Ethyl acetate (CAS 141-78-6, UN 1173) is a volatile, high-purity (99.8% min) organic ester solvent supplied in 200 kg steel drums and IBCs by KIKI'S Industrial Chemicals in Nairobi. It is used as a fast-drying solvent vehicle in flexographic printing inks, automotive lacquers, wood finishes, contact adhesives, and industrial degreasing across Kenya and East Africa.
Ethyl acetate is an organic ester solvent (CH3COOCH2CH3) characterized by rapid evaporation, sweet fruity odour, and excellent solvency for synthetic resins and polymers.
Key Facts
Primary Use Cases
Product Code: KIC-SOL-008
Also known as: Ethyl Acetate, Acetic Ether, Ethyl Ester of Acetic Acid
Synonyms: Ethyl acetic ester, Acetoxyethane, EtOAc
High-purity Ethyl Acetate 99.8% min (CAS 141-78-6, UN 1173) supplied in 200kg steel drums and IBCs by KIKI'S Industrial Chemicals for fast-drying flexographic inks, wood lacquers, contact adhesives, and precision cleaning across Kenya and East Africa.
Available Packaging
Ethyl acetate is an active, fast-evaporating ester solvent produced through the acid-catalyzed esterification of ethanol and acetic acid. It is prized across industrial manufacturing for its powerful solvency for synthetic resins, exceptionally clean volatility, and lower toxicity profile compared to chlorinated solvents and aromatic hydrocarbons.
With a relative evaporation rate of 4.1 (where n-butyl acetate = 1.0), ethyl acetate releases rapidly from applied films. This makes it the solvent of choice for high-speed rotogravure and flexographic printing presses converting flexible packaging materials in Nairobi and across East Africa.
KIKI'S Industrial Chemicals supplies pure commercial grade (99.8% minimum assay) ethyl acetate with ultra-low water content (under 500 ppm). This moisture-free specification is critical for moisture-sensitive two-component polyurethane adhesives and reactive coating systems.
Ethyl acetate possesses a Hansen solubility parameter total of 18.2 MPa½ (dispersion 15.8, polar 5.3, hydrogen bonding 7.2). It dissolves a broad spectrum of commercial film formers including nitrocellulose, ethyl cellulose, polyvinyl butyral (PVB), acrylic resins, alkyds, epoxies, and polychloroprene rubbers.
In printing ink formulations, ethyl acetate ensures complete resin solution and rapid drying without causing cylinder plugging or premature ink skinning on the anilox roller when balanced with retarder solvents such as methoxypropanol or ethoxypropanol.
With a closed-cup flash point of -4°C and explosive limits of 2.0% to 11.5% in air, ethyl acetate generates flammable vapor at ambient Kenyan factory temperatures. Dedicated storage must follow strict hazardous chemical protocols:
Confirm required drum packaging, intended application, and delivery point. For toll-blending and paint manufacturing, provide annual volume projections for scheduled contract tanker or container deliveries.
Commercial Sectors
Commercial flexographic printing, rotogravure flexible packaging, and corrugated carton manufacturing in Kenya demand virgin solvents with tight distillation profiles and high-tack starch adhesives. Solvents with erratic evaporation ruin dot gain and cause ink ghosting, while weak adhesives delaminate carton flutes under humid storage. KIKI'S supplies premium printing solvents, diluents, and paper converting chemicals.
Kenya's paints, decorative coatings, and wood finish manufacturing industry requires pure virgin solvents, high-brightness extender pigments, and specialized coalescing aids. A formulation is only as good as its raw materials: low-purity thinners cause pinholing and blushing, while coarse fillers destroy gloss and opacity. KIKI'S supplies premium solvents, extenders, and binders to East Africa's leading paint makers.
In manufacturing clusters across Nairobi, Athi River, and Baba Dogo, continuous production depends on reliable supply of process chemicals, boiler water conditioners, and high-flashpoint cleaning solvents. A production stoppage caused by boiler scale or a missing raw material costs millions of shillings per hour. KIKI'S provides the reliable chemical supply that keeps Kenyan manufacturing plants operating at peak output.
Chemical manufacturing and toll blending in Kenya demand consistent raw material assay, repeatable reaction kinetics, and uninterrupted containerized bulk supply. From concentrated inorganic acids and solid caustic alkalis to high-flashpoint solvents, KIKI'S is the primary raw material partner for East African chemical formulators.
Process Compatibility
Store ethyl acetate drums in a dedicated, bunded flammable liquids store protected from direct sunlight and ambient temperatures above 30°C. Drum storage areas must be equipped with explosion-proof lighting (ATEX Zone 1 / Zone 2 compliant) and dry chemical or alcohol-resistant aqueous film-forming foam (AR-AFFF) fire suppression systems.
Keep bungs tightly torqued when not actively pumping. Exposure to moist ambient air causes ethyl acetate to slowly absorb atmospheric humidity, which can lead to trace hydrolysis into acetic acid and ethanol over extended storage periods.
Personnel decanting or blending ethyl acetate must wear solvent-resistant nitrile or butyl rubber gloves, chemical splash goggles, and antistatic safety boots. Standard latex gloves do not provide adequate breakthrough resistance against ester solvents.
In the event of a spill, eliminate all ignition sources immediately. Contain the liquid with inert non-combustible absorbent (diatomaceous earth or dry sand). Never flush solvent spills into municipal sewers or stormwater drains.
Inhalation: Move subject to fresh air immediately. If breathing is irregular, administer oxygen. Eye Contact: Rinse eyes thoroughly with copious water for at least 15 minutes. Skin Contact: Wash with soap and water; remove soaked clothing. Ingestion: Do NOT induce vomiting; seek urgent medical attention.
Hazard Statements
Precautionary Statements
PPE Requirements
COMMERCIAL & TECHNICAL GUIDANCE
Technical, regulatory, and supply guidance for Ethyl Acetate 99.8% Min Pure (Fast-Evaporating Ester Solvent).
Our commercial ethyl acetate is supplied at an assay of 99.8% minimum by gas chromatography, with a maximum moisture content of 0.05% w/w (500 ppm Karl Fischer). This high-purity, low-moisture specification ensures complete resin clarity, eliminates blush in lacquer films, and prevents premature isocyanate reaction in polyurethane systems.
High-boiling Ethyl Glycol Acetate (EGA) coalescing solvent for paints, lacquers, wood coatings, and flexographic…
CAS 111-15-9 · High-Purity Industrial Coating Grade · Clear Liquid
High-purity Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA 99.9%) rapid-evaporating solvent for electronics cleaning, sanitizers,…
CAS 67-63-0 · High-Purity Technical / USP Grade (Water-Free 99.9%) · Clear Liquid
High-purity industrial methanol (99.85% min) supplied in 200L steel drums and bulk ISO tanks across Kenya, Uganda, and…
CAS 67-56-1 · Industrial / Technical Grade (High Purity) · Clear Liquid
High-purity Mono Ethylene Glycol (MEG 99.8%) for engine coolants, antifreeze formulations, polyester PET resin…
CAS 107-21-1 · Fiber / Polyester / Industrial Grade (99.8% Pure) · Clear Viscous Odorless Liquid
High-purity Toluene solvent (99.8% Methylbenzene) for paints, lacquers, thinners, adhesives, printing inks, and…
CAS 108-88-3 · Industrial / Pure Grade (99.8% Pure) · Clear Colorless Liquid
Commercial n-Hexane (CAS 110-54-3, UN 1208) supplied in 154kg and 160kg steel drums by KIKI'S Industrial Chemicals for…
CAS 110-54-3 · Industrial Extraction Grade · Liquid
Explore the polymer solvation mechanics of Ethyl Acetate in polychloroprene (neoprene) and polyurethane footwear, upholstery, and woodworking contact adhesives.
Coatings & InksLearn how packaging ink formulators and press operators balance Ethyl Acetate with ethanol and retarders to achieve pinhole-free ink transfer on polyethylene and BOPP films.
Solvents & ExtractionA deep technical evaluation of high-purity Ethyl Acetate 99.8% Min: ester chemistry, moisture contamination risks, fast evaporation dynamics, and quality verification standards in Kenya.
Solvents & ExtractionEssential fire protection protocols, drum grounding procedures, and vapour mitigation strategies for storing and decanting Ethyl Acetate in East African tropical environments.