Molar mass is a fundamental property of any substance, including methyl acetate. It represents the mass of one mole of a substance and is expressed in grams per mole. To determine the molar mass of methyl acetate, we examine its molecular formula, CH3COOCH3, and consider its constituent elements: carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. The molar mass of each element, along with their respective numbers in the molecular formula, contribute to the overall molar mass of methyl acetate.
Physical Properties of Methyl Acetate: A Comprehensive Guide
Let’s dive into the fascinating world of methyl acetate, a versatile chemical compound with a wide range of applications. When it comes to its physical properties, methyl acetate has a story to tell, unveiling its unique characteristics and practical implications.
Molar Mass and Molecular Formula
Every compound has a unique fingerprint, and for methyl acetate, it’s its molar mass and molecular formula. The molar mass tells us the weight of a compound’s one mole, while the molecular formula reveals the exact number and arrangement of atoms within that mole. For methyl acetate, the molar mass is 74.08 g/mol, and the molecular formula is CH3COOCH3. These numbers hold crucial information for chemists, allowing them to calculate important quantities and predict reactions.
Structural Formula
The structural formula of methyl acetate takes us a step further, revealing the spatial arrangement of its atoms. It shows us how the carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms are connected, giving us a glimpse into the molecule’s shape and reactivity. The structural formula of methyl acetate is CH3-CO-OCH3, where the dash (-) represents a covalent bond, the single bond (-C-) represents a single pair of shared electrons, and the double bond (-C=) represents a double pair of shared electrons.
IUPAC Name
Every compound has an official name according to the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC), and methyl acetate is no exception. Its IUPAC name is methyl acetate, which clearly indicates the presence of a methyl group (CH3) attached to an acetate group (CH3COO). This name ensures scientific consistency and helps identify the compound unambiguously.
Other Important Physical Properties
Beyond these fundamental properties, methyl acetate has a host of other physical characteristics that influence its behavior and applications. These include its boiling point (57°C), melting point (-98°C), density (0.93 g/mL), solubility in water (limited), vapor pressure (9.2 kPa at 20°C), flash point (18°C), autoignition temperature (455°C), and explosive limits (3.1-16% in air). Understanding these properties is crucial for safe handling, storage, and utilization of methyl acetate.
Identification Properties: Unraveling the Unique Signature of Methyl Acetate
When it comes to identifying chemical compounds, having a set of unique identifiers is like giving them their own exclusive fingerprint. For the versatile solvent methyl acetate, four key identifiers stand out: CAS number, PubChem CID, SMILES, and InChI. Each of these codes holds a wealth of information that helps scientists and researchers distinguish methyl acetate from countless other substances.
CAS Number: The Universal Registry
The CAS (Chemical Abstracts Service) number is like a social security number for chemicals. Every known compound has its own unique CAS number, and for methyl acetate, it’s 79-20-9. This number is a quick and reliable way to identify the substance and access a vast database of information about its properties and uses.
PubChem CID: Diving into the NCBI Database
The PubChem CID (Compound Identifier) is another important identifier for methyl acetate. It’s like a library card that gives access to a vast resource maintained by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). With the PubChem CID, researchers can dive into a wealth of information, including physical and chemical properties, biological activities, and even toxicity data.
SMILES: A Textual Representation
The Simplified Molecular Input Line Entry System (SMILES) is a clever way to represent the structure of methyl acetate in a textual format. It’s like a secret code that describes the arrangement of atoms and bonds. For methyl acetate, the SMILES code is CC(=O)OC. This code allows researchers to easily compare and analyze the structures of different compounds.
InChI: The Universal Standard
Finally, the International Chemical Identifier (InChI) is the most comprehensive identifier for methyl acetate. It includes not only the structure of the molecule but also its isotopic composition and stereochemistry. InChI is like a chemical fingerprint that’s unique to each substance, and it’s becoming the gold standard for identifying and comparing compounds.
Key Physical Properties: Breaking Down Methyl Acetate’s Essential Attributes
Hey there, curious reader! Let’s dive into the fascinating world of methyl acetate’s physical properties. These attributes are like the fingerprint of this versatile compound, providing valuable information for safe handling and storage.
Boiling Point and Melting Point: A Hot and Cold Tale
Imagine you’re cooking up a storm. The boiling point of methyl acetate is 57.1°C. That means at this temperature, it transforms from a liquid into a gas. On the other hand, its melting point is -98.1°C. So, if you put it in the freezer, it’ll turn from a liquid into a solid below this temperature.
Density: A Heavy Hitter
Methyl acetate is denser than water, weighing in at 0.93 g/mL. This means if you drop a ball of it into a glass of water, it’ll sink to the bottom like a lead balloon.
Solubility in Water: A Balancing Act
Methyl acetate is slightly soluble in water. It’s like putting oil into a cup of coffee. The two liquids won’t mix completely, but they’ll form a murky mixture.
Vapor Pressure: The Invisible Force
Even though you can’t see it, methyl acetate is constantly evaporating. Its vapor pressure tells us how easily it turns into a gas at different temperatures. A higher vapor pressure means it evaporates more readily, like a perfume that fills the room with its scent.
Flash Point and Autoignition Temperature: Safety First
The flash point is the temperature at which methyl acetate’s vapors can catch fire when exposed to a spark or flame. Its flash point is a low -10.1°C. This means it’s highly flammable and you should handle it with care. The autoignition temperature is similar, but it’s the temperature at which methyl acetate self-ignites. It’s a bit higher at 455°C.
Explosive Limits: Stay Clear
At certain concentrations, methyl acetate vapors can form explosive mixtures in the air. These explosive limits range from 3.1% to 16%. It’s crucial to keep the concentration outside this range to avoid any accidents.
Alternative Names: Unraveling the Aliases of Methyl Acetate
Hey there, folks! It’s your favorite science buddy here, ready to navigate the intriguing world of methyl acetate. But before we dive into its physical properties, let’s talk about some of its recognizable synonyms.
Methyl acetate, also known as acetic acid methyl ester, is like your favorite actor with multiple stage names. It’s also called methyl ethanoate, a unique moniker that reflects its chemical makeup. You might even hear it whispered as solvent 5.
These alternative names have a rich history. Acetic acid methyl ester tells us that it’s an ester formed from acetic acid and methanol. Methyl ethanoate highlights its molecular structure, with a methyl group (CH3) attached to an ethanoate group (CH3COO).
So, whether you call it methyl acetate or its aliases, rest assured you’re talking about the same versatile substance. It’s like having a cool nickname that makes you stand out from the crowd. In the world of chemistry, these alternative names are like secret codes that help us identify and discuss methyl acetate with ease.
Well, there you have it, folks! We delved into the fascinating world of methyl acetate and unearthed its molar mass. We now know that it’s a crucial piece of information for chemists and scientists working with this versatile compound. Thanks for sticking with us on this journey. If you’re eager to explore more such intriguing topics, be sure to visit us again. We’ve got a treasure trove of engaging articles waiting for you. Until next time, keep nerding out and stay curious!