Ethyl acetoacetate, also known as ethyl acetylacetate, is a colorless to pale yellow transparent liquid with a fresh fruity odor similar to apple. At room temperature, it exists as a tautomeric equilibrium mixture of the keto form (approx. 93%) and enol form (approx. 7%), and exhibits active chemical properties.

1. Organic Synthesis: An important intermediate used in the synthesis of heterocyclic compounds (pyrazole, pyrimidine, etc.), pharmaceuticals, pesticides and dyestuffs.
2. Flavor Industry: Used in the preparation of edible flavors such as apple, banana and berry flavors.
3. Coating Industry: Used as a solvent, crosslinking agent and resin modifier.
4. Pharmaceutical Field: Raw material for the synthesis of vitamin B, antimalarial drugs, antipyretic analgesics (e.g. antipyrine), etc.