Co to jest ACETAT METYLOWY?

METANOL ACETAT (CAS No. 79-20-9), also widely known as methylacetat in European chemical markets, is one of the most versatile ester solvents in modern industrial chemistry. Chemically classified as a carboxylate ester with the molecular formula C₃H₆O₂, it is formed through the esterification of acetic acid and methanol. The result is a colorless, highly flammable liquid with a characteristic fruity odor — a compound that quietly powers some of the world’s most important manufacturing industries.

If you work in coatings, adhesives, electronics, or chemical synthesis, understanding METANOL ACETAT is not just academically useful — it is a procurement and operational necessity. This guide walks you through everything from quality evaluation and application scenarios to safety handling and purchasing considerations, structured specifically for industrial buyers and sourcing professionals.

METHYL ACETATE

What Is METHYL ACETATE Used For?

The reason METANOL ACETAT commands growing global attention is straightforward: it works extremely well across a remarkably broad range of applications. Its fast evaporation rate, mild odor, low toxicity, and strong solvency power make it a preferred choice in industries where performance and regulatory compliance both matter.

 

Paints, Coatings & Wood Finishes

The single largest end-use market for METANOL ACETAT is the paints and coatings sector. It dissolves nitrocellulose and cellulose esters rapidly, making it indispensable for automotive refinishing, industrial surface coatings, and wood varnishes. For formulators, METANOL ACETAT offers a critical combination of benefits: it evaporates quickly (reducing drying time), leaves minimal residue, and produces a smooth, even film.

According to market research, the paints and coatings segment accounted for the largest share of global METANOL ACETAT consumption in 2024, driven by surging demand from the automotive and construction industries. In 2024 alone, global vehicle sales reached 95.3 million units, each requiring surface coatings where METANOL ACETAT plays a key solvent role.

 

Adhesives & Sealants

METANOL ACETAT is widely used in the formulation of pressure-sensitive adhesives and construction sealants. It provides excellent dissolution of adhesive resins and sets quickly, making it highly efficient in manufacturing environments where production speed matters. The adhesives and sealants sector is one of the fastest-growing end markets for METANOL ACETAT, particularly in automotive and infrastructure applications.

 

Czyszczenie elementów elektronicznych

In electronics manufacturing, cleanliness is non-negotiable. METANOL ACETAT serves as a precision cleaning agent for PCBs, semiconductor components, and precision instruments. Its ability to remove flux residues and organic contaminants without leaving behind harmful deposits makes it a trusted choice in aerospace and electronics assembly lines. The semiconductor industry’s demand for ultra-high purity METANOL ACETAT (≥99.9%) continues to rise alongside the global chip manufacturing expansion.

 

Chemical Synthesis & Intermediates

Beyond direct solvent use, METANOL ACETAT is a crucial chemical building block. It serves as a starting material or intermediate in the synthesis of:

Downstream Chemical Primary Industry Use
Acetic anhydride Pharmaceuticals, cellulose acetate
Methyl acetoacetate APIs, agrochemicals
Vinyl acetate monomer Adhesives, paints, textiles
Methacrylate esters Plastics, optical materials

This role as a chemical intermediate positions METANOL ACETAT as a cornerstone in pharmaceutical and agrochemical supply chains — where purity specifications are especially stringent.

 

Flexographic Printing Inks & Packaging

An emerging and rapidly growing application for METANOL ACETAT is in flexographic printing inks, especially in food packaging. Its fast evaporation and low toxicity profile make it ideal for high-speed printing operations. The global expansion of e-commerce has driven unprecedented growth in packaging demand, and METANOL ACETAT is a primary beneficiary of this trend.

 

Food Flavoring

Naturally occurring in fruits such as apples, bananas, and grapes, METANOL ACETAT is approved as a food-grade flavoring agent. It imparts fruity, fresh notes to candies, beverages, and baked goods — a niche but high-value application.

 

Polyurethane (PU) Foam Blowing Agent

In markets across Asia-Pacific, METANOL ACETAT is increasingly used as a blowing agent in the manufacturing of PU foams for mattresses, furniture cushions, and thermal insulation panels. Population growth and rising urbanization in China, India, and Southeast Asia are driving this demand segment significantly.

 

How to Evaluate METHYL ACETATE Quality?

For procurement professionals, quality assessment is the first real decision point when sourcing METANOL ACETAT. The difference between industrial-grade and high-purity METANOL ACETAT is not just a number on a specification sheet — it directly affects your product performance, regulatory compliance, and downstream manufacturing yield.

Here is a breakdown of the key parameters to assess, based on standard enterprise specifications (Q/320581FGF013-2013):

Quality Parameter Standard Requirement Benchmark Result Significance
Czystość ≥ 99.50 wt% 99.9 wt% Core performance indicator
Zawartość wody ≤ 0.050 wt% 0.02 wt% Affects reactivity and shelf life
Acidity (as CH₃COOH) ≤ 0.050 wt% 0.005 wt% Prevents corrosion in equipment
Color (APHA) ≤ 10 5 Indicates purity and storage quality
Residue on Evaporation ≤ 0.01 wt% 0.009 wt% Measures non-volatile contaminants
GC Metanol ≤ 0.006% 0.002% Safety and purity marker
Gęstość 0.92–0.94 g/cm³ 0.93 g/cm³ Physical integrity check

What these numbers mean in practice:

  • Purity at 99.9% exceeds the minimum standard by 0.4 percentage points. For pharmaceutical and electronics applications, this margin is critical.
  • Low methanol content (0.002%) is particularly important for buyers supplying into food or pharmaceutical environments, where methanol is a regulated impurity.
  • APHA color at 5 (vs. max of 10) indicates the product has been stored correctly and has not undergone oxidative degradation.
  • Residue on evaporation at 0.009% confirms that the solvent will leave minimal contamination after use — essential for cleaning applications.

When requesting a Certificate of Analysis (COA) from a supplier, always verify these seven parameters as a minimum. Any reputable METANOL ACETAT supplier should be able to provide batch-specific COA data upon inquiry.

Industrial Grade vs. High Purity: Which Do You Need?

Ocena Typical Purity Best Suited For
Industrial Grade 99.0–99.5% Paints, adhesives, general cleaning
High Purity ≥ 99.9% Pharmaceuticals, electronics, semiconductor
Food Grade ≥ 99.5% (with specific impurity limits) Flavoring, food packaging inks

Key Physical and Chemical Properties of METHYL ACETATE

Understanding the physical and chemical properties of METANOL ACETAT helps buyers and formulators predict its behavior in specific applications. Below is a comprehensive reference table:

Właściwość Wartość
Nazwa chemiczna Methyl ethanoate / Methylacetat
Numer CAS 79-20-9
Wzór molekularny C₃H₆O₂
Molar Mass 74.08 g/mol
Wygląd Colorless liquid
Zapach Pleasant, fruity
Gęstość 0.932 g/cm³ at 20°C
Temperatura wrzenia 56.9°C
Temperatura zapłonu -10°C
Ciśnienie par 173 mmHg at 20°C
Indeks załamania światła 1.361 at 20°C
Temperatura zapłonu samoczynnego 474°C
Water Solubility ~25% at 20°C
Solubility in Organics Miscible with most organic solvents

What these properties mean for buyers:

  • The low boiling point (56.9°C) means METANOL ACETAT evaporates rapidly at room temperature — a key advantage in coatings and printing applications where fast drying is critical.
  • The flash point of -10°C classifies it as a highly flammable liquid (GHS Category 1). This has direct implications for transport, storage, and insurance requirements.
  • Its weak polarity and lipophilic character mean it dissolves oils, resins, and waxes effectively — but has limited miscibility in water, which is why moisture control during storage matters.
  • Vapor pressure of 173 mmHg at 20°C confirms strong volatility — meaning proper ventilation in storage and production environments is non-negotiable.

How is METHYL ACETATE Produced?

METANOL ACETAT is primarily manufactured through two industrial methods:

1. Esterification of Methanol and Acetic Acid The classic synthesis route involves reacting methanol with acetic acid in the presence of a sulfuric acid catalyst at elevated temperatures. This is a reversible reaction, so excess reagent or removal of water is typically employed to drive the equilibrium toward product formation.

2. Carbonylation Process (Eastman Process) A more advanced industrial method involves the carbonylation of methanol to produce METANOL ACETAT directly. This process, developed by Eastman Chemical Company, is a landmark example of process intensification — combining the reactor and distillation steps into a single reactive distillation column, dramatically improving efficiency and reducing energy use. Most large-scale METANOL ACETAT is also produced as a byproduct of the carbonylation of methanol to make acetic acid.

3. Byproduct from PTA Plants METANOL ACETAT and water mixtures are produced in significant quantities from Purified Terephthalic Acid (PTA) manufacturing plants, which are abundant in Asia-Pacific — a key reason why the region dominates global supply.

 

METHYL ACETATE Market Trends 2025–2035

The global METANOL ACETAT market is experiencing robust and sustained growth. Here is a snapshot of current market intelligence:

Metric Data
Market Size (2024) USD 210–211 million
Market Size (2025) USD 228–231 million
Projected Market Size (2030) USD 388.5 million
CAGR (2025–2030) 7.9%
Largest Regional Market Asia-Pacific (~55% of global share)
Largest Application Segment Paints & Coatings

Key market drivers in 2025:

  • Green solvent shift: Up to 40% of new solvent formulations now incorporate METANOL ACETAT as a greener alternative to HAP (Hazardous Air Pollutants) solvents. Its VOC-exempt designation under the U.S. EPA gives it a significant regulatory advantage over competitors like toluene and xylene.
  • E-commerce packaging boom: Rapid global e-commerce growth is fueling demand for flexographic printing inks, where METANOL ACETAT is a preferred carrier solvent.
  • Asia-Pacific urbanization: Rising furniture, bedding, and construction demand in China, India, and ASEAN countries is accelerating METANOL ACETAT consumption as a PU foam blowing agent.
  • Pharmaceutical API synthesis: With 99.9% purity METANOL ACETAT increasingly required for active pharmaceutical ingredient production, high-purity supply chains are tightening.
  • Semiconductor expansion: Global chip manufacturing capacity additions require high-purity solvents for wafer cleaning and photoresist stripping — a growing niche for ultra-pure METANOL ACETAT.

Challenges to watch:

  • Raw material price volatility: methanol prices have fluctuated between USD 350–450 per ton in recent periods, directly impacting METANOL ACETAT production costs.
  • Health and safety regulatory tightening in certain jurisdictions may increase compliance costs for both producers and buyers.

Safety, Storage & Handling of METHYL ACETATE

METANOL ACETAT is classified as a highly flammable liquid and vapor. For any buyer or logistics professional handling this chemical, the following safety framework is mandatory knowledge:

Klasyfikacja zagrożeń:

Hazard Category Classification
Flammability GHS Category 1 (Flash Point -10°C)
Eye Irritation Category 2
CNS Effects Drowsiness/dizziness upon inhalation
Skin Effects Dryness/cracking with repeated exposure
NFPA Flammability Rating 3

Storage Requirements:

  • Store in a cool (below 25°C), well-ventilated area, away from all ignition sources and open flames
  • Keep containers tightly sealed to prevent vapor accumulation and moisture ingress
  • Use grounded and bonded containers during transfer to prevent static discharge
  • Incompatible with strong oxidizers, strong acids, and strong bases

Osobiste środki ochrony (PPE):

  • Chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile or neoprene recommended)
  • Safety goggles or face shield
  • Flame-resistant clothing in high-exposure environments
  • Ensure local exhaust ventilation at workstations

Transport Classification:

  • UN Number: UN 1231
  • DOT Hazard Class: 3 (Flammable Liquid)
  • Packing Group: II

All buyers importing METANOL ACETAT should ensure their logistics partners are fully certified for Class 3 flammable liquid transport.

METHYL ACETATE vs. Alternative Solvents: A Comparison

When evaluating METANOL ACETAT against competing solvents, the picture is compelling:

Właściwość METANOL ACETAT Etyl Acetat Aceton Toluen
Temperatura wrzenia 56.9°C 77.1°C 56.1°C 110.6°C
Temperatura zapłonu -10°C -4°C -20°C 4°C
VOC Status Exempt (U.S. EPA) Non-exempt Non-exempt Non-exempt
Toxicity Niski Niski Niski Moderate–High
Zapach Mild, fruity Fruity Sharp Strong
Solvency Power Wysoki Wysoki Very High Very High
Cost Competitiveness ✅ Favorable Moderate Moderate Variable
Regulatory Trend ✅ Gaining favor Neutralny Restricted Declining

The key differentiator for METANOL ACETAT is its VOC-exempt status under U.S. EPA regulations — a distinction that neither ethyl acetate nor acetone enjoys. As environmental regulations tighten globally, this regulatory advantage becomes increasingly valuable to formulators seeking compliant solvent solutions.

 

Packaging Options & How to Order METHYL ACETATE

For industrial buyers, METANOL ACETAT is available in the following standard packaging configurations:

Packaging Type Capacity Best For
Steel Drums 180 kg / drum Small to mid-volume buyers, R&D
IBC tote 1,000 kg / IBC Mid-to-large volume manufacturing
ISO Tank / Bulk 20,000+ kg Large-scale industrial procurement

Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ): 1 Full Container Load (1 FCL)

When placing an order for METANOL ACETAT, professional buyers should request the following documentation as standard:

  1. Certificate of Analysis (COA) — batch-specific
  2. Safety Data Sheet (SDS) — current version per GHS standards
  3. UN Dangerous Goods Declaration for transport
  4. Country of Origin Certificate (if import duties apply)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is METHYL ACETATE used for in everyday products?

METANOL ACETAT is found in nail polish removers, spray paints, adhesives, and food flavorings. Its fruity odor and fast evaporation make it an effective and relatively safe solvent in consumer and industrial products alike.

Is METHYL ACETATE the same as methylacetat?

Yes. Methylacetat is the German-language name for the same compound — METANOL ACETAT (CAS 79-20-9). The chemical is identical regardless of regional naming conventions.

What purity grade of METHYL ACETATE do I need?

It depends on your application. Industrial-grade (99.0–99.5%) is sufficient for most coating and adhesive uses. High-purity (≥99.9%) is required for pharmaceutical synthesis, semiconductor cleaning, and food-grade applications.

Is METHYL ACETATE environmentally friendly?

Compared to many competing solvents, yes. METANOL ACETAT is VOC-exempt under U.S. EPA regulations, is not classified as a Hazardous Air Pollutant (HAP), and is readily biodegradable. These characteristics make it a preferred choice in environmentally regulated formulations.

How should METHYL ACETATE be stored?

Store in sealed steel drums or IBCs in a cool, ventilated area below 25°C, away from ignition sources. Always maintain grounding during transfer operations. Shelf life under proper storage conditions is typically 12–24 months.

Can METHYL ACETATE dissolve in water?

Only partially. METANOL ACETAT has a water solubility of approximately 25% at 20°C — meaning it is slightly soluble but not fully miscible. It is, however, fully miscible with most organic solvents including alcohols, ketones, and glycols.

What is the difference between METHYL ACETATE and ethyl acetate?

Both are ester solvents with similar applications, but METANOL ACETAT has a lower boiling point (56.9°C vs. 77.1°C), evaporates faster, and crucially holds VOC-exempt status under U.S. EPA rules — a regulatory advantage ethyl acetate does not share.

Who are the major producers of METHYL ACETATE globally?

Key producers include Celanese Corporation, Eastman Chemical Company, BASF SE, Wacker Chemie AG, Chang Chun Group, and Haihang Industry. Asia-Pacific, particularly China, dominates global production, accounting for approximately 55% of supply.