What Is Butyl Acetate and Where Is It Used?
Butyl acetate, specifically n-butyl acetate, is an ester solvent with CAS number 123-86-4 and the molecular formula C6H12O2. It is a colourless liquid with a pleasant fruity odour that evaporates quickly and dissolves a wide range of resins and polymers. That combination of fast drying and strong solvency makes it a staple of industrial coatings, printing inks, adhesives and cleaning formulations, where it is often blended with other esters or glycol ethers to tune the evaporation profile of the finished product.
Physical Properties and Flammability
Butyl acetate is a flammable liquid whose vapour is heavier than air, so it can travel along the ground towards ignition sources some distance away. Storage and handling areas should therefore be free of flames, sparks and hot surfaces, and transfer operations should be bonded and grounded to prevent static discharge.
| Property | Typical value |
|---|---|
| CAS number | 123-86-4 |
| Molecular formula | C6H12O2 |
| Appearance | Colourless liquid with a fruity odour |
| Boiling point | About 126 degrees Celsius |
| Closed-cup flash point | About 22 degrees Celsius |
| Auto-ignition temperature | About 421 degrees Celsius |
| Flammable range in air | Approximately 1.2 to 7.5 percent by volume |
| Occupational exposure limit | 150 ppm as an 8-hour TWA, 200 ppm short term |
Side Effects of Butyl Acetate Exposure
Butyl acetate is not a highly toxic material, but it can produce a consistent set of side effects whenever exposure is not properly controlled. Inhalation of vapour causes headache, dizziness, nausea and irritation of the nose and throat; skin contact leads to dryness and defatting; eye contact produces stinging and redness. Acute symptoms from a short period of overexposure include coughing, sore throat, drowsiness and light-headedness, and high vapour concentrations can depress the central nervous system. With chronic exposure the usual complaints are persistent skin dryness, irritation of the upper airways and, occasionally, neurological symptoms reported at levels close to the occupational exposure limit. Symptoms generally subside once exposure stops, yet repeated overexposure should always be avoided.
Respiratory tract: coughing, sore throat and irritation of the airways at elevated vapour levels.
Central nervous system: headache, drowsiness and a feeling of intoxication during short-term overexposure.
Skin: mild irritation, dryness and defatting after repeated contact.
Eyes: stinging, redness and tearing from vapour or liquid splashes.
Gastrointestinal: nausea and vomiting, mainly after swallowing or heavy vapour exposure.
Safety Precautions for Handling and Storage
Keep containers tightly closed and store them in a cool, well-ventilated area away from heat and ignition sources.
Do not smoke or use open flames in storage and handling areas.
Wear chemical-resistant gloves, eye or face protection and suitable protective clothing.
Provide local exhaust ventilation where the solvent is sprayed, poured or mixed.
Bond and ground containers during transfer to control static electricity.
Avoid breathing vapour directly and never use the solvent in an unventilated room.
First Aid and Emergency Measures
If vapour is inhaled and symptoms appear, move the person to fresh air, keep them warm and at rest, and obtain medical advice if breathing is difficult. After eye contact, flush with plenty of clean water for at least 15 minutes and seek medical attention. For skin contact, remove contaminated clothing and wash the affected area thoroughly with soap and water. If the liquid is swallowed, do not induce vomiting and contact a medical professional at once. Small fires can be tackled with foam, dry powder or carbon dioxide, while larger incidents require evacuation and the fire service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is butyl acetate dangerous to health?
Under improper exposure it can irritate the eyes, skin and respiratory tract and cause headache and dizziness, so ventilation and protective equipment are essential.
Q: What are the common side effects of inhaling butyl acetate?
Inhalation can cause headache, dizziness, nausea and respiratory irritation, especially in poorly ventilated areas.
Q: Can butyl acetate damage the skin?
Repeated or prolonged contact causes dryness and defatting because the solvent removes the natural oils from the skin.
Q: Is butyl acetate flammable?
Yes, it is a flammable liquid with a closed-cup flash point of about 22 degrees Celsius and must be kept away from flames, sparks and hot surfaces.
Q: What should I do if butyl acetate gets into my eyes?
Flush the eyes immediately with plenty of clean water for at least 15 minutes and seek medical advice.
Q: How should butyl acetate be stored?
Store it in tightly closed containers in a cool, well-ventilated area away from ignition sources and incompatible materials.