The organic compound ethyl acetate, CH3COOCH2CH3, is used as an effective replacement for acetone. Instead of acetone, ethyl acetate is the main ingredient that is found in acetone-free nail polish removers. Ethyl acetate does the same job, except it doesn't leave your nails dry, nor does it come with the negative health effects that acetone possesses. Ethyl acetate is used as a solvent or a diluent and it is a colourless liquid with a sweet smell. It also has extremely low toxicity levels, making it a safer and wiser choice for consumers and their overall health. Ethyl acetate is an ester and esters are produced by adding an alcohol and a carboxylic acid together. The alcohol used in this reaction was ethanol, and the carboxylic acid was acetic acid. By adding ethanol and acetic acid, the reaction produced the compound of ethyl acetate and a by-product of water. Ethyl acetate is one of the least toxic organic solvents. It is highly effective and easily broken down in air and water. Ethyl acetate is not only a smarter choice for consumer health, but also for the environment. This compound is a green alternative to acetone and it is a representation of a compound supported by green chemistry.
This esterification reaction also produces water, H2O, along with the ethyl acetate.
Unlike the previous green alternative, this suggestion is an actual product, not a chemical, that is designed for consumers to use instead of nail polish remover. Most importantly, this product does not contain the harsh ingredient of acetone! Consumers can use this product as if they would regularly use nail polish remover, and they can use it for a number of other things as well, such as a cleaning.
Acrastrip, a non-hazardous and environmentally friendly product, is designed to replace acetone and the negative effects that it possesses. Acrastrip has unique lifting characteristics and green technology which gives it the ability to effectively out perform traditional solvents, including acetone. Acrastrip is a liquid solution of organic solvents, esters, and surfactants. This product has proven to be 100% biodegradable, non-flammable, and has no hazardous air pollutants, making it safe for the environment and for human use. Acrastrip also produces no hazardous fumes, has a low evaporation rate, and is recyclable, making it a safer choice for human and environmental health compared to similar solvents such as acetone.