, and aluminum have caused the demand for propyl acetate to increase over the years.

Hazard

Acute health effects

The following acute (short-term) health effects may occurimmediately or shortly after exposure to n-Propyl Acetate:

Contact can irritate the skin and eyes.

lnhaling n-Propyl Acetate can irritate the nose and throatcausing coughing and wheezing.

Exposure can cause headache, dizziness, nausea andvomiting, confusion,lightheadedness, and loss of consciousness.

Chronic health effects

The following chronic (long-term) health effects can occur atsome time after exposure to n-Propyl Acetate and can last formonths or years.

References

[1]Papa, Anthony J., "Propanols", Ullmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry, Weinheim, Germany: Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, doi:10.1002/14356007.a22_173.pub2, ISBN 978-3-527-30385-4.

You may like