Technical and flavor-grade ethyl propionate for the U.S. market. A flammable fruity ester used in food flavor formulations (FEMA GRAS 2456), cellulose ester and nitrocellulose solvents, and coatings systems. Flash point 12°C — handle as Class 3 PG II flammable liquid. COA, SDS, and full traceability with every order.
Technical and flavor-grade options — each ships with a lot-specific certificate of analysis.
| Assay (GC) | ≥99.0% |
|---|---|
| Moisture (KF) | ≤500 ppm |
| Acidity | ≤0.05% |
| Color (APHA) | ≤10 |
| Non-volatile residue | ≤0.02% |
| Assay (GC) | ≥99.5% |
|---|---|
| Moisture (KF) | ≤200 ppm |
| Acidity | ≤0.02% |
| Color (APHA) | ≤5 |
| Heavy metals | ≤10 ppm |
| Non-volatile residue | ≤0.01% |
| Chemical Name | Ethyl Propionate |
|---|---|
| IUPAC Name | Ethyl propanoate |
| CAS Number | 105-37-3 |
| Molecular Formula | C₅H₁₀O₂ |
| Molecular Weight | 102.13 g/mol |
| EINECS Number | 203-291-4 |
| FEMA Number | 2456 (GRAS) |
| UN Number | UN 1281 |
| Transport Class | Class 3, Packing Group II |
| TSCA Status | Listed on TSCA inventory |
| Appearance | Colorless clear liquid |
|---|---|
| Odor | Fruity, pineapple-rum, wine-like |
| Boiling Point | 98.9–99.4°C (210–211°F) |
| Melting Point | -73.9°C (-101°F) |
| Flash Point | 12°C (54°F, closed cup) |
| Density @ 20°C | 0.884–0.891 g/mL (7.38–7.44 lb/gal) |
| Refractive Index (n20/D) | 1.3839 |
| Vapor Pressure @ 20°C | ~29 hPa |
| Water Solubility | ~1.8% (very limited) |
Ethyl propionate's fruity character and balanced evaporation profile make it useful in both food/fragrance applications and industrial solvent systems.
Ethyl propionate is a FEMA GRAS flavor ingredient (FEMA 2456) used in food flavor formulations to contribute fruity, pineapple-rum, and wine-like ester notes. It is a natural constituent of certain fermented beverages and fruits, which supports its use in "natural flavor" formulations when derived from appropriate natural sources. In synthetic flavor applications, it appears in tropical fruit, apple, strawberry, rum, and confectionery flavor systems. As a fragrance material, ethyl propionate contributes fresh, fruity, and slightly sweet top notes and is used at low concentrations in fine fragrance, personal care, and household product applications.
Ethyl propionate is an effective active solvent for nitrocellulose (NC), cellulose acetate, and cellulose acetate butyrate (CAB) in lacquer, coating, and printing ink systems. Its boiling point (99°C) provides a moderate evaporation rate — intermediate between methyl propionate (BP 79°C, very fast) and propyl propionate (BP 122°C, slower). This intermediate rate is useful in brush-applied lacquers where too-fast evaporation would cause blushing and too-slow would extend drying time excessively. Ethyl propionate provides good resin solvation and clean film formation with typical NC concentrations used in furniture and industrial lacquers.
In industrial coatings and printing ink formulations, ethyl propionate serves as an active solvent providing resin dissolution and viscosity reduction, with moderate evaporation speed suitable for both gravure and flexographic printing applications. It is compatible with a broad range of film-forming resins including acrylics, vinyl copolymers, polyurethanes, and epoxies. Its low density (0.884–0.891 g/mL) and good solvating power make it cost-effective on a volume basis relative to heavier active solvents. Flash point of 12°C requires proper flammable-liquid safety controls in all ink and coating manufacturing environments.
Flammability: Ethyl propionate has a flash point of 12°C (54°F) — highly flammable at ambient temperatures. Classified UN 1281, Class 3, PG II. Handle with grounded, bonded containers in ventilated, ignition-source-free areas. Follow OSHA 29 CFR 1910.106 and applicable local fire codes for flammable liquid storage and handling.
From R&D samples to bulk quantities. Contact us for pricing, MOQ, and lead times.
All documentation available on request via the quote form below.
Ethyl propionate (CAS 105-37-3) is a colorless, flammable ester with formula C₅H₁₀O₂ and MW 102.13 g/mol. It has a fruity pineapple-rum odor, boiling point of 98.9–99.4°C, and flash point of 12°C. Used in food flavor formulations (FEMA GRAS 2456), as a nitrocellulose/cellulose ester solvent, and in coating and ink systems. Classified UN 1281, Class 3, PG II.
Ethyl propionate has a fruity, wine-like, pineapple-rum character. It is a natural constituent of certain fermented beverages and fruits. As a FEMA GRAS 2456 flavor ingredient, it contributes fruity and tropical notes to rum, pineapple, apple, strawberry, and confectionery flavor formulations. In fragrance, it adds fresh, fruity lift as a top-note ester.
Yes. Ethyl propionate is an active solvent for nitrocellulose, cellulose acetate, and cellulose acetate butyrate. Its boiling point of 99°C provides a moderate evaporation rate — slower than methyl propionate, faster than propyl propionate — useful in lacquers and coatings where controlled drying time is needed. It offers good NC solvation and clean film formation in typical furniture and industrial lacquer systems.
The chemical identity (CAS 105-37-3) is the same whether natural or synthetic. "Natural" ethyl propionate is derived from natural source materials via fermentation or enzymatic processes, while synthetic ethyl propionate is produced by direct esterification of propionic acid and ethanol. The grade (natural vs. synthetic) matters for "natural flavor" labeling compliance — contact us to discuss grade requirements for your specific application.
Ethyl propionate is classified UN 1281 (Propyl acetates), Hazard Class 3 (Flammable Liquid), Packing Group II. Flash point is 12°C (54°F). Shipments require flammable-liquid compliant packaging, appropriate placarding, and proper shipping documentation.
Yes. CAS 105-37-3 is listed on the U.S. EPA TSCA Chemical Substance Inventory and is compliant for commercial import and distribution in the United States.
Tell us your required grade, volume, and application. We'll respond with pricing, SDS, COA, and availability.