Ethyl acetate (systematically ethyl ethanoate, commonly abbreviated EtOAc, ETAC or EA) is the organic compound with the formula CH3CO2CH2CH3, simplified to C4H8O2. This colorless liquid has a characteristic sweet smell.
Ethyl acetate is used primarily as: (1) a coatings solvent for paints, lacquers, and varnishes; (2) an extraction solvent for various processes, including decaffeination of coffee and tea; (3) a process solvent in the pharmaceutical industry; and (4) a carrier solvent for printing inks, adhesives, and nail polish.