Isobutyric Acid

Description

1. Product Overview

Isobutyric Acid (2-methylpropanoic acid) is a branched-chain carboxylic acid serving as a critical intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, flavor esters, and veterinary calcium propionate alternatives. Its primary industrial use lies in producing ester-based solvents, specialty lubricants, and crop protection adjuvants. The key value proposition is its high thermal stability and consistent low water content, which reduces side reactions in esterification processes. Strategically, it replaces straight-chain acids in applications requiring lower melting points and higher volatility, making it indispensable for advanced formulation chemistry.

2. Key Specifications & Technical Characteristics

• Chemical composition: Isobutyric Acid (C₄H₈O₂), CAS 79-31-2, ≤0.2% water, ≤0.1% butyric acid impurity

• Purity level: Premium grade ≥99.5% (GC area %); Technical grade 98.0–99.0% available

• Physical characteristics: Clear, colorless to pale yellow liquid; pungent, rancid odor; density 0.949 g/mL at 20°C; boiling point 154–155°C; freezing point –47°C

• Packaging options: 200 L net HDPE drums (185 kg net), IBC totes (950 kg), ISO tank (20 MT), bulk flexibags with inner coating

• Shelf life: 24 months in original unopened container, stored under dry, ambient conditions (<30°C)

3. Core Industrial Applications

• Pharmaceuticals: Synthesis of pivalic acid derivatives and antiviral nucleoside prodrugs – achieves 15% higher reaction efficiency versus lower-purity grades due to reduced carboxylic acid dimers.

• Agrochemicals: Production of isobutyranilide fungicides and herbicide safeners – superior solubility in non-polar carriers reduces crystallization during field application.

• Flavors & fragrances: Manufacture of ethyl isobutyrate (fruit flavor) and isobutyl isobutyrate (herbal notes) – cleaner olfactory profile with <0.05% valeric acid byproducts.

• Polymer additives: Intermediate for heat stabilizers in PVC and lubricant esters – lower pour point compared to n-butyric acid derivatives extends equipment operating range.

4. Competitive Advantages

• Quality consistency: Statistical process control with COA per batch; non-detectable levels of methyl methacrylate and acrolein (<10 ppm), eliminating downstream purification costs.

• Supply reliability: Dedicated production line with 8,000 MT annual capacity; stock-holding hubs in Rotterdam, Houston, and Shanghai for 5-day lead time to major ports.

• Logistics capability: UN 2529 Class 8 packing group II compliance; temperature-controlled tank containers available; full hazmat documentation suite (SDS, ERG, BL annotations).

• Price competitiveness: Contract pricing with ethylene-based feedstock hedging; volume discounts starting 40 MT/month; no premium for ISO tank orders over drums.

• Sustainability: Recovered solvent loop for waste acid reprocessing; 98% of non-product output used in animal feed acidulants.

5. Commercial & Supply Information

• Minimum order quantity (MOQ): 20 MT (one ISO tank or equivalent bulk vessel)

• BULK loading capacity: 20 MT per 20-ft ISO tank container (net weight) | 23.8 MT per flexitag (40-ft HC container) with vapor barrier liner