Octyl acetate, or octyl ethanoate, is an

organic compound In chemistry, organic compounds are generally any chemical compounds that contain carbon-hydrogen or carbon-carbon bonds. Due to carbon's ability to catenate (form chains with other carbon atoms), millions of organic compounds are known. T ...

with the formula CH₃(CH₂)₇O₂CCH₃. It is classified as an

ester In chemistry, an ester is a compound derived from an oxoacid (organic or inorganic) in which at least one hydroxyl group () is replaced by an alkoxy group (), as in the substitution reaction of a carboxylic acid and an alcohol. Glycerides a ...

that is formed from

1-octanol 1-Octanol, also known as octan-1-ol, is the organic compound with the molecular formula CH3(CH2)7OH. It is a fatty alcohol. Many other isomers are also known generically as octanols. 1-Octanol is manufactured for the synthesis of esters for us ...

(octyl alcohol) and acetic acid. It is found in

orange Orange most often refers to: *Orange (fruit), the fruit of the tree species '' Citrus'' × ''sinensis'' ** Orange blossom, its fragrant flower *Orange (colour), from the color of an orange, occurs between red and yellow in the visible spectrum * ...

s, grapefruits, and other

citrus ''Citrus'' is a genus of flowering trees and shrubs in the rue family, Rutaceae. Plants in the genus produce citrus fruits, including important crops such as oranges, lemons, grapefruits, pomelos, and limes. The genus ''Citrus'' is native to ...

products. Octyl acetate can be synthesized by the Fischer esterification of

and acetic acid: :CH₃(CH₂)₇OH + CH₃CO₂H → CH₃(CH₂)₇O₂CCH₃ + H₂O

Uses

Because of its fruity odor, octyl acetate is used as the basis for artificial flavors and in perfumery. It is also a solvent for nitrocellulose, waxes, oils, and some resins.

References

{{reflist Acetate esters