Ethyl acrylate

CAS: 140-88-5

Overview

Ethyl acrylate (CAS 140-88-5 ), commonly abbreviated as EA, is a reactive acrylic monomer used as a building block in polymer synthesis and as a flavoring agent in food applications.

It copolymerizes readily with other acrylates and vinyl monomers to produce resins with controlled flexibility and adhesion properties. In flavoring, it contributes pineapple and fruity notes at trace concentrations, listed under FEMA 2418 .

EA is a primary monomer in emulsion polymerization for producing acrylic coatings, pressure-sensitive adhesives, and flexible packaging films where low glass transition temperature is required.

In printing and packaging, it is incorporated into water-based inks and overprint varnishes to improve substrate adhesion and film flexibility. Textile and leather finishes use EA-based copolymers to achieve soft, durable surface coatings.

These coatings are highly resistant to cracking and environmental wear. As a flavoring ingredient, it is used at permitted trace levels in processed foods and beverages to deliver fruity top notes.

Ethyl acrylate is supplied as an inhibited liquid, typically stabilized with hydroquinone monomethyl ether to prevent premature polymerization during storage and transport.

Standard commercial grades include technical and polymerization grade, with purity levels commonly at 99% or higher. Food-grade material conforming to FEMA specifications is available for flavor applications.

Physical Properties

Melting Point	-71.2 °C
Boiling Point	99.4 °C
Density	0.9234 g/cm³ @ Temp: 20 °C
Flash Point	60 °F
Appearance	Ethyl acrylate is a colorless liquid. Sharp, acrid odor. The Odor Threshold is 0.000240.0009 ppm
Color	Clear
Odor	Characteristic acrylic odor; sharp, fragrant; acrid; slightly nauseating; sharp, ester type.
Form	Liquid
Water Solubility	1.5 g/100 mL (25 ºC)
Vapor Pressure	31 mm Hg ( 20 °C)
Refractive Index	n 20/D 1.406(lit.)
Log P	1.18 at 25℃

Safety & Handling

Danger GHS02 GHS06 GHS07 GHS08 GHS09 GHS05 Hazard Statements H225 Highly Flammable liquid and vapor H302 Harmful if swallowed H312 Harmful in contact with skin H314 Causes severe skin burns and eye damage H315 Causes skin irritation H317 May cause an allergic skin reaction H318 Causes serious eye damage H319 Causes serious eye irritation H331 Toxic if inhaled H332 Harmful if inhaled H335 May cause respiratory irritation H336 May cause drowsiness or dizziness H341 Suspected of causing genetic defects H351 Suspected of causing cancer H370 Causes damage to organs H372 Causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure H401 Toxic to aquatic life H411 Toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects H412 Harmful to aquatic life with long lasting effects Precautionary Statements P203 Obtain, consult and follow expert instructions for use. P210 Keep away from heat, hot surfaces, sparks, open flames and other ignition sources. No smoking. P233 Keep container tightly closed. P240 Ground and bond container and receiving equipment. P241 Use explosion-proof [electrical/ventilating/lighting/…] equipment. P242 Use non-sparking tools. P243 Take action to prevent static discharges. P260 Do not breathe dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray. P261 Avoid breathing dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray. P264 Wash … thoroughly after handling. P270 Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product. P271 Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area. P272 Contaminated work clothing should not be allowed out of the workplace. P273 Avoid release to the environment. P280 Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection. P316 Get emergency medical help immediately. P317 Get emergency medical help. P318 IF exposed or concerned, get medical advice. P319 Get medical advice/attention if you feel unwell. P321 Specific treatment (see … on this label). P330 Rinse mouth. P363 Wash contaminated clothing before reuse. P391 Collect spillage. P405 Store locked up. P501 Dispose of contents/container in accordance with local regulations. P264+P265 Wash … thoroughly after handling. P301+P317 Get emergency medical help. P302+P352 IF ON SKIN: Wash with plenty of water. P304+P340 IF INHALED: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing. P308+P316 Get emergency medical help immediately. P332+P317 Get emergency medical help. P333+P317 Get emergency medical help. P337+P317 If eye irritation persists: Get medical advice/attention. Get emergency medical help. P362+P364 Take off contaminated clothing and wash it before reuse. P370+P378 Use … for extinction. P403+P233 Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep container tightly closed. P403+P235 Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep cool. P301+P330+P331 Rinse mouth. Do NOT induce vomiting. P302+P361+P354 IF ON SKIN: Take off immediately all contaminated clothing. Rinse skin with water/shower. P303+P361+P353 IF ON SKIN (or hair): Take off immediately all contaminated clothing. Rinse skin with water/shower. P305+P351+P338 IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing. P305+P354+P338 IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.

Trade & Regulatory

HS Code	29161220
UN Number	1917
ADR Class	3
Packing Group	II
Storage Class	3 - Flammable liquids
WGK (Germany)	2

Other Names

Industries

Food & Nutrition Printing & Packaging Plastics & Polymers