Ethyl Acetoacetate (EAA) CAS 141-97-9

What Is Ethyl Acetoacetate?

Ethyl acetoacetate, commonly abbreviated as EAA, is an organic β-keto ester used as a versatile intermediate in chemical synthesis. Its IUPAC name is ethyl 3-oxobutanoate.

EAA contains a ketone group, an ester group and a reactive methylene group. This combination makes it useful in alkylation, acylation, condensation, cyclization and other carbon–carbon bond-forming reactions.

It normally appears as a clear, colorless to pale-yellow liquid with a mild fruity odor.

Ethyl Acetoacetate Identification and Properties

The values shown above are general reference information. Final requirements must be confirmed against the agreed specification and batch Certificate of Analysis.

Is Ethyl Acetoacetate Organic or Inorganic?

Ethyl acetoacetate is an organic compound. It belongs to the β-keto ester family and contains carbonyl, ester and active methylene functionality.

Commercially, EAA is primarily classified as a fine chemical intermediate. If only one website category can be selected, “Intermediates” is the most appropriate choice.

Why Is EAA a Versatile Chemical Intermediate?

The methylene group between the two carbonyl groups is more reactive than a normal hydrocarbon methylene group. Under suitable reaction conditions, EAA can form a nucleophilic intermediate and react with various electrophiles.

EAA can also exist in keto and enol forms. This keto–enol equilibrium influences its reactivity, spectroscopy and analytical testing.

These properties make EAA useful for constructing:

• Substituted ketones

• Heterocyclic compounds

• Pharmaceutical intermediates

• Agrochemical intermediates

• Dyes and pigments

• Specialty resin additives

Reaction conditions and product suitability should be evaluated by the customer.

Ethyl Acetoacetate vs. Similar Chemicals

Ethyl acetoacetate and ethyl acetate are not interchangeable. The full chemical name and CAS number should always be confirmed.

What Is Ethyl Acetoacetate Used For?

Pharmaceutical Intermediates

EAA is used as a carbon-building intermediate in the synthesis of selected pharmaceutical compounds and heterocyclic structures.

Agrochemical Intermediates

Its active methylene group makes it useful in the production of selected pesticide, herbicide, fungicide and plant-growth-regulator intermediates.

Dyes and Pigments

EAA can participate in condensation and coupling reactions used to manufacture specialty dyes, pigments and colorant intermediates.

Resins and Coatings

EAA may be used in resin modification, coatings chemistry and as a co-promoter in selected unsaturated polyester systems.

Flavors and Fragrances

Certain grades of EAA are used in flavor and fragrance applications. Industrial or synthesis grade must not be presented as food grade unless the supplied product and documentation specifically support that use.

Research and Process Development

Reagent grades are used for reaction development, impurity identification, analytical testing and small-scale synthesis.

Which Ethyl Acetoacetate Grade Should Buyers Select?

The intended application should be stated when requesting a sample or quotation.

Which EAA Quality Specifications Should Buyers Compare?

Assay alone does not fully determine EAA performance. Water, acidity, color, refractive index and related organic impurities can affect downstream reactions.

Commercial products commonly offer approximately 98–99% GC assay. High-purity grades may also specify low water, low acidity and low APHA color. These are market references, not guaranteed AOZUN specifications unless confirmed in the quotation and contract.

Why Should the GC Test Method Be Confirmed?

EAA exists as a mixture of keto and enol forms. The analytical procedure, column conditions and any derivatization or silylation step may affect the reported result.

Buyers should confirm:

• Whether the assay is measured by direct GC or silylated GC

• Whether the value is area percentage or calculated assay

• Which related substances are included

• Whether water is tested separately

• Which method is used for acidic impurities

Results from different methods should not automatically be treated as equivalent.

Packaging, Storage and Handling

Ethyl acetoacetate should be supplied in clean, tightly sealed and chemically compatible packaging. Available pack size and packaging material should be confirmed during quotation.

Store in a cool, dry and well-ventilated area. Keep the container closed and protect it from heat, ignition sources, direct sunlight and incompatible materials.

EAA is a combustible liquid. Operators should follow the current Safety Data Sheet and use appropriate gloves, eye protection and ventilation. Avoid breathing vapor and prevent contact with skin and eyes.

Which Documents Should an EAA Supplier Provide?

Depending on the application and destination market, buyers may request:

• Certificate of Analysis

• Safety Data Sheet

• Product specification

• GC chromatogram

• Test-method information

• Country-of-origin statement

• Packaging information

• Shelf-life or retest information

• Regulatory or application-specific declarations

• Food, fragrance or natural-origin documents where applicable

Document requirements should be confirmed before placing the commercial order.

Why Source Ethyl Acetoacetate from AOZUN?

AOZUN can assist customers with EAA grade selection, specification matching, sample evaluation and commercial order coordination.

For an accurate quotation, please provide:

• Intended application

• Required GC assay

• Maximum water and acidity

• Color requirement

• Critical impurity limits

• Required quantity

• Packaging requirements

• Destination country

• Required technical documents

Final specifications, packaging, availability and documentation are confirmed according to the selected product and commercial order.

Ethyl Acetoacetate FAQ

Is Ethyl Acetoacetate the Same as Ethyl Acetate?

No. Ethyl acetoacetate is a β-keto ester with CAS No. 141-97-9. Ethyl acetate is a simple solvent with CAS No. 141-78-6.

Is EAA a Solvent or an Intermediate?

EAA can provide some solvent functionality, but its primary commercial role is as a reactive organic synthesis intermediate.

Why Is Water Important in EAA?

Water can affect moisture-sensitive reactions, catalyst performance and downstream yields. Buyers should specify a Karl Fischer water limit when necessary.

Why Is EAA Tested by Silylated GC?

Silylation can help standardize analysis affected by keto–enol tautomerism. Buyers should compare products using equivalent analytical methods.

Is Ethyl Acetoacetate Food Grade?

Only a product specifically supplied with the required food or flavor-grade specifications and regulatory documentation should be described as food grade. Standard industrial EAA should not be assumed suitable for food use.

Is EAA a Fine Chemical or an Intermediate?

EAA is an organic fine chemical primarily used as a synthesis intermediate. “Intermediates” is the recommended website category.

Request an Ethyl Acetoacetate Quotation

Contact AOZUN for Ethyl Acetoacetate, CAS No. 141-97-9. Include your intended application, specification, quantity, packaging and delivery destination so that the appropriate product can be evaluated.