| Chemical Properties |
clear colorless to pale yellow liquid |
| Uses |
Solvent for cellulose ethers and esters, various natural and synthetic resins; flavoring agent; fruit syrups; cutting agent for pyroxylin. |
| Definition |
ChEBI: A propanoate ester of ethanol. |
| General Description |
A clear colorless liquid with a pineapple-like odor. Flash point 54°F. Less dense than water and insoluble in water. Vapors are heavier than air. |
| Air & Water Reactions |
Highly flammable. Insoluble in water. |
| Reactivity Profile |
Ethyl propionate is an ester. Esters react with acids to liberate heat along with alcohols and acids. Strong oxidizing acids may cause a vigorous reaction that is sufficiently exothermic to ignite the reaction products. Heat is also generated by the interaction of esters with caustic solutions. Flammable hydrogen is generated by mixing esters with alkali metals and hydrides. Can react with oxidizing agents, bases, and acids. Polymerization: Will not polymerize [USCG, 1999]. |
| Hazard |
Flammable, dangerous fire risk. |
| Health Hazard |
Exposure can cause irritation of eyes, nose and throat. May cause shortness of breath or coughing. High concentrations have a narcotic effect. May cause abdominal pain and vomiting if swallowed. |
| Purification Methods |
Treat the ester with anhydrous CuSO4 and distil it under nitrogen. [Beilstein 2 IV 205.] |
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