Methyl acetate is an acetate ester resulting from the formal condensation of acetic acid with methanol. A low-boiling (57 ℃) colorless, flammable liquid,

Methyl acetate, also known as MeOAc, acetic acid methyl ester, or methyl ethanoate, is a carboxylate ester with the formula CH3COOCH3. It is a flammable liquid with a characteristically pleasant smell reminiscent of some glues and nail polish removers. Methyl acetate is occasionally used as a solvent, being weakly polar and lipophilic, but its close relative ethyl acetate is a more common solvent being less toxic and less soluble in water. Methyl acetate has a solubility of 25% in water at room temperature. 

Methyl acetate is a comparatively low-value solvent, it has to be sold at a lower price; hence it would be a better idea to hydrolyze it economically and recover methanol and acetic acid for reuse in the process.

Usage:

A major use of methyl acetate is as a volatile low toxicity solvent in glues, paints, and nail polish removers.