The similarities and differences between ethyl acetate and acetone

Ethyl acetate and acetone are both common compounds in organic chemistry, but there are many differences between the two.

First discuss its structure. Ethyl acetate, its molecular formula is $C_ {4} H_ {8} O_ {2} $, the structural formula is $CH_ {3} COOCH_ {2} CH_ {3} $, which is formed by connecting an acetyl group with an ethoxy group and contains an ester functional group. Acetone, the molecular formula is $C_ {3} H_ {6} O $, the structural formula is $CH_ {3} COCH_ {3} $, has a carbonyl functional group, and both sides of the carbonyl group are methyl groups. The difference in structure is one end of the essential difference between the two.

times and physical properties. Looking at its boiling point, the boiling point of ethyl acetate is about 77 ° C, and the boiling point of acetone is about 56.5 ° C. The boiling point of acetone is significantly lower than that of ethyl acetate, due to the difference in intermolecular forces. In addition to van der Waals force, ethyl acetate molecules have a certain orientation force because it contains polar ester groups; although acetone contains carbonyl groups, the polarity is slightly weaker, and the intermolecular force is small, so the boiling point is low. Looking at the solubility, both can be miscible with most organic solvents, but the solubility in water is different. Acetone and water can be miscible in any ratio, because its carbonyl group can form hydrogen bonds with water molecules; although ethyl acetate can also interact with water to a certain extent, its ester group is relatively difficult to form a strong interaction with water, so its solubility in water is limited.

As for chemical properties, ethyl acetate can undergo hydrolysis due to its ester group. Under the catalysis of acid or base, hydrolysis can occur to form acetic acid and ethanol. When catalyzed by base, the reaction is more complete. The carbonyl nature of acetone is active, and nucleophilic addition reactions can occur, such as addition with hydrocyanic acid to form α-hydroxynitrile. The types of chemical reactions involved in the two vary depending on the functional groups.

Application fields are also distinguished. Ethyl acetate is often used as an organic solvent in coatings, inks, adhesives and other industries because of its good solubility and moderate volatilization rate. It is also used in the fragrance industry to add fruity flavor to food, cosmetics, etc. Acetone is widely used in industry as an excellent solvent and has strong solubility to a variety of organic substances. It is often used in plastics, rubber, fiber and other synthetic industries, as well as in pharmaceuticals, electronics and other fields for cleaning and dissolving raw materials. In the laboratory, it is also a commonly used solvent and reaction medium.

In summary, ethyl acetate and acetone have significant differences in structure, physical properties, chemical properties, or application, and are not the same substance.