Product brief introduction
High-Purity n-Butyl Acetate (BAC) – The Preferred Slow-Evaporating Solvent for Premium Coatings
Shandong RuiShuang Chemical offers premium n-Butyl Acetate (CAS: 123-86-4) with 99.5% minimum purity. This medium-evaporating solvent with pleasant fruity odor is essential for automotive paints, printing inks, adhesives, and pharmaceutical extraction. An ideal xylene alternative for aromatic-restricted formulations. Available in industrial grade with ISO tank and drum packaging.
Product overview
n-Butyl Acetate, also known as Butyl Ethanoate or Acetic Acid Butyl Ester, with the molecular formula C₆H₁₂O₂ and CAS number 123-86-4, is a clear, colorless liquid with a characteristic sweet, fruity odor reminiscent of pears and apples . As an ester solvent, it is produced primarily through the esterification of acetic acid with n-butanol . With a boiling point exceeding 120°C and a flash point of 22°C, it is classified as a flammable liquid . Its moderate evaporation rate, excellent solvency for a wide range of polymers and resins, and low water miscibility make it the preferred solvent for high-performance coatings, automotive paints, printing inks, adhesives, and pharmaceutical extraction applications .
Product detail description
What is n-Butyl Acetate and Why Is It a Solvent of Choice?
In the sophisticated world of industrial coatings and printing inks, solvent selection directly influences final product quality, application properties, and regulatory compliance. n-Butyl Acetate, widely abbreviated as BAC, stands as a premier slow-evaporating solvent that delivers exceptional flow, leveling, and gloss characteristics. Its unique balance of solvency power, evaporation rate, and pleasant odor makes it indispensable for automotive finishes, high-quality industrial paints, and specialty printing applications .
At Shandong RuiShuang Chemical, we understand that what is butyl acetate extends far beyond its chemical identity. For coatings formulators, ink manufacturers, and industrial chemists, BAC represents a reliable, high-performance solvent that enables superior finish quality and consistent application properties. Our role as a trusted butyl acetate supplier is to ensure that this versatile solvent reaches you with consistent high purity n-butyl acetate specifications, backed by stable supply chains and professional hazardous material handling expertise.
Key Properties of High-Purity n-Butyl Acetate
| Property | Typical Value | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Purity | ≥99.5% | Ensures consistent solvency performance; minimizes impurities that could affect coating appearance or pharmaceutical quality . |
| Appearance | Clear, Colorless Liquid | Indicates absence of contaminants or degradation products . |
| Water Content | ≤0.05% (500 ppm) | Critical for moisture-sensitive applications; prevents defects in coating films and side reactions in pharmaceutical extraction . |
| Acidity (as Acetic Acid) | ≤0.01% | Low acidity ensures minimal corrosion of processing equipment and prevents degradation of sensitive compounds . |
| Non-Volatile Matter | ≤0.002% | Guarantees clean evaporation without leaving residues-essential for high-gloss coatings and pharmaceutical applications . |
| Boiling Point | 126°C | Medium-high boiling point provides balanced evaporation for proper flow and leveling; enables good solvent release . |
| Flash Point | 22°C (Closed Cup) | Flammable; dictates handling, storage, and transportation protocols . |
| Evaporation Rate (n-BuAc=1) | 1.0 (reference) | Slow-evaporating solvent provides extended open time compared to ethyl acetate; enables proper film formation . |
| Density | ~0.882 g/mL at 20°C | Affects volumetric calculations for formulation and shipping . |
| Vapor Pressure | 10 mmHg at 20°C | Moderate vapor pressure provides controlled evaporation without excessive volatility . |
The Diverse Applications of n-Butyl Acetate Across Industries
| Industry Sector | Primary Application | Why BAC? |
|---|---|---|
| Paints & Coatings | Automotive & Industrial Coatings | Butyl acetate for coatings provides excellent flow, leveling, and gloss; prevents blushing and solvent popping in baking enamels . |
| Printing Inks | Flexographic & Gravure Inks | Butyl acetate for printing inks dissolves high-quality resins; provides excellent solvent release for smudge-free printing . |
| Adhesives | Solvent-Based Adhesives | Butyl acetate for adhesives dissolves adhesive polymers with controlled evaporation for proper bonding . |
| Pharmaceuticals | Extraction Solvent | Butyl acetate for pharmaceuticals serves as an extraction solvent in antibiotic and vitamin production . |
| Cosmetics | Nail Care Products | Butyl acetate for cosmetics is the primary solvent in nail polish removers and nail polish formulations . |
| Leather Industry | Synthetic Leather | Butyl acetate for leather acts as a solvent in artificial leather coatings . |
| Flavorings | Food Additive | Butyl acetate as flavoring agent is FDA-approved for use in food flavorings due to its fruity aroma . |
| Photography | Film Base | Used in the production of photographic films and plates . |
BAC in Paints and Coatings: The Key to Premium Finishes
The coatings industry represents the largest market for n-butyl acetate, where it is essential for achieving high-quality finishes:
Why BAC is Preferred in Coatings:
Excellent Flow and Leveling: The balanced evaporation rate allows the coating to flow out after application, eliminating brush marks and orange peel, resulting in a smooth, mirror-like finish
High Gloss Development: BAC-based formulations produce coatings with exceptional gloss and distinctness of image (DOI)
Blush Resistance: Unlike faster-evaporating solvents, BAC's slower evaporation prevents moisture condensation during drying, which can cause hazy or cloudy films
Solvent Pop Prevention: In baking enamels, BAC's higher boiling point helps prevent violent boiling of solvent during cure, eliminating pinholes and surface defects
Applications:
Automotive OEM and Refinish Paints: Basecoats, clear coats, and primers
Industrial Maintenance Coatings: High-performance finishes for equipment and structures
Wood Coatings: Furniture lacquers and floor finishes
Coil Coatings: Pre-painted metal for siding and appliances
Nitrocellulose Lacquers: Fast-drying, high-gloss finishes for musical instruments and metal parts
BAC vs Ethyl Acetate for Coatings:
| Property | n-Butyl Acetate | Ethyl Acetate |
|---|---|---|
| Evaporation Rate | 1.0x (reference) | ~4.1x (4x faster) |
| Open Time | Extended | Short |
| Flow & Leveling | Superior | Good |
| Gloss Development | High | Moderate |
| Blush Resistance | Excellent | Lower |
BAC as Xylene Alternative: Meeting Regulatory Requirements
n-Butyl Acetate as xylene replacement is increasingly important as regulations restrict aromatic solvents:
Why Replace Xylene?
Regulatory Pressure: VOC regulations increasingly restrict aromatic hydrocarbon solvents in many regions
Worker Safety: BAC has a more favorable inhalation toxicity profile than xylene
Odor: The fruity odor of BAC is more pleasant than the sharp, petroleum-like odor of xylene
Performance Comparison:
| Property | n-Butyl Acetate | Xylene |
|---|---|---|
| Solvency | Excellent for polar resins | Excellent for non-polar resins |
| Evaporation Rate | 1.0 | ~0.7 |
| Odor | Fruity, pleasant | Sharp, petroleum-like |
| Toxicity | Lower | Higher |
| Regulatory Status | Preferred for aromatic-free formulations | Restricted in some applications |
Formulation Adjustments:
When replacing xylene with BAC, formulators may need to adjust:
Resin selection (BAC is more polar, favoring polar resins like acrylics and polyesters)
Coalescing aids for waterborne systems
Drying time parameters
BAC in Printing Inks: Meeting High-Speed Production Demands
Butyl acetate for printing inks is critical for high-quality, smudge-free printing:
Applications:
Flexographic Inks: Provides excellent resin solvency and controlled evaporation for high-speed web printing
Gravure Inks: Delivers consistent viscosity and solvent release for rotogravure applications
Screen Printing Inks: Offers good flow and leveling for screen-printed graphics
Benefits for Printing:
Prevents Smudging: Proper evaporation rate ensures ink dries before subsequent color application
Excellent Pigment Wetting: Dissolves ink resins effectively, enabling vibrant, consistent colors
Press Stability: Balanced evaporation maintains consistent ink viscosity during long print runs
BAC in Pharmaceutical Manufacturing: Extraction and Purification
Butyl acetate for pharmaceuticals plays an important role in drug manufacturing:
Applications:
Antibiotic Production: Used in the extraction and purification of certain antibiotics (e.g., erythromycin, tetracyclines)
Vitamin Extraction: Serves as a solvent for extracting fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K)
API Purification: Used in crystallization and washing steps for active pharmaceutical ingredients
Why BAC is Preferred in Pharma:
Low Toxicity: Lower residual solvent toxicity compared to chlorinated and aromatic solvents
Easy Removal: Moderate boiling point allows gentle solvent removal without degrading heat-sensitive compounds
Low Water Miscibility: Minimizes product loss to aqueous phases during extraction
Regulatory Status: Acceptable residual solvent limits under ICH guidelines
Why Choose Shandong RuiShuang Chemical as Your Butyl Acetate Supplier?
1.Strategic Partnerships with Leading Manufacturers:
Our long-standing with top-tier Chinese chemical companies ensures priority access to high purity n-butyl acetate from reputable n-butyl acetate manufacturers. We leverage these relationships to secure competitive pricing and reliable allocation even during market tightness.
2.Comprehensive Quality Assurance:
We understand that industrial grade butyl acetate for coatings, inks, and pharmaceutical applications requires rigorous quality control. Every shipment is tested to meet specifications for purity (≥99.5%), water content, acidity, and non-volatile matter. Certificates of Analysis (COA) accompany all deliveries, ensuring full traceability.
3.Specialized Flammable Liquid Logistics:
BAC requires specialized handling throughout the supply chain. Our integrated logistics system is designed specifically for flammable solvent transport:
Butyl acetate ISO tank containers for efficient bulk transport (20-24 MT)
n-Butyl acetate drums (180kg/55-gallon steel drums) for smaller volume requirements
BAC bulk tanker deliveries for large industrial consumers
Experienced carriers certified for flammable materials
Compliance with international shipping regulations (IMDG, IATA, ADR)
4.Flexible Supply Solutions:
We recognize that different customers have different volume requirements:
Butyl acetate spot cargo for immediate needs
Contract supply for predictable pricing and volume security
Warehouse storage for just-in-time delivery
Custom packaging options tailored to your receiving capabilities
5.Technical Expertise and Application Support:
The successful use of BAC requires understanding its unique properties and formulation requirements. Our team possesses deep technical knowledge to guide customers on:
Butyl acetate vs ethyl acetate selection for specific applications
BAC as xylene replacement formulation guidance
Regulatory compliance across different jurisdictions
Troubleshooting application challenges
6.Commitment to Safety and Compliance:
Our business philosophy prioritizes safety alongside customer satisfaction. We provide comprehensive safety documentation, including detailed butyl acetate MSDS and handling guidelines, and work with customers to ensure they have the information needed to handle this material safely.
📞 Contact our sales team today for a competitive quote and expert consultation.
📧 Email:Devin@ruishuangchemical.com,Stefan@ruishuangchemical.com
📱 Phone/WhatsApp:+8618653633300,+8613573373908
Partner with us for solvent solutions that drive your success.
Frequently Asked Questions - FAQ
Q1: What are the safety considerations for handling Butyl Acetate?
A: With a butyl acetate flash point of 22°C, it is a flammable liquid. Key safety measures include:
Store away from all ignition sources (open flames, sparks, hot surfaces)
Use explosion-proof electrical equipment in handling areas
Ground and bond containers during transfer to prevent static discharge
Maintain adequate ventilation to control vapor exposure
Wear appropriate PPE: chemical-resistant gloves, safety goggles
Use Class B fire extinguishers (CO₂, dry chemical, foam) for fires
Refer to butyl acetate MSDS for comprehensive safety information
The OSHA PEL is 150 ppm (8-hour TWA) .
Q2: What packaging options are available for Butyl Acetate?
A: As a full-service butyl acetate supplier, we offer multiple packaging solutions:
Butyl acetate ISO tank containers (20-24 metric tons) – standard for international bulk transport
n-Butyl acetate drums (180kg/55-gallon steel drums) – for smaller volume requirements
IBC totes (1000kg) – intermediate bulk containers for efficient handling
BAC bulk tanker – for large-volume domestic deliveries
All packaging complies with flammable liquid regulations and maintains product integrity.