murphyMethyl Acetate
AKA: 79-20-9, Devoton, Tereton, Methyl ethanoate, Acetic acid, Methyl ester, Acetic acid methyl ester, Methylacetat, Methylacetaat, Acetate de methyle
Synthetic
Fragrance
Solvent
Clean
OriginMethyl acetate belongs to the ester chemical family, synthesized from acetic acid and methanol. It is produced through esterification, where acetic acid reacts with methanol in the presence of a catalyst.
Methyl acetate is an acetate ester resulting from the formal condensation of acetic acid with methanol. A low-boiling (57 C) colourless, flammable liquid, it is used as a solvent for many resins and oils. It has a role as a fragrance, a polar aprotic solvent and an EC 3.4.19.3 (pyroglutamyl-peptidase I) inhibitor. It is a volatile organic compound, a methyl ester and an acetate ester.
Solubility greater than or equal to 100 mg/mL at 70 °F (NTP, 1992)
Formula
C3H6O2
Mol. Weight
74.08
CAS #
79-20-9
Form
Liquid
State
Methyl acetate appears as a clear colorless liquid with a fragrant odor. Moderately toxic. Flash point 14 °F. Vapors heavier than air.
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
Functions
Perfuming
Added for scent. Can be natural or synthetic. Common irritant and allergen — one of the top reasons people react to products.
Solvent
Dissolves other ingredients so they distribute evenly in the formula. Often the invisible "base" everything else is mixed into.
Adds Fragrance
Dissolves Ingredients
Reduces Inflammation
Antioxidant Protection
Locks In Moisture
Adds pleasant scent
Dissolves other ingredients
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewed1 paper →
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed1 review →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR