Ethyl acetate (systematically ethyl ethanoate, commonly abbreviated EtOAc, ETAC or EA) is the organic compound with the formula CH3CO2CH2CH3, simplified to C4H8O2. This flammable, colorless liquid has a characteristic sweet smell (similar to pear drops) and is used in glues, nail polish removers, and the decaffeination process of tea and coffee. Ethyl acetate is the ester of ethanol and acetic acid; it is manufactured on a large scale for use as a solvent.[5] Production and synthesis Ethyl acetate was first synthesized by the Count de Lauraguais in 1759 by distilling a mixture of ethanol and acetic acid.[6] In 2004, an estimated 1.3 million tonnes were produced worldwide.[5][7] The combined annual production in 1985 of Japan, North America, and Europe was about 400, 000 tonnes. The global ethyl acetate market was valued at $3.3 billion in 2018.[8] Ethyl acetate is synthesized in industry mainly via the classic Fischer esterification reaction of ethanol and acetic acid. This mixture converts to the ester in about 65% yield at room temperature: CH3CO2H + CH3CH2OH → CH3CO2CH2CH3 + H2O The reaction can be accelerated by acid catalysis and the equilibrium can be shifted to the right by removal of water. It is also prepared in industry using the Tishchenko reaction, by combining two equivalents of acetaldehyde in the presence of an alkoxide catalyst: 2 CH3CHO → CH3CO2CH2CH3