Butyl Acetate
Butyl Acetate is a clear, colorless liquid with a characteristic pleasant fruity odor similar to pears or bananas. It is an ester formed from butanol and acetic acid. Due to its excellent solvent properties, moderate evaporation rate, and relatively low toxicity, it is widely used in industrial, pharmaceutical, food flavoring, and cosmetic applications. It dissolves many resins and polymers and is prized for improving flow and finish in coatings and inks.
Butyl Acetate
Primary Uses
- Industrial Solvent
- Used extensively as a solvent in paints, varnishes, lacquers, and coatings to improve drying time, film formation, and gloss.
- Common solvent in printing inks and adhesives to enhance viscosity and application properties.
- Chemical Intermediate
- Employed as an intermediate in organic synthesis and flavor/fragrance manufacture.
- Food & Fragrance Industry
- Utilized as a flavoring agent and fragrance solvent due to its fruity aroma.
- Acts as a solvent for natural extracts and flavor concentrates.
- Pharmaceuticals
- Functions as a solvent or excipient in pharmaceutical coatings, sprays, and topical formulations.
Secondary Uses
- Cleaning Agents
- Incorporated in degreasers and cleaning formulations for industrial and household use.
- Automotive Industry
- Used in automotive paints and refinishing products.
- Textile Industry
- Applied as a solvent during dyeing and finishing processes.
- Laboratory Uses
- Serves as a solvent in chemical laboratories for various analytical and synthetic procedures.
1. Basic Identification Attributes
- Chemical Name (IUPAC): Butyl acetate
- Common/Trade Names: Butyl Acetate, n-Butyl Acetate, Butyl Ethanoate
- CAS Number: 123-86-4
- HS Code: 2915.13.00
- Molecular Formula: C6H12O2
- Molecular Weight: 116.16 g/mol
- Synonyms:
- Butyl ethanoate
- n-Butyl acetate
- Acetic acid butyl ester
- Butyl ester of acetic acid
2. Physical & Chemical Properties
- Physical State: Clear, colorless liquid
- Odor: Pleasant fruity (pear/banana-like) odor
- Boiling Point: 126 °C
- Melting Point: -78 °C
- Density: 0.88 g/cm³ at 20 °C
- Flash Point: 26 °C (closed cup)
- Solubility: Slightly soluble in water (~7 g/L at 20 °C); miscible with many organic solvents
- Vapor Pressure: 11.5 kPa at 20 °C
- Refractive Index: 1.397
3. Safety & Hazard Attributes
- Hazard Class (GHS): Flammable Liquid, Category 3
- NFPA Ratings:
- Health: 1
- Flammability: 3
- Reactivity: 0
- Exposure Limits:
- OSHA PEL: General solvent limits apply; no specific limit for butyl acetate
- ACGIH TLV: 150 ppm (TWA)
- Toxicity: Low acute toxicity; can cause irritation to eyes, skin, and respiratory tract
- Reactivity: Stable under normal conditions; incompatible with strong oxidizers
4. Storage & Handling Attributes
- Storage Conditions: Store in cool, well-ventilated area away from ignition sources
- Container Type: Airtight metal or chemically resistant plastic containers
- Shelf Life: 2–3 years under proper storage conditions
- Special Handling: Use grounding and bonding to prevent static discharge; avoid inhaling vapors
5. Regulatory & Compliance Attributes
- Regulatory Status: Listed in REACH, TSCA, and other chemical inventories
- Transportation: Classified as flammable liquid under DOT, IMDG, and IATA regulations
- Waste Disposal: Dispose of in accordance with local hazardous waste regulations
6. Environmental & Health Impact
- Ecotoxicity: Harmful to aquatic life with long-lasting effects
- Persistence: Readily biodegradable
- Bioaccumulation: Low potential
- Carcinogenicity/Mutagenicity: Not classified as carcinogenic or mutagenic
Safety Handling Precautions
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
- Chemical-resistant gloves
- Safety goggles or face shield
- Protective clothing (lab coat, apron)
- Respiratory protection if ventilation is inadequate
Handling Measures:
- Avoid breathing vapors
- Ground and bond containers to prevent static discharge
- Use explosion-proof equipment and adequate ventilation
Storage Measures:
- Keep containers tightly closed
- Store away from heat, sparks, and incompatible materials
Hygiene Practices:
- Wash hands thoroughly after handling
- Avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in the handling area
First Aid Measures
- Inhalation: Move to fresh air; seek medical attention if symptoms persist
- Skin Contact: Wash with soap and water; remove contaminated clothing
- Eye Contact: Rinse thoroughly with water for at least 15 minutes; seek medical attention if irritation continues
- Ingestion: Rinse mouth; do not induce vomiting; seek immediate medical help
Firefighting Measures
- Fire Hazards: Highly flammable liquid and vapor; vapors may form explosive mixtures with air
- Extinguishing Media: Dry chemical powder, alcohol-resistant foam, CO₂, or water spray
- Special Precautions: Firefighters should wear full protective gear and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA)
- Decomposition Products: May produce carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and irritating fumes under fire conditions
Related products
Butanol
Butanol (also known as n-Butanol or Normal Butanol) is a clear, colorless liquid with a mild, alcoholic odor. It is a four-carbon primary alcohol with the chemical formula C4H10O. Butanol is moderately soluble in water and miscible with many organic solvents. Its physical and chemical properties make it a versatile solvent and chemical intermediate. Butanol indicates a high purity grade often used in industrial, pharmaceutical, and chemical synthesis applications.
Carbon Disulfide
Carbon Disulfide (CS₂) is a volatile, flammable, and highly toxic organic solvent composed of carbon and sulfur. At 99% purity, it is a clear to pale yellow liquid with a pungent, sweet, ether-like odor. Carbon Disulfide is produced primarily by the reaction of carbon (charcoal) with sulfur vapors at high temperatures. Due to its excellent solvent properties and reactivity, it is used across multiple industries, including the production of rayon, cellophane, rubber chemicals, and pesticides. Despite its utility, Carbon Disulfide requires careful handling because of its toxicity, flammability, and environmental hazards.
Cyclohexanone
Cyclohexanone is a clear, colorless to pale yellow liquid with a sharp, sweet, acetone-like odor. It is a cyclic ketone with the molecular formula C₆H₁₀O and a moderately high boiling point. Cyclohexanone is a key intermediate in the chemical industry, primarily used in the manufacture of nylon, pharmaceuticals, and agrochemicals. Its excellent solvency and chemical reactivity make it valuable for a wide range of industrial applications, including solvent use and chemical synthesis.
Glacial Acetic Acid Tech grade
Glacial Acetic Acid Tech grade is a clear, colorless liquid with a pungent vinegar-like odor. It is a less refined form of acetic acid primarily used for industrial and technical applications rather than food or pharmaceutical uses. Typically available in concentrations ranging from 80% to glacial (99-100%), it serves as a crucial chemical reagent, solvent, and intermediate in various industrial processes.
N-Butanol
N-Butanol (1-butanol) is a four-carbon linear alcohol with the chemical formula C₄H₉OH. It is a colorless, flammable liquid with a mild, alcoholic odor. N-Butanol is widely used as a solvent in paints, coatings, adhesives, and chemical synthesis. It serves as an intermediate in the manufacture of plasticizers, butyl acrylate, and other chemicals. Its moderate volatility and solvent properties make it valuable in industrial and commercial applications.
Pine Oil
Pine Oil is a powerful, aromatic essential oil obtained through the steam distillation of the needles, twigs, and cones of pine trees, primarily Pinus sylvestris or other Pinus species. It features a sharp, woody, and fresh scent with natural disinfectant and deodorizing properties. Rich in monoterpenes such as alpha-pinene and beta-pinene, Pine Oil is widely utilized in cleaning products, disinfectants, air care, cosmetics, and industrial formulations. It is valued for its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and degreasing capabilities, making it an effective multi-purpose ingredient across various sectors.
Solvent Naphtha
Solvent Naphtha is a flammable, volatile hydrocarbon mixture derived from petroleum distillation. Characterized by its sharp, petroleum-like odor, it is a clear, colorless to pale yellow liquid. It is a versatile industrial solvent prized for its ability to dissolve oils, fats, resins, and rubber. Its balanced evaporation rate and strong solvency make it a key component in formulations requiring a powerful yet controllable solvent.
Xylene
Xylene is a clear, colorless, flammable aromatic hydrocarbon solvent consisting of three isomers: ortho-, meta-, and para-xylene. It is widely utilized in various industries for its excellent solvency, chemical stability, and moderate evaporation rate. Xylene serves as a key raw material in chemical manufacturing and an effective solvent in coatings, adhesives, inks, and cleaning applications.

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