Chemistry

They are used as solvents for cellulose nitrate. They are used to produce perfumes and cosmetics.

1. They are reduced to ethanol by strong reducing agents like lithium tetrahydridoaluminate (iii). CH3COOC2H5(L) + 4[H]  →  2C2H5OH(L) 2. Hydrolysis – They hydrolyze to form ethanol and ethanoic acid. CH3COOC2H5(L) + H2O(L)  →  CH3COOH(L) + C2H6OH(aq) 3. It reacts with ammonia to form ethanol and ethanamide. CH3COOC2H5(L) + NH3(g)  →  C2H5OH(L) + CH3CONH2(s)

It has a boiling point of 75°c. It is slightly soluble in water but dissolves readily in organic solvents like benzene. It is a colourless volatile liquid with a pleasant smell.

ETHYL ETHANOATE: It is one of the simpler forms of alkanoates with the molecular formula of CH3COOC2H6 and structural formula of; Ethyl ethanoate is prepared by the esterification reaction between ethanol and ethanoic acid. C2H5OH(aq) + CH3COOH(L)  →   CH3COOC2H5(L) + H2O(L)

ALKANOATES: These are organic compounds, which are formed from esterification. They are called esters.  

It is used in the production of ethyl ethanoate, ethanol etc. It is also used as an important organic solvent. It is used in the food industry as vinegar for preserving and flavouring food.