Octyl acetate

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Octyl acetate structure.png

Octyl acetate is an ester which is commonly found in citrus fruits.

Properties

Chemical

Octyl acetate can hydrolyze to 1-octanol and acetic acid. It can also act as a solvent.

Physical

Octyl acetate is insoluble in water but soluble in ethanol, 1-octanol and diethyl ether. It has a fruity smell. Octyl acetate has a wide liquid range. It melts at -38°C and boils at 211°C.

Availability

Octyl acetate may be extracted from oranges or grapefruits.

Preparation

As octyl acetate is an ester of 1-octanol and acetic acid, it can be synthesized by adding the two together in dehydrating conditions, though this is difficult.

Projects

  • Extract octyl acetate from oranges or grapefruits

Handling

Safety

Octyl acetate is not particularly toxic, but do not ingest lab-grade material.

Storage

Should be stored in closed bottles, away from any flame source.

Disposal

Octyl acetate can be safely burned.

References

Relevant Sciencemadness threads