Ethyl acetoacetate (EAA, C6H10O3), also called acetoacetic ester, an ester widely used as an intermediate in the synthesis of many varieties of organic chemical compounds. The pure ester is a colourless, fragrant liquid that boils with slight decomposition at 180.4 °C. Industrially it is employed in the manufacture of synthetic drugs and dyes. The ester is produced chiefly by self-condensation of ethyl acetate, brought about by sodium metal. It readily forms sodium derivatives that can be alkylated and dialkylated.
EAA offers a pleasant, fruity aroma. This makes it a popular synthetic for use in flavoring and fragrance applications, whether as is or modified chemically, as in the case of fructone. In addition, food manufacturers use the substance in resinous and polymeric coatings. Such coatings can be used on equipment or surfaces food contacts, or it can be used to a limited degree in the foods themselves.
In other products, EAA can be added as a solvent, a stabilizer or a catalyst. When more extensively modified, acetoacetic acid derivatives find application in dyes, pigments and agrochemicals. Acetoacetoxyethyl methacrylate is used in co-polymerization to reduce viscosity in adhesives. The compound can be used in non-food-related surface coatings or textiles as an accelerant in the cure process. Termed a promoter or co-promoter, approximately 1-3 percent EAA is added by weight to the unsaturated polyester resin.
Several researchs have continued to reveal new substances and applications for ethyl acetoacetate. The molecule actually exists in two forms, one an “enol” form, the other a “keto” form — the form usually drawn to identify the molecule. These two forms can interchange. This property is called keto-enol tautomerism. In its enol form, EAA can act like a bi-dentate ligand, meaning that each molecule can act much like a pair of crab claws ready to attack an atom, generally of a transition metal.
Although a variety of alkoxy groups can be used in principle, the acetoacetic ester is often simply ethyl acetoacetate(CAS:141-97-9) because ethanol is a cheap and commonly available solvent. Industrially, it is prepared by treating diketene with ethanol. In the lab, however, the chemical also can be prepared through the Claisen condensation of ethyl acetate. Two equivalents of ethyl acetate, a cheap and common solvent, are combined in the presence of sodium ethoxide to form one equivalent of the desired product and another equivalent of ethanol. The base and solvent must share the same ethoxy group as the ester to avoid transterification side reactions.
Uriah Sweety is the freelance writer for e-commerce website in the chemistry. Guidechem.com is just a place for you to look for some chemicals! Our guidechem provide the most convenient conditions for the international buyers and let these leads benefit all the business people.
uriahsweety 