MOLECULE

Methyl acetate

Acetic acid-methyl ester or methyl acetate, also known as devoton, methyl ethanoate or tereton, belongs to the class of organic compounds known as methyl esters. These are organic compounds containing a carboxyl group that is esterified with a methyl group. They have the general structure RC(=O)OR', where R=H or organyl group and R'=methyl group. It is a clear, flammable liquid with a characteristic, not unpleasant smell like certain glues or nail polish removers. Specifically methyl acetate has a sweet, fruity, cognac or rum-like aroma and a green, fruity taste. Methyl acetate is a flavouring agent and can be found naturally in many fruits, some of which include apple, grape, banana, orange mint, and ginger. Methyl acetate has also been found in Cannabis sativa (PMID: 6991645, 26657499). It is also used as a perfuming agent in the cosmetic industry. Methyl acetate has characteristics very similar to its analog ethyl acetate. As a result, methyl acetate is used as a solvent in glues, paints, and nail polish removers, in chemical reactions, and for extractions. As an extraction solvent, methyl acetate is a non-polar (lipophilic) to weakly polar (hydrophilic) aprotic solvent. Methyl acetate has a solubility of 25% in water at room temperature. At elevated temperatures its solubility in water is much higher. Methyl acetate is not stable in the presence of strong aqueous bases or acids. Methyl acetate is an ester that can be synthesized from acetic acid and methanol in the presence of strong acids such as sulfuric acid in an esterification reaction. In the presence of strong bases such as sodium hydroxide or strong acids such as hydrochloric acid or sulfuric acid it is hydrolyzed back into methanol and acetic acid, especially at elevated temperature.