On whether ethyl acetate is an alcohol

or ask: "Is ethyl acetate an alcohol?" The answer is: "No."

Alcohol is a compound in which the hydrocarbon group is directly connected to the hydroxyl group. The simple structure of ethyl acetate is $CH_3COOCH_2CH_3 $, and there is no structure in which the hydroxyl group is directly connected to the hydrocarbon group in the molecule. Its functional group is an ester group ($-COO - $), which is a group formed by dehydration and condensation of carboxyl groups and alcohol hydroxyl groups.

Alcohols have typical chemical properties, such as the reaction with sodium metal to produce hydrogen gas, which can undergo elimination reactions and oxidation reactions. Ethyl acetate, on the other hand, has very different chemical properties because of its structure and alcohol. It does not react with sodium metal to produce hydrogen, and it is difficult to eliminate it like an alcohol.

In summary, ethyl acetate non-alcohols are actually esters. In terms of its structure, functional group and chemical properties, it is distinct from alcohols.