Description
The organic compound ethyl acetoacetate (EAA) is the ethyl ester of acetoacetic acid. It is mainly used as a chemical intermediate in the production of a wide variety of compounds, such as amino acids, analgesics, antibiotics, antimalarial agents, antipyrine and amino pyrine, and vitamin B1; as well as the manufacture of dyes, inks, lacquers, perfumes, plastics, and yellow paint pigments. Alone, it is used as a flavoring for food.
Chemical Properties
Ethyl 3-Oxobutanoate is a colorless liquid with a fruity, ethereal, sweet odor reminiscent of green apples. It is used to create fresh, fruity top notes in feminine fine fragrances. Ethyl acetoacetate occurs in flavors of natural materials such as coffee, strawberries, and yellow passion fruits.
Chemical Properties
Ethyl acetoacetate has a characteristic ether-like, fruity, pleasant, refreshing odor.
Chemical Properties
Colourless, clear liquid
Occurrence
Naturally occurring in strawberry, coffee, sherry, passion fruit juice (yellow), babaco fruit (Carica pentagona Heilborn) and bread.
Uses
Ethyl acetoacetate (EAA) is used as starting material for the syntheses of alpha-substituted acetoacetic esters and cyclic compounds, e.g. pyrazole, pyrimidine and coumarin derivatives as well as intermediate for vitamins and pharmaceuticals. Product Data Sheet
Definition
This compound is a tautomer at room temperature consisting of about 93% keto form and 7% enol form.