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Methyl Acetate vs Acetone: Which Solvent Is Right for You?
Wondering what the differences between acetone and methyl acetate are?
If so, then look no further.
While these may be two different chemical compounds, they have very similar household and industrial applications.
In this blog post we are going to be looking into methyl acetate vs acetone and help you decide which one will better suit your needs!
What Is Acetone and Methyl Acetate?
Both acetone and methyl acetate are solvents that are used for their ability to dissolve.
While they also have similar applications, depending on the use, sometimes it may be better to use one over the other.
Let’s take a closer look at their common applications.
Common Applications
When you hear the word “acetone,” the first uses that come to mind are probably nail polish removing and paint thinning. However, it also has many industrial applications as well.
A few of the common ones are:
- Plastic production
- Degreasing textiles
- Lacquer that is made for use on cars and furniture
- Pharmaceuticals
Methyl acetate has also been used as nail polish remover and paint thinner. Here are few of its common industrial applications for this solvent include:
- Cleaning
- Degreasing
- Plastic production
- Adhesive production
- Food for flavoring
Methyl Acetate vs Acetone: Which One Is Better for Your Needs?
As discussed, acetone and methyl acetate act similarly and have many of the same applications. Depending on the use, they can be interchangeable with each other.
However, methyl acetate tends to be more…
- Cost effective
- Environmentally friendly
- Slightly less risky to use than acetone
Additionally, this chemical compound is considered a nonhazardous air pollutant (non-HAP), making it preferable to acetone.
While acetone is an excellent dissolver, methyl acetate might be a better fit for most individuals and businesses for the reasons listed above.
Shop Bulk Industrial Chemicals at Ecolink Inc.
Ecolink is proud to be environmentally focused and driven to meet your individual or business needs.
If you’d like to learn more about how we can help you make the switch to environmentally preferred solvents, reach out to our team of chemical experts!
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Ecolink Team
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