The kinetics of the reactions of Cl atoms with a series of alkyl acetates were investigated using relative and absolute rate methods in 2-700 Torr of N(2) at room temperature. Consistent results were obtained using the two methods. The data from the absolute rate measurements were more precise and were (in units of 10 (11) cm(3) molecule (1) s (1)): ethyl acetate, 1.76 +/- 0.11; n-propyl acetate, 7.19 +/- 0.11; i-propyl acetate, 1.97 +/- 0.24; n-butyl acetate, 15.8 +/- 0.94; i-butyl acetate, 9.97 +/- 0.60; s-butyl acetate, 8.01 +/- 0.48; and t-butyl acetate, 1.64 +/- 0.10. The reactivity of alkyl acetates is discussed in terms of structure-activity relationship. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.