Vinyl acetate

Vinyl Acetate

Structural formula of vinyl acetate

Vinyl acetate is an organic compound with the formula C₄H₆O₂. It is a colorless liquid with a sweet, fruity odor that is used as a monomer in the production of polyvinyl acetate and other important industrial polymers.

Chemical Structure and Properties

Vinyl acetate is an ester of acetic acid and ethylene. Its chemical structure consists of a vinyl group (CH₂=CH-) attached to the acetoxy group (CH₃COO-). This structure is responsible for its reactivity and polymerization properties.

Physical Properties

Vinyl acetate is a volatile, flammable liquid with a boiling point of 72.7 °C and a melting point of -93.2 °C. It has a density of 0.934 g/cm³ and is slightly soluble in water but miscible with most organic solvents.

Chemical Properties

Vinyl acetate readily undergoes polymerization to form polyvinyl acetate, a process that can be initiated by free radicals. It can also participate in copolymerization reactions with other monomers such as ethylene, acrylic acid, and vinyl chloride.

Production

Vinyl acetate is produced industrially by the reaction of ethylene and acetic acid with oxygen in the presence of a palladium catalyst. This process is known as the "acetoxylation" of ethylene.

Applications

Vinyl acetate is primarily used in the production of polyvinyl acetate, which is a key ingredient in adhesives, paints, and coatings. It is also used in the manufacture of polyvinyl alcohol and ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymers, which have applications in packaging films, foams, and hot-melt adhesives.

Health and Safety

Vinyl acetate is classified as a hazardous substance. It can cause irritation to the eyes, skin, and respiratory system. Prolonged exposure may have more serious health effects, and it is important to handle it with appropriate safety precautions.

Environmental Impact

Vinyl acetate can contribute to air pollution and has the potential to form ground-level ozone when released into the atmosphere. It is important to control emissions during its production and use.

Related Pages

• Polyvinyl acetate
• Ethylene-vinyl acetate
• Acetic acid
• Polymer chemistry