Methyl acetate

Its IR spectra in the vapor phase and in solution form (in CS₂ and CCl₄) have been reported. It can be synthesized from dimethyl ether via carbonylation in the presence of halide-free catalysts based on zeolites. It has also been reported to be formed during the synthesis of poly(vinyl) alcohol (PVA). It undergoes transesterification reaction with n-octanol in the presence of Amberlyst 15 catalyst to afford octyl acetate and methanol.

Methyl acetate is an aliphatic ester that can be prepared via carbonylation of dimethyl ether over zeolites. MA is formed as a by-product during the preparation of polyvinyl alcohol from acetic acid and methanol.

Methyl acetate may be used in the following:

• As acyl acceptor in the preparation of biodiesel.
• Synthesis of ethanol.
• Preparation of n-butyl acetate, via transesterification reaction with n-butanol in the presence of acidic catalysts.

It may also be used as a precursor in the synthesis of the following:

• acetic anhydride
• methyl acrylate
• vinyl acetate
• ethyl amide

Methyl acetate may be used for the preparation of fatty acid methyl esters and triacetin from rapeseed oil via non-catalytic trans-esterification reaction under super-critical conditions.

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