1Methyl acetate, produced in the subsequent chemical reactions, is denoted chemically as MeOAc. It is a carboxylate ester with the formula CH3COCH3 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. Methyl acetate has a solubility of 25% in water at room temperature. Methyl acetate is not stable in the presence of strong aqueous bases or aqueous acids.