1. Chemical Structure and Properties
Molecular Formula: C₆H₁₂O₂
Structural Formula: CH₃COO(CH₂)₃CH₃
A carboxylic acid ester formed by the reaction of acetic acid with n-butanol.
Physical Properties:
Appearance: Clear, colorless liquid with a fruity odor.
Boiling Point: 126°C; Density: 0.88 g/cm³; Vapor Pressure: 10 mmHg at 20°C.
Solubility: Slightly soluble in water (0.7 g/100 mL at 25°C); miscible with most organic solvents (ethanol, ether).
Chemical Properties:
Hydrolysis: Decomposes in acidic/alkaline conditions to acetic acid and n-butanol.
Flammability: Combustible (flash point: 22°C; autoignition temperature: 370°C).
Stability: Stable under normal conditions; forms peroxides on prolonged exposure to air and light.
2. Industrial Applications
Coatings & Inks:
Solvent: Widely used in lacquers, paints, and printing inks due to its moderate evaporation rate and high solvency for resins (e.g., nitrocellulose, acrylics).
Coalescing Agent: Enhances film formation in waterborne coatings.
Adhesives:
Fast-Drying Formulations: Reduces curing time in industrial adhesives.
Electronics:
Cleaning Agent: Removes flux residues from printed circuit boards (PCBs).
Flavor & Fragrance:
Food Additive: Imparts fruity notes in artificial flavors (GRAS status).
3. Safety and Toxicology
Health Hazards:
Acute Exposure:
Inhalation (≥50 ppm): Irritates respiratory tract and causes dizziness (TLV-TWA: 150 ppm).
Skin Contact: Defatting action leads to dermatitis (rabbit skin LD₅₀: >5,000 mg/kg).
Ingestion: Low toxicity (oral LD₅₀ rat: 14,000 mg/kg); gastrointestinal irritation.
Chronic Effects:
Neurotoxicity: Mild CNS depression observed in high-dose animal studies.
Reproductive Toxicity: No teratogenicity in OECD 414 studies.
Protection Measures:
PPE: Nitrile gloves, organic vapor respirators, and explosion-proof ventilation.
Storage: Fireproof containers in cool, dark areas away from oxidizers.
4. Environmental and Regulatory Compliance
Environmental Impact:
Biodegradability: Readily biodegradable (OECD 301F: >90% in 28 days).
Aquatic Toxicity: LC₅₀ (fish, 96h): >100 mg/L; low bioaccumulation (log Kow: 1.8).
VOC Emissions: Classified as a volatile organic compound (VOC) under EU/US regulations.
Regulatory Frameworks:
EU:
CLP Regulation: Classified as Flam. Liq. 2 (H225), STOT SE 3 (H336).
REACH: Registered; exempt from SVHC listing.
USA:
EPA: Regulated under Clean Air Act (VOC limits); TSCA-listed.
China:
GB 13690-2009: Classified as Hazardous Chemical (Class 3.2).
Waste Management:
Incinerate with VOC abatement; landfill disposal permitted for small quantities.
5. Case Studies and Application Insights
Case 1: Automotive Paint Reformulation (BASF, 2023):
Challenge: Reduce VOC emissions in solvent-borne coatings.
Solution: Replaced 20% of n-butyl acetate with bio-based ethyl lactate.
Result: Achieved 30% lower VOC emissions while maintaining gloss (ASTM D523) and drying time.
Case 2: Green Electronics Cleaning (Intel, 2022):
Process: Closed-loop recycling of n-butyl acetate in wafer cleaning reduced solvent waste by 40%.
Efficiency: Maintained 99.9% purity for 7nm-node semiconductor production.
Comparative Analysis:
n-Butyl Acetate vs. Ethyl Acetate:
Pros: Slower evaporation (better flow control); higher solvency for epoxy resins.
Cons: Higher flammability and cost.
n-Butyl Acetate vs. Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA):
Pros: Lower toxicity; broader compatibility with polar polymers.
Cons: PGMEA offers higher thermal stability for semiconductor processes.
Specifications：
N-Butyl Acetate is a clear, fast-evaporating solvent with a fruity odor, excellent solvency, and broad use in paints, coatings, and inks, available at competitive prices from China Amines Co.