Methyl Acetate
- Other solvents
- CAS 79-20-9
- IUPAC: Methyl acetate
Methyl Acetate (CAS 79-20-9) appears in 3 of the 1,812 car-care products CarCareTruth tracks (as of June 2026). It is readily biodegradable.
Mild CNS depressant and eye/nose irritant at high concentrations (H319, H336). Flash point is 9°C — highly flammable (H225). ACGIH TLV-TWA 200 ppm, OSHA PEL 200 ppm. Brief exposure in well-ventilated conditions is low risk. The flammability is the primary practical concern.
Methyl acetate is a fast-evaporating ester solvent with a mild fruity odor. In aerosol tire shines and paint-care products, it serves as a co-solvent alongside acetone, contributing to rapid film formation and solvent-carrier evaporation. It's notably VOC-exempt under US EPA and CARB regulations, which is why it can be used at 15–45% concentrations without triggering aerosol VOC compliance failures.
The GHS classification reflects H225 (highly flammable liquid), H319 (eye irritation), and H336 (narcotic effects — dizziness at sustained high concentrations). In a brief aerosol application outdoors, actual inhalation doses are far below occupational TLVs. Readily hydrolyzes to methanol + acetic acid, both of which degrade quickly — no environmental persistence.
Structurally an ester of methanol and acetic acid (methanol + acetic acid → methyl acetate + water). Hydrolysis reverses this reaction in aqueous environments, so environmental fate is rapid and benign.
Health & environment profile
- VOC
- no
- Prop 65 listed
- no
- Asthmagen
- no
- EPA Safer Choice
- no
- Aquatic toxicity
- no
- Biodegradable
- yes
- Bioaccumulative
- no
- Persistent
- no
- Ozone depleting
- no
- Microplastic
- no
- PFAS
- no
- Env. score
- 4/5
Common questions about Methyl Acetate
- What is Methyl Acetate used for in car care?
- Fast-evaporating carrier solvent in aerosol formulations; co-solvent alongside acetone for cleaning and degreasing
- Is Methyl Acetate a VOC?
- No. Methyl Acetate is not classified as a volatile organic compound (VOC).
- Is Methyl Acetate on California's Proposition 65 list?
- No. Methyl Acetate is not on California's Proposition 65 list.
- Is Methyl Acetate biodegradable?
- Yes. Methyl Acetate has a confirmed biodegradable profile.
3 products contain this
Prop 65
Prop 65
U-POL Protective Undercoating SprayProp 65undercoating
Related
Health and environment notes translate the manufacturer Safety Data Sheet, the GHS classification, and authoritative regulatory listings (California Prop 65, EPA). Not medical advice. They describe the ingredient itself; whether a hazard applies to a finished product depends on its concentration and how it's used.