[Chemical Knowledge]：Properties, uses, upstream and downstream raw materials, storage methods, physicochemical properties of isopropyl acetate

PROPERTIES OF ISOPROPyl ACETATE

Isopropyl acetate (Isopropyl Acetate), the chemical formula for C5H10O2, is a colorless transparent liquid with a fruity flavor. It has a molecular weight of 102.13, a boiling point of 88°C, a density of about 0.87g/cm³, and a flash point of 2°C. In terms of chemical properties, isopropyl acetate has low polarity and good solubility, and can dissolve a variety of organic compounds. It is flammable and volatile, soluble in ethanol, ether, acetone and other organic solvents, but almost insoluble in water. These characteristics make it widely used in industry.

Use of isopropyl acetate

Isopropyl acetate is widely used in many fields because of its unique physical and chemical properties. In the coatings industry, it is used as a solvent, especially in the manufacture of nitrocellulose, alkyd resins, polyurethanes and other coatings. It can volatilize quickly and provide good coating film gloss and adhesion. In ink manufacturing, isopropyl acetate is also used as a solvent, which can effectively dissolve the resin in the ink and improve the printing quality. It is also used as a fragrance solvent and detergent ingredient in cosmetics, for the synthesis of fragrances and fragrances, giving products a characteristic odor. Due to its low toxicity and volatility, isopropyl acetate is used as a flavoring additive in the food industry.

Isopropyl acetate upstream and downstream raw materials

The production of isopropyl acetate relies primarily on two key raw materials: acetic acid and isopropanol. In the production process, acetic acid and isopropanol are esterified in the presence of an acidic catalyst to produce isopropyl acetate and water. Upstream raw materials include ethylene, acetaldehyde, acetic acid, etc., which can be produced by different chemical reaction routes to acetic acid, while isopropanol is mainly prepared by the hydration of propylene. Downstream products include various solvents, coatings, inks, fragrances, etc. The demand for these products directly affects the market demand for isopropyl acetate.

Production process of isopropyl acetate

The commercial production of isopropyl acetate generally employs a batch or continuous esterification reaction. In the batch esterification process, acetic acid and isopropanol are reacted by heating in the presence of an acidic catalyst (e. g., sulfuric acid, p-toluenesulfonic acid, etc.) to form isopropyl acetate. The resulting water is removed by azeotropic distillation or other separation techniques to facilitate the reaction. The continuous esterification process is carried out by a fixed bed reactor or a distillation column, the reactants continuously enter the reactor, and the products are continuously separated, which improves the production efficiency and product purity. With the progress of technology, membrane separation technology and microreactor technology are also gradually applied in the production of isopropyl acetate, further improving the efficiency of production and environmental protection.

Market Demand and Trend of Isopropyl Acetate

With the advancement of industrialization, the global demand for isopropyl acetate is increasing year by year. Especially in the Asia-Pacific region, the demand for isopropyl acetate has increased significantly due to the rapid development of the coatings, inks and fragrance industries. Market research shows that the increasingly stringent environmental regulations have promoted the demand for coatings and solvents with low volatile organic compounds (VOCs) content, which is also a positive factor for the isopropyl acetate market. In the future, with the further development of technology and the improvement of environmental awareness, the market demand for isopropyl acetate is expected to continue to maintain steady growth.

Isopropyl acetate storage method

Since isopropyl acetate is highly flammable and volatile, its storage must follow strict safety regulations. Storage should choose a cool, dry, well-ventilated place, away from fire and heat sources. The container must be well sealed to prevent leakage and volatilization. The storage environment should keep the temperature below 25 ℃ and avoid direct sunlight. During storage and transportation, anti-static measures should be taken to prevent fire caused by static electricity. Operators should wear protective equipment, avoid direct contact with skin and eyes, and maintain good ventilation.

Safety and environmental protection measures

Safety and environmental measures are of paramount importance when using and handling isopropyl acetate. Isopropyl acetate has certain toxicity to human body, long-term exposure can cause headache, dizziness, nausea and other symptoms. Therefore, operators should wear appropriate personal protective equipment, such as protective gloves, protective glasses and protective clothing. In the event of a leak, vent quickly and absorb the leaking liquid with an inert material. Isopropyl acetate waste must be treated in accordance with local environmental regulations to avoid environmental pollution. In order to reduce the environmental impact, the emission of waste gas and waste water should be reduced as much as possible in the production process, and the emission should be purified by advanced treatment technology.

Conclusion

As an important chemical raw material and solvent, isopropyl acetate has been widely used in many fields. Its unique physical and chemical properties make it an irreplaceable role in coatings, inks, spices and other industries. With the development of industry and technology, the production process of isopropyl acetate is also improving, and the market demand is growing steadily. Its flammability and toxicity require strict compliance with safety and environmental regulations during use and storage to ensure operational safety and environmental protection. In the future, with the further strict environmental protection regulations, the market prospect of isopropyl acetate is still broad.