Normal butyl acetate (also known as n-butyl acetate) is a chemical compound with
a molecular formula of C6H12O2. It is commonly used as a solvent in the production
of lacquers, inks and adhesives. This product is a colourless liquid that has a fruity
banana odour. This product is highly flammable with a flash point of 24° C and
a flammability rating of 3. It is highly miscible with all common organic solvents
(alcohols, ketones, glycols, esters) but has only slight miscibility in water.
Production
The most common method for creating normal butyl acetate is via the esterification
of a butanol isomer and acetic acid which are heated in the presence of a strong acid
(e.g. sulphuric acid).
Storage & Distribution
Storage is normally in a cool, dry and well ventilated facility away from oxidizing
agents. Normal butyl acetate should be kept out of direct sunlight, heat and
open flames. Solvents such as normal butyl acetate should be stored in drummed
containers such as iso tanks made of stainless steel, aluminium or carbon steel
Normally it is distribute in bulk vessels or tank trucks, iso tanks, Drums & Jeri cans
as per customers requirement. For transportation purposes, normal butyl acetate is
classed as a flammable liquid with a fire hazard rating of 2. This product is a packing
group 3.
Uses
The most common use of normal butyl acetate is as a solvent in the production of
lacquers and paints. Its other major use is in the creation of adhesives and hardened
coatings. Normal butyl acetate is also used in the pharmaceutical industry as a
solvent or an extraction agent. Its minor uses include cosmetic products, fragrance
solvent in perfumes, as an anti-corrosive agent, in cleaning and car care products. It
is also used in the synthetic fruit flouring industry. The main user end markets are
the paints/lacquers, coatings, cosmetics, leather, cleaning and the pharmaceutical
industries.