Difference between methyl acetate and methyl acetate

In the chemical industry, methyl acetate and methyl acetate are two commonly mentioned ester compounds, which have very different performances in production, application and environmental protection. As a chemical professional, it is important to understand the difference, especially when choosing raw materials and production processes. This article will analyze the difference between methyl acetate and methyl acetate in depth, and discuss its advantages and disadvantages in the chemical process.

Comparison of 1. basic information

1. molecular formula and structure

• methyl acetate the chemical formula is C4H8O2, which consists of four carbons, eight hydrogens and two oxygen atoms. In its structure, a methoxy group is attached to the carboxylic acid group of acetic acid to form an ester linkage.
• Methyl acetate: The chemical formula is C2H4O2, the structural formula is CH3COOCH3, and it consists of two carbons, four hydrogens and two oxygen atoms. In its structure, a methoxy group is attached to the carboxylic acid group of acetic acid to form an ester bond.

1. Physical Properties

• melting point and boiling point: The melting point of methyl acetate is 77.1°C and the boiling point is 166.3°C; the melting point of methyl acetate is 100.0°C and the boiling point is 149.0°C. Methyl acetate has a higher boiling point and a slightly lower melting point.
• Density: The density of methyl acetate is 0.902g/cm³ and methyl acetate is 0.947g/cm³. The density of methyl acetate is slightly higher.
• Solubility methyl acetate is slightly soluble in water and easily soluble in ethanol; methyl acetate is slightly soluble in water and easily soluble in ethanol.

1. Use comparison

• methyl acetate: Mainly used in the production of solvents, synthetic materials and petroleum processing by-products. In the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries, methyl acetate is also used as a solvent and fragrance.
• Methyl acetate mainly used as solvent and fragrance. Methyl acetate has better solubility in ethanol and is suitable for applications where higher solubility is required.

Differences in chemical properties of 2.

1. acid strength

• methyl acetate is more acidic than methyl acetate. The Ka value of methyl acetate is about 2.5 × 10 ^-5, and that of methyl acetate is about 1.8 × 10 ^-5. This means that methyl acetate is more powerful as an acidic species.

1. reactivity

• methyl acetate is more active in chemical reactions such as catalytic hydrogenation and dehydration. Methyl acetate is slightly less reactive than methyl acetate in some reactions.

1. Stability

• methyl acetate is relatively stable under high temperature and strong acid conditions, but may decompose under certain conditions. Methyl acetate has good stability, but it may also decompose under strong acid and high temperature conditions.

3. environmental and economic costs

1. environmental impact

• methyl acetate may produce more by-products and harmful gases during the production process, which has a greater impact on the environment. The production of methyl acetate is relatively environmentally friendly and has fewer by-products.

1. economic cost

• the production cost of methyl acetate is high, and the main raw materials are acetic acid and ethanol. The production cost of methyl acetate is low, and the main raw materials are acetic acid and methanol.

4. Summary

methyl acetate and methyl acetate have advantages and disadvantages in chemical production. As an ester compound with strong acidity and high reactivity, methyl acetate is more prominent in some industrial applications, while methyl acetate is more ideal in other applications because of its better solubility and environmental performance. When selecting raw materials and production processes, chemical professionals need to consider the advantages and disadvantages of the two according to the specific process requirements and enterprise objectives, and make the most appropriate decision.

Through in-depth analysis of the difference between methyl acetate and methyl acetate, the chemical industry can optimize resource utilization in the production process, reduce production costs and reduce environmental pollution, and achieve sustainable development.