What Is N-Butyl Acetate (CAS 123-86-4) Used For? A Solvent for Coatings, Adhesives

Overview

n-Butyl acetate (CAS No. 123-86-4) is a versatile organic solvent with a pleasant, fruity (banana/apple) odor. Its primary uses include acting as a key solvent for paints, automotive clearcoats, lacquers, and adhesives to ensure smooth flow and quick drying. It is also used as a flavoring agent and synthetic extractant in foods and pharmaceuticals.

What is n-Butyl acetate?

n-Butyl acetate is a chemically active organic ester, widely recognized as a popular solvent in the paint industry. This colorless or slightly yellow liquid is easily identified by its pleasant, fruity aroma and is virtually insoluble in water.

Butyl acetate is produced through the esterification of acetic acid with butanol, catalyzed by sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄) at 100-110°C in a continuous process.

• Chemical Formula: C₆H₁₂O₂
• Structural Formula: (structure displayed below)

Structure:

Core Chemical & Physical Properties of n-Butyl Acetate

Physical Properties:

Chemical Properties:

What is n-Butyl acetate solvent used for?

n-Butyl Acetate (CAS 123-86-4) is a versatile industrial solvent widely used in coatings, paints, printing inks, adhesives, pharmaceuticals, cleaning agents, and specialty chemical applications. Its excellent solvency and balanced evaporation rate make it an ideal choice for improving coating performance, formulation stability, and manufacturing efficiency across various industries.

1. Paints and Coatings:

One of the most common uses of N-Butyl Acetate is in the production of lacquers and varnishes. It helps create smooth, high-quality finishes, contributing to fast drying times and improved surface adhesion.

Common applications include:

• Primer and surfacer systems: Improves resin dissolution and coating uniformity.
• Metallic basecoats: Supports pigment dispersion and consistent appearance.
• Clearcoats: Helps achieve smooth leveling and high-gloss surface finishes.

2. Adhesives:

CAS 123-86-4 N-Butyl Acetate is an essential solvent in the production of adhesives, enhancing bond strength and flexibility in various substrates such as plastics, metals, and wood.

3. Printing Inks:

Butyl acetate is used in flexographic, gravure, and specialty printing inks. Its moderate evaporation rate helps maintain good ink flow, pigment dispersion, and printing quality on paper, plastic films, and packaging materials.

4. Automotive Industry:

It is extensively used in automotive paints and coatings due to its ability to provide a durable, glossy finish with resistance to environmental elements.

5. Cleaning Products:

Due to its ability to dissolve oils, resins, waxes, and organic residues, n-Butyl acetate is used in industrial cleaning formulations for machinery, automotive parts, and manufacturing equipment.

6. Food Flavor & Fragrance Applications

Food-grade n-Butyl acetate is used as a flavor ingredient with a characteristic fruity aroma. It is also applied in certain regulated extraction and fragrance manufacturing processes.

Why Choose GNEE BIO as Your Bulk n-Butyl Acetate Supplier?

GNEE BIO provides reliable bulk supply solutions for n-Butyl Acetate (CAS 123-86-4), supporting global industrial customers with stable quality, flexible packaging options, and professional export services.

• Reliable Supply & Quality Control

We work with experienced manufacturing partners to ensure consistent product quality and stable supply capacity for long-term industrial procurement.

• Complete Technical Documentation

Each shipment can be supported with essential documents, including:

1. Certificate of Analysis (COA)
2. Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
3. Technical Data Sheet (TDS)
4. Export documentation

• Flexible Packaging Options

Depending on your order volume and logistics requirements, n-Butyl Acetate can be supplied in:

1. Steel drums
2. IBC tanks
3. ISO tank containers

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Frequently Asked Questions About n-Butyl Acetate

Q: Why Is n-Butyl Acetate Widely Used in Paints and Coatings?

A: Butyl acetate solven is preferred in coating formulations because it provides good resin compatibility and controlled evaporation.
Compared with faster-evaporating solvents, it allows sufficient time for coating flow and leveling, helping reduce surface defects such as uneven film formation, poor gloss, and coating imperfections.

Q: What Purity of Should I Choose for Industrial Applications?

A:The required purity depends on the application.

• ≥99.0% Industrial Grade: Suitable for paints, coatings, adhesives, and general industrial use.
• Higher Purity Grades: Recommended for applications requiring stricter impurity control, such as specialty chemical processing or sensitive formulations.

When selecting a grade, buyers should consider purity, water content, acidity, color, and application requirements.

Q: Is n-Butyl Acetate Chemical Flammable?

A: Yes. n-Butyl Acetate is a flammable organic solvent.

Important safety properties include:

• Flash point: approximately 22–27°C (closed cup)
• Boiling point: approximately 126°C
• Autoignition temperature: approximately 420°C

It should be stored away from ignition sources and handled in well-ventilated areas according to applicable safety regulations.

Q: How Should n-Butyl Acetate (nBA) Be Stored?

A: It should be stored in tightly sealed containers in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated warehouse.

Recommended storage practices include:

• Keep away from heat, sparks, and flames
• Avoid direct sunlight exposure
• Use compatible containers
• Minimize moisture and contamination

Q: What Is the Difference Between n-Butyl Acetate and Ethyl Acetate or Butanol?

A: The main differences are evaporation rate, solvency, and application performance.

• n-Butyl Acetate: Moderate evaporation, excellent resin solvency, widely used in coatings and inks.
• Ethyl Acetate: Faster evaporation, commonly used in adhesives, printing, and extraction.
• Butanol: Often used as a co-solvent to improve flow and reduce surface defects.

The right solvent depends on the formulation requirements and desired drying characteristics.

Q: What Industries Commonly Purchase Bulk n-Butyl Acetate?

A: The largest industrial users of n-Butyl Acetate include:

• Automotive coatings manufacturers
• Paint and industrial coating producers
• Printing ink manufacturers
• Adhesive and sealant producers
• Chemical processing companies
• Cleaning product manufacturers
• Pharmaceutical and specialty chemical industries

about us

Tianjin Gnee Biotech Co., Ltd. (Brand: GNEE BIO), a member of the GNEE Group, is a company specializing in the supply and global export of industrial solvents and chemical raw materials. Established in 2016 and headquartered in Anyang, Henan Province, China, the company possesses over a decade of extensive experience in the chemical trading sector.

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