CompoundList
Sign in
Synthetic aroma chemicals

Methyl acetate

Also known as Devoton, Tereton, Methyl ethanoate

CAS 79-20-9Formula C3H6O2Molar mass 74.08 g/molEC 201-185-2
GHS signal word: Danger. Pictograms: Flammable, Harmful or irritant 212 suppliers listed
Get quotes Compare 212 suppliers
Methyl acetate chemical structure, C3H6O2, CAS 79-20-9
2D chemical structure

Key facts

What buyers check first

All properties
Appearance
Colorless, volatile liquid
Melting point
-98.2 °C
Boiling point
56.7 °C
Density
0.9342 g/cm³ at 20 °C
Flash point
-10 °C
HS code
291539
Category
Synthetic aroma chemicals
UN number
UN 1231
Illustrative photo, clear colourless liquid in a glass reagent bottle on a laboratory bench
Typical packagingIllustrative packaging image, not the actual product

What is Methyl acetate?

Plain description, key identifiers and synonyms

Methyl acetate is an acetate ester resulting from the formal condensation of acetic acid with methanol. A low-boiling (57 C) colourless, flammable liquid, it is used as a solvent for many resins and oils. It has a role as a fragrance, a polar aprotic solvent and an EC 3.4.19.3 (pyroglutamyl-peptidase I) inhibitor. It is a volatile organic compound, a methyl ester and an acetate ester.

Identifiers

Registry numbers, names and line notations, tap to copy

IUPAC name
methyl acetate
CAS number
79-20-9 CAS number cross-checked
EC number
201-185-2
Molecular formula
C3H6O2
UNII
W684QT396F
MDL number
MFCD00008711
INCI name
METHYL ACETATE
InChIKey
KXKVLQRXCPHEJC-UHFFFAOYSA-N
InChI
InChI=1S/C3H6O2/c1-3(4)5-2/h1-2H3
SMILES (canonical and isomeric)
CC(=O)OC

Synonyms

  • Devoton
  • Tereton
  • Methyl ethanoate
  • Acetic acid, methyl ester
  • Acetic acid methyl ester
  • Methylacetat
  • Methylacetaat
  • Acetate de methyle
  • Methyl acetic ester
  • Octan metylu
  • Metile (acetato di)
  • Methyle (acetate de)
  • Methylester kiseliny octove
  • Ethyl ester of monoacetic acid
  • Methyl ester of acetic acid
  • CH3COOCH3
  • MeOAc
  • Methyl-acetate
  • Acetic acid-methyl ester
  • Methyl acetate, 97%
  • Acetic acid,methyl ester
  • Methylacetat (german)
  • Methyl acetate (natural)
  • Methyl Acetate, Acetic acid methyl ester
  • Metile
Show all 29 synonyms
  • AcOMe
  • 1-Methyl acetate
  • CH3COOMe
  • Methyl acetate [UN1231] [Flammable liquid]

Physical and chemical properties

Measured values and descriptors computed from the structure

Physical and chemical properties

Measured values, check the supplier specification for your grade

Appearance
Colorless, volatile liquidexp.
Odour
Pleasant odorexp.
Taste
FLEETING, FRUITY TASTEexp.
Melting point
-98.2 °Cexp.
Boiling point
56.7 °Cexp.
Density
0.9342 g/cm³ at 20 °Cexp.
Flash point
-10 °Cexp.
Autoignition temperature
454 °Cexp.
Solubility
In water, 2.43 × 10⁺⁵ mg/L at 20 °Cexp.
Vapour pressure
216.2 mm Hg at 25 °Cexp.

Values vary by grade. Ask suppliers for the COA or TDS of the batch you buy.

Computed descriptors

Calculated from the structure, useful for screening and formulation

Molecular weight
74.08 g/molcalc.
Exact mass
74.0368 Dacalc.
LogP (octanol/water)
0.18calc.
Topological polar surface area
26.3 Ųcalc.
Hydrogen bond donors
0calc.
Hydrogen bond acceptors
2calc.
Rotatable bonds
0calc.
Heavy atoms
5calc.
Rings
0calc.
Aromatic rings
0calc.
Fraction sp3 carbons
0.67calc.
Formal charge
0calc.
Stereocentres
0calc.
Lipinski rule of five
Passes (0 violations)calc.

Calculated for screening. Confirm critical figures with the supplier.

Safety and hazards

GHS classification summary, not a safety data sheet

GHS signal word
Danger
GHS02: Flammable
Flammable
GHS07: Harmful or irritant
Harmful or irritant
320NFPA 704 rating

Hazard statements

  • H225Highly flammable liquid and vapour.
  • H319Causes serious eye irritation.
  • H336May cause drowsiness or dizziness.
Precautionary statements (20)
  • P210Keep away from heat, hot surfaces, sparks, open flames and other ignition sources. No smoking.
  • P233Keep container tightly closed.
  • P240Ground and bond container and receiving equipment.
  • P241Use explosion-proof electrical, ventilating and lighting equipment.
  • P242Use non-sparking tools.
  • P243Take action to prevent static discharges.
  • P261Avoid breathing dust, fume, gas, mist, vapours or spray.
  • P264 + P265Wash skin thoroughly after handling. Do not touch eyes.
  • P271Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.
  • P280Wear protective gloves, protective clothing, eye protection and face protection.
  • P303 + P361 + P353If on skin (or hair): Take off immediately all contaminated clothing. Rinse skin with water or shower.
  • P304 + P340If inhaled: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing.
  • P305 + P351 + P338If in eyes: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.
  • P319Get medical help if you feel unwell.
  • P337 + P317If eye irritation persists: Get medical help.
  • P370 + P378In case of fire: Use appropriate media to extinguish.
  • P403 + P233Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep container tightly closed.
  • P403 + P235Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep cool.
  • P405Store locked up.
  • P501Dispose of contents and container in accordance with local regulations.
UN number
UN 1231
Transport hazard class
3
Packing group
II

GHS classification summary, not a safety data sheet (SDS). Classifications can differ by supplier, grade and concentration. Always check the supplier's SDS.

Full safety data and first aid

Methyl acetate suppliers

Sponsored listings first, then the documented ranking: membership, verification, replies, completeness, freshness and ratings

All 212 suppliers
30 of 30 offers

Suppliers marked Unclaimed profile have not claimed their profile yet. They are not verified by CompoundList, their offers are price on request and details may have changed, so please confirm them with the supplier. Company representatives can claim a profile with a business email on the company's own website domain. Our team verifies each claim and sends the result by email.

Where suppliers are based

212 suppliers in 35 countries

Send one request to many suppliers

Choose up to 10 suppliers or let us match your request. Compare quotes side by side, free.

Choose suppliersPost a request

Methyl acetate price

Indicative price range per kg from live supplier offers

No published prices right now

Suppliers quote this chemical on request. Send one free request and compare quotes side by side.

Get latest price

Uses and applications

What the substance is used for, by industry and function

Solvent for nitrocellulose, acetylcellulose, and many resins and oils, manufacture artificial leather.

Catalyst for the biodegradation of organic materials, and in agriculture to destroy cocklebur seeds selectively.

Flavoring agent useful in rum, brandy, whiskey, lift for fruit flavors.

Paint remover compounds, laquer solvent, intermediate, synthetic flavoring.

Industrial uses: Processing aids not otherwise specified, Monomers, Solvent, Pigment, Intermediate, Dye, Cleaning agent, Sealant (barrier).

Consumer uses: Solvent, Sealant (barrier), Dye, Pigment.

Use classes: Cosmetics, Solvents, Safer Chemical Classes.

Cosmetic ingredient, INCI name METHYL ACETATE(solvent, perfuming)

Roles

  • aprotic solvent
  • enzyme inhibitor
  • fragrance
  • polar aprotic solvent
  • polar solvent
  • solvent

Functional uses

  • Cleaning agent
  • Diluent
  • Flavouring and nutrient
  • Fragrance
  • Solubility enhancer
  • Solvent

Cosmetic functions

  • Perfuming
  • Solvent

How it is made

By heating methanol and acetic acid in the presence of sulfuric acid and distilling.

Manufacture of high purity methyl acetate ... in a countercurrent reactive distillation column...

Methanol + carbon monoxide (BASF/Monsanto carbonylation processes, byproduct of acetic acid production)

Regulatory status

Inventories, regulations and trade controls that list this substance

Europe

  • EU harmonised classification (CLP Annex VI)
    Index no: 607-021-00-X

Health and food

  • EU cosmetic ingredient inventory

United States

  • Safer Choice ingredient list (USA)
  • TSCA inventory (USA)
    Status: Active in US commerce

HS code and trade data

Customs classification and reported world trade statistics

Global trade

World import and export statistics for the HS code Methyl acetate is traded under.

HS 2915.39Indicative HS code

Esters of acetic acid, other

World exports in 2024
$2.03B
+7.9% vs 2023, imports $1.95B
2019 to 2024
Top exporters
  1. China58.0%
  2. United States7.3%
  3. Germany6.5%
Top importers
  1. Singapore15.6%
  2. South Korea7.2%
  3. Indonesia6.9%
Reported customs values in USD, not prices.Full trade data

The HS code shown for Methyl acetate is indicative (it was assigned by structure rules). Confirm the classification with your customs broker before shipping.

Frequently asked questions

Quick answers about Methyl acetate, based on the data on this page

What is Methyl acetate?

Methyl acetate is an acetate ester resulting from the formal condensation of acetic acid with methanol. A low-boiling (57 C) colourless, flammable liquid, it is used as a solvent for many resins and oils. It has a role as a fragrance, a polar aprotic solvent and an EC 3.4.19.3 (pyroglutamyl-peptidase I) inhibitor.

What is the CAS number of Methyl acetate?

The CAS registry number of Methyl acetate is 79-20-9.

What is the molecular formula and weight of Methyl acetate?

The molecular formula of Methyl acetate is C3H6O2 and its molar mass is 74.08 g/mol.

What is Methyl acetate used for?

Solvent for nitrocellulose, acetylcellulose, and many resins and oils, manufacture artificial leather. Catalyst for the biodegradation of organic materials, and in agriculture to destroy cocklebur seeds selectively. Flavoring agent useful in rum, brandy, whiskey, lift for fruit flavors.

Is Methyl acetate hazardous?

Methyl acetate carries the GHS signal word "Danger". Main hazards: highly flammable liquid and vapour, causes serious eye irritation, may cause drowsiness or dizziness. This summary is not an SDS, always read the supplier safety data sheet.

What is the HS code of Methyl acetate?

Methyl acetate is usually classified under HS code 291539 (Esters of acetic acid, other). This is indicative, confirm it with your customs broker before shipping.

Where can I buy Methyl acetate?

CompoundList lists 212 suppliers of Methyl acetate in China, United States, India, United Kingdom and 31 more. Send one free request to get and compare quotes. Your contact details stay private until you accept a quote.

Where can I buy Methyl acetate in India?

27 suppliers in India list Methyl acetate on CompoundList. Filter the suppliers list by country and send a request to compare prices, grades and delivery times.

What is the price of Methyl acetate?

Suppliers quote Methyl acetate on request because prices depend on grade, purity, quantity and destination. A free request on CompoundList gets you several quotes to compare.

Guides for buyers

Practical guides that help when you source, ship or handle Methyl acetate

Get quotes for Methyl acetate

Post one free request with your grade, quantity and destination. Matching suppliers send quotes you can compare side by side.
Post a request Sell Methyl acetate
Data last updated 7 Oct 2026. Details may have changed, please confirm them with the supplier. Report an error on this page
Embed this structure on your websiteShow code

Paste this code into your page to show the 2D structure of Methyl acetate with a 3D view, its CAS number where known and a link back to this page. Free to use with the link kept.

<iframe src="https://www.compoundlist.com/embed/structure/methyl-acetate-79-20-9" title="Methyl acetate structure on CompoundList" width="360" height="420" style="border:1px solid #E7E2DA;border-radius:12px;max-width:100%" loading="lazy" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin"></iframe>
Preview the embed

Explore more in Synthetic aroma chemicals or HS code 291539

212 suppliers
Free quotes, contact stays private
Get quotes