What is the Difference Between Ethyl Acetate and Methyl Acetate

Ethyl acetate and methyl acetate are both esters commonly used in various industrial and laboratory applications. However, they have different uses and properties, and understanding the difference between ethyl acetate and methyl acetate is important for choosing the right solvent for specific tasks.

What is the difference between ethyl acetate and methyl acetate? Ethyl acetate has an ethyl group attached to the acetate group, whereas methyl acetate has a methyl group attached to the acetate group.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is Ethyl Acetate
      – Definition, Features, Applications
2. What is Methyl Acetate
      – Definition, Features, Applications 
3. Similarities Between Ethyl Acetate and Methyl Acetate
      – Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Ethyl Acetate and Methyl Acetate
      – Comparison of Key Differences
5. FAQ: Ethyl Acetate and Methyl Acetate
      – Frequently Asked Questions

Key Terms

Ethyl Acetate, Methyl Acetate

What is Ethyl Acetate

Ethyl acetate is an ester, which is a group of organic compounds. These molecules are formed when a carboxylic acid (like acetic acid in vinegar) reacts with an alcohol (like ethanol in alcoholic beverages). The main functional group in ethyl acetate is the acetate group (CH₃COO-). This group bonds with the ethyl group (CH₃CH₂-) from the ethanol, forming the ester linkage.

Fischer esterification, the formation reaction of ethyl acetate, is a reversible reaction. Ethyl acetate and water are produced from the reaction between ethanol and acetic acid in the presence of an acid catalyst (for example, sulfuric acid). In basic conditions, this reaction tends to happen in the reverse direction. Here, ethyl acetate is broken down into ethanol and acetic acid (hydrolysis).

One of the main properties of ethyl acetate is that it has a good dissolving ability. This is due to the presence of polar and nonpolar nature in the molecule. The polar carbonyl group (C=O) favors the dissolution of polar compounds like salts and sugars, whereas the nonpolar nature favors the dissolution of nonpolar compounds in it such as fats and oils.

Ethyl acetate participates in many reactions. One such well-known reaction is its reaction with strong bases like sodium hydroxide to undergo saponification, resulting in ethanol and sodium acetate. It also has a pleasant odor. There are many uses of ethyl acetate. It is being used extensively in laboratories and in the pharmaceutical industry, etc. While generally safe, ethyl acetate is flammable and can cause irritation if inhaled in high concentrations. Hence, it is advised to handle ethyl acetate with care when using.

What is Methyl Acetate

Methyl acetate is a member of the ester group, which comprises organic compounds. It is formed from the reaction between methanol and acetic acid, a process known as esterification. The hydroxyl group (OH) of methanol is replaced by the acetate group (CH₃COO-) from acetic acid, forming the ester linkage (C-O-C). This linkage, along with the attached methyl group (CH₃-), defines the structure of methyl acetate (CH₃COOCH₃). Methyl acetate readily hydrolyzes. In the presence of water and either acid or base catalysts, methyl acetate breaks down back into its original components, methanol, and acetic acid.

Methyl acetate occurs naturally in various fruits like bananas, grapes, and apples, contributing to their overall fruity aroma. It possesses higher polarity compared to ethyl acetate, resulting in increased solubility, making it a good solvent. Methyl acetate is more toxic than ethyl acetate but is useful in the manufacture of paint removers, adhesives, and even as a flavoring agent.

Similarities Between Ethyl Acetate and Methyl Acetate

1. They both possess the same functional group, the acetate group.
2. Both undergo esterification.
3. Both esters act as excellent solvents for a wide range of non-polar and polar substances.
4. Ethyl acetate and methyl acetate are flammable liquids and require proper handling precautions to avoid fire hazards.
5. They both can undergo hydrolysis.

Difference Between Ethyl Acetate and Methyl Acetate

Definition

• Ethyl acetate is an ester with the formula CH₃CO₂CH₂CH₃, while methyl acetate is a carboxylate ester with the formula CH₃COOCH₃.

Structure

• Ethyl acetate has an ethyl group attached to the acetate group, while methyl acetate has a methyl group attached to the acetate group.

Solubility

• Methyl acetate has a slightly higher solubility than ethyl acetate.

Polarity

• Methyl acetate has a slightly higher polarity than ethyl acetate.

Toxicity

• Methyl acetate is slightly more toxic than ethyl acetate.

Conclusion

Ethyl acetate and methyl acetate are both esters derived from acetic acid, distinguished by their respective ethyl and methyl groups. Although both serve as effective solvents and participate in similar chemical reactions, there is a distinct difference between ethyl acetate and methyl acetate in their solubility, polarity, and toxicity levels.

FAQ: Ethyl Acetate and Methyl Acetate

1. Is methyl acetate the same as ethyl acetate?

No, methyl acetate and ethyl acetate are not the same. Ethyl acetate has an ethyl group attached to acetate, whereas methyl acetate has a methyl group attached to acetate.

2. How can you distinguish between methyl acetate and ethyl acetate test?

When methyl acetate undergoes hydrolysis in an acidic environment followed by treatment with I2/NaOH, it does not produce a yellow precipitate. However, when ethyl acetate is hydrolyzed in an acidic environment and then treated with I2/NaOH, it does yield a yellow precipitate.

3. How do you convert methyl acetate to ethyl acetate?

First, methyl acetate is hydrolyzed in the presence of an acidic medium to produce acetic acid and methanol. Then, the acetic acid thus obtained is treated with ethanol in an acidic medium to produce ethyl acetate.

4. What is the difference between ethyl and methyl?

Ethyl is made up of two carbons and five hydrogen atoms whereas methyl is made up of one carbon and three hydrogen atoms.

Reference:

1. “Ethyl Acetate – An Overview.” Science Direct.
2. “Methyl Acetate.” Science Direct.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Ethyl-acetate-2D-skeletal” By Chem Sim 2001 – Own work (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Methyl-acetate-2D-skeletal” By Chem Sim 2001 – Own work (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia