Vinyl acetate (C4H6O2) is a chemical compound used in the production of adhesives, coatings, and polymers. It has numerous applications due to its versatility and strong adhesive properties.
| IUPAC Name | Vinyl acetate |
| Molecular Formula | C4H6O2 |
| CAS Number | 108-05-4 |
| Synonyms | Acetic acid ethenyl ester; Vinyl ethanoate; Ethenyl ethanoate |
| InChI | InChI=1S/C4H6O2/c1-3-6-4(2)5/h3H,1H2,2H3 |
Vinyl Acetate Properties
Vinyl Acetate Formula
The chemical formula of vinyl acetate is C4H6O2. It represents the arrangement of atoms in a molecule, indicating that vinyl acetate consists of four carbon (C) atoms, six hydrogen (H) atoms, and two oxygen (O) atoms. This formula helps us understand the composition and structure of vinyl acetate.
Vinyl Acetate Molar Mass
The molar mass of vinyl ethanoate is calculated by summing up the atomic masses of all its constituent elements. With four carbon atoms (C) having a molar mass of 12.01 g/mol, six hydrogen atoms (H) having a molar mass of 1.01 g/mol, and two oxygen atoms (O) having a molar mass of 16.00 g/mol, the molar mass of vinyl ethanoate is approximately 86.09 g/mol.
Vinyl Acetate Boiling Point
Vinyl ethanoate has a boiling point of around 72.7 degrees Celsius (162.9 degrees Fahrenheit). This temperature indicates the point at which vinyl ethanoate transitions from its liquid state to a gaseous state under standard atmospheric pressure. The boiling point is an important property for various industrial processes and applications.
Vinyl Acetate Melting Point
The melting point of vinyl ethanoate is approximately -93.5 degrees Celsius (-136.3 degrees Fahrenheit). This temperature represents the point at which solid vinyl ethanoate changes into its liquid form. Understanding the melting point is crucial for handling and processing vinyl ethanoate in different industries.
Vinyl Acetate Density g/mL
Vinyl ethanoate has a density of about 0.933 g/mL at a standard temperature and pressure. Density measures the mass per unit volume of a substance, providing insight into its compactness or concentration. The density of vinyl ethanoate is important for various applications, including the formulation of coatings and adhesives.
Vinyl Acetate Molecular Weight
The molecular weight of vinyl ethanoate, calculated by summing the atomic weights of all its elements, is approximately 86.09 g/mol. The molecular weight provides information about the mass of a molecule and is crucial for determining stoichiometry, reaction rates, and other chemical properties.
Vinyl Acetate Structure
The structure of vinyl ethanoate consists of a vinyl group (-CH=CH2) bonded to an acetate group (-C(O)OCH3). This structure reveals the arrangement of atoms within the molecule, facilitating an understanding of its chemical behavior and reactivity.
Vinyl Acetate Solubility
Vinyl ethanoate is soluble in many organic solvents, such as ethanol, acetone, and ethyl acetate. It exhibits limited solubility in water due to the polarity of its acetate group. The solubility of vinyl ethanoate influences its use in various applications, including the formulation of coatings and adhesives.
| Appearance | Colorless liquid |
| Specific Gravity | 0.933 g/mL |
| Color | Clear |
| Odor | Sweet, fruity |
| Molar Mass | 86.09 g/mol |
| Density | 0.933 g/mL |
| Melting Point | -93.5 °C (-136.3 °F) |
| Boiling Point | 72.7 °C (162.9 °F) |
| Flash Point | -8.0 °C (17.6 °F) |
| Water Solubility | Miscible |
| Solubility | Soluble in organic solvents |
| Vapour Pressure | 63 mmHg at 20 °C |
| Vapour Density | 3.0 |
| pKa | 4.79 |
| pH | Neutral (around 7) |
Vinyl Acetate Safety and Hazards
Vinyl ethanoate presents certain safety considerations and hazards. It is important to handle this chemical with care. Vinyl ethanoate can cause irritation to the skin, eyes, and respiratory system upon contact or inhalation. Prolonged or repeated exposure may lead to more severe health effects. It is flammable and can form explosive mixtures with air, posing a fire and explosion hazard. Adequate ventilation and personal protective equipment should be used when working with vinyl ethanoate. In case of ingestion, immediate medical attention is necessary. It is crucial to follow proper safety protocols, such as storing vinyl ethanoate in a well-ventilated area and away from incompatible substances.
| Hazard Symbols | Flammable, Irritants, Health Hazard |
| Safety Description | Causes skin and eye irritation. Highly flammable liquid and vapor. May cause respiratory irritation. |
| UN IDs | UN 1301 |
| HS Code | 2915.35.00 |
| Hazard Class | 3 |
| Packing Group | II |
| Toxicity | Acute toxicity, irritant |
Vinyl Acetate Synthesis Methods
There are various methods for synthesizing vinyl ethanoate.
One common method for synthesizing vinyl ethanoate involves reacting acetic acid with ethylene in the presence of a catalyst, such as a palladium-based catalyst, and oxygen. This process, known as the Wacker process, produces vinyl ethanoate as the acetic acid reacts with ethylene.
Another method entails esterifying acetic acid with vinyl alcohol, which is obtained through the hydrolysis of acetylene. This reaction typically takes place with the assistance of an acid catalyst.
Furthermore, vinyl ethanoate can be produced by carbonylating ethylene. This method involves reacting ethylene with carbon monoxide in the presence of a catalyst, such as a rhodium complex. The resulting intermediate compounds undergo further reactions to yield vinyl ethanoate.
These synthesis methods hold significant industrial importance as they enable large-scale production of vinyl ethanoate. It is crucial to emphasize the need for meticulous control of reaction conditions, careful catalyst selection, and appropriate purification steps to achieve high product yield and quality.
Vinyl Acetate Uses
Vinyl ethanoate plays a crucial role in various industries due to its versatile properties. It finds applications in the following areas:
- Adhesives: Manufacturers utilize vinyl ethanoate to formulate adhesives that provide strong bonding properties in the woodworking, packaging, and construction industries.
- Coatings: Vinyl ethanoate enhances adhesion, flexibility, and durability in the production of coatings such as paints and varnishes.
- Polymers: Vinyl ethanoate acts as a building block for synthesizing vinyl ethanoate-based polymers like polyvinyl ethanoate (PVA) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH). These polymers are essential components of adhesives, coatings, textiles, and films.
- Textiles: The textile industry employs vinyl ethanoate to produce vinyl fibers, which impart enhanced durability and strength to clothing, upholstery, and carpets.
- Emulsions: Manufacturers utilize vinyl ethanoate as an emulsifying agent to produce stable and well-dispersed emulsion polymers, extensively used in paints, coatings, and adhesives.
- Paper industry: Vinyl ethanoate enhances the surface smoothness, printability, and moisture resistance of paper coatings.
- Film production: Vinyl ethanoate plays a crucial role in manufacturing films for packaging applications, offering flexibility, transparency, and heat-sealing properties.
- Resins: Vinyl ethanoate-based resins contribute to the production of laminates, foams, and synthetic rubbers, resulting in improved strength and resilience.
- Binders: Various industries rely on vinyl ethanoate as a binder in products such as inks, ceramics, and fiberglass, ensuring cohesion and adhesion.
- Pharmaceuticals: Vinyl ethanoate finds application in the pharmaceutical industry for the formulation of controlled-release drugs and as an excipient in tablet coatings.
Vinyl ethanoate’s versatile nature makes it a valuable compound in different industries, actively contributing to the development of numerous everyday products.
Questions:
Q: What monomer is used to form poly(vinyl acetate), a polymer used in paints and adhesives?
A: The monomer used to form poly(vinyl acetate) is vinyl ethanoate itself.
Q: What is the purpose of the poly(ethylene-vinyl acetate) analysis?
A: The analysis of poly(ethylene-vinyl ethanoate) helps determine its composition, properties, and suitability for various applications such as packaging and flexible films.
Q: What is the difference between acetate and clear rigid vinyl?
A: Ethanoate is a clear, transparent film made from cellulose, while clear rigid vinyl is a transparent thermoplastic material that is more rigid and durable.
Q: What are vinyl acetate copolymers used for?
A: Vinyl ethanoate copolymers are used in various applications including adhesives, coatings, textiles, and films, providing improved properties and performance.
Q: How is ethylene vinyl acetate made?
A: Ethylene Vinyl ethanoate is made by copolymerizing ethylene and Vinyl ethanoate monomers under controlled conditions using appropriate catalysts.
Q: How to produce ethylene-vinyl acetate?
A: Ethylene-Vinyl ethanoate can be produced by copolymerizing ethylene and Vinyl ethanoate monomers in the presence of catalysts, typically through high-pressure or low-pressure polymerization methods.
Q: Can vinyl acetate be used as a binder in textiles?
A: Yes, Vinyl ethanoate can be used as a binder in textiles to improve the cohesion and adhesion of fibers during fabric production.
Q: What is vinyl acetate used for?
A: Vinyl ethanoate is used in the production of adhesives, coatings, polymers, textiles, films, and various other applications due to its versatile properties.
Q: Is vinyl acetate a VOC?
A: Yes, Vinyl ethanoate is considered a volatile organic compound (VOC) due to its potential to vaporize and contribute to air pollution.
Q: Is vinyl acetate a solvent?
A: Vinyl ethanoate itself is not typically used as a solvent, but it can be a component in solvent blends or formulations for specific applications.