N-Butyl acetate

Description

N-Butyl acetate (n-Butyl acetate)

N-Butyl acetate is a common organic ester used primarily as a solvent in coatings, inks, cleaners, and adhesives. The name typically refers to the straight-chain (normal) butyl group attached to the acetate moiety.

Quick facts

• Chemical formula: C6H12O2
• Molar mass: 116.16 g/mol
• Structure: CH3-CO-O-CH2-CH2-CH2-CH3
• Common names: n-Butyl acetate, butyl acetate
• Boiling point: ~126–127 °C
• Density: ~0.88 g/mL at 25 °C
• Solubility in water: Limited; slightly soluble in water; miscible with many organic solvents
• Odor: Mild fruity ester-like aroma
• Flammability: Flammable liquid and vapor

How it’s made

• Industrial production: Typically produced by esterifying acetic acid with n- butanol in the presence of an acid catalyst (for example sulfuric acid) or via transesterification processes. The reaction is:
  • Acetic acid + n-Butanol ⇌ n-Butyl acetate + water
• Purification: Distillation to remove water and unreacted starting materials.

Common uses

• Primary solvent in:
  • Paints and varnishes
  • Lacquers and coatings
  • Inks and printing formulations
  • Adhesives and cleaners
• Used for its moderate evaporation rate and good solvency for a wide range of resins and polymers

Safety and handling

• Hazards: Flammable liquid and vapor; can irritate skin, eyes, and respiratory tract; prolonged exposure may affect the central nervous system.
• Exposure controls: Use in a well-ventilated area or fume hood; avoid ignition sources; wear appropriate PPE (gloves, goggles).
• Storage: Keep containers tightly closed; store away from heat, sparks, and oxidizers; use cool, dry, well-ventilated storage areas.
• First aid (user guidance):
  • Inhalation: Move to fresh air; seek medical attention if symptoms persist.
  • Skin contact: Wash with soap and water; remove contaminated clothing.
  • Eye contact: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes; remove contact lenses if present.
  • Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting unless told by a poison control center; seek medical attention.

Environmental and regulatory notes

• Generally regulated as a volatile organic compound (VOC) solvent in many jurisdictions.
• Disposal should follow local hazardous waste regulations and the material’s Safety Data Sheet (SDS).

Quick comparison (n-Butyl acetate vs. ethyl acetate)

• • n-Butyl acetate: higher boiling point, slower evaporation, slightly less polar
  • Ethyl acetate: lower boiling point, faster evaporation, more polar
• Both are common VOC solvents used in coatings and cleaners, but they differ in drying time and compatibility with resins

Practical tips

• If you are formulating a coating, select n- butyl acetate based on desired drying time and resin compatibility.
• For consumer cleaning products, consider compatibility with plastics and the odor profile.

If you’d like, I can tailor this to a specific use case (e.g., paint formulation, cleaning solvent, safety data sheet summary) or pull together exact regulatory exposure limits and SDS references for your region.