Acetate is the ester that an organic group replaces a hydrogen atom
in -OH group of acetic acid through reaction (typically
condensation) with alcohols. Condensation is the reaction in which
two molecules having -OH groups are joined with eliminating a water
molecule from their -OH groups. They are produced by esterification
reaction from acetic acid and the corresponding alcohol in the
presence of strong acids like sulfuric acid. This reaction is
reversible and acetate can be hydrolyzed back into alcohol and
acetic acid in the presence of strong bases or strong acid,
especially at elevated temperature. The term acetate is also for
the salt that one or more of the hydrogen atoms of acetic acid are
replaced by one or more cations of the base, resulting in a
compound containing the negative organic ion of CH3COO-. Lower
acetate is a non-polar to weak polar aprotic solvent which have
some solubility portion in water. Its miscibility with water gets
higher at elevated temperature. Higher acetates have a low
solubility in water and used as extraction solvents for fine
chemicals particularly for certain antibiotics. Organic acetates
are good solvents for a broad range of resins as they are miscible
with almost all common organic liquids. Due to their powerful
solvency, high volatility and mild odor, acetates are widely used
as solvents for paints, coatings, adhesives, cellulose, plastics,
fats, wood stains. Additionally ether acetates series are also
widely used as solvents. This surfactant-like structure provides
the compatibility between water and a number of organic solvents,
and the ability to couple unlike phases. The main products include
ethyleneglycol monoethyl ether acetate, ethyleneglycol monobutyl
ether acetate, and propyleneglycol monomethyl ether acetate.
Aromatic acetates such as benzyl acetate are also useful solvent.
Benzyl acetate has jasmine like odor. Isoamyl acetate has a similar
smell to both banana and pear. Acetates have characteristic fruity
odor. They are used as component of perfumes and flavorings. They
are used as chemical intermediate to manufacture pharmaceuticals,
synthetic flavorings, cleaners, and other organic compounds.
