n-Butyl Acetate: Uses, Properties & Supply

n-Butyl Acetate is an organic ester solvent widely used in paints, coatings, printing inks, adhesives, and selected industrial formulations. Its balanced evaporation rate, solvency, and compatibility with many organic resins make it useful for manufacturers seeking consistent application performance. This guide explains its technical properties, industrial applications, grade selection, safety requirements, and supply considerations.

n-Butyl Acetate: Quick Technical Specifications

Property	Typical Value
Chemical name	n-Butyl Acetate
Synonyms	Butyl acetate, butyl ethanoate
CAS number	123-86-4
Molecular formula	C6H12O2
Molecular weight	116.16 g/mol
Appearance	Clear, colorless liquid
Boiling point	Approximately 126°C at 1 atm
Density	Approximately 0.88 g/cm³ near 20°C
Flash point	Typically around 22–31°C, depending on test method
Water solubility	Approximately 7 g/L near room temperature
Viscosity	Approximately 0.7–0.8 mPa·s near 20°C

These figures are representative reference values, not a substitute for a supplier’s current Technical Data Sheet (TDS) or Safety Data Sheet (SDS). Confirm the applicable test method, temperature, and product grade before using specifications for purchasing or process design.

What Is n-Butyl Acetate Used For?

n-Butyl Acetate is primarily used as a solvent in industrial formulations. It can dissolve or help disperse selected resins and organic ingredients, while its evaporation profile influences film formation, surface appearance, and drying behavior. The exact performance depends on the resin system, solvent blend, application method, and production conditions.

1. Paints and Industrial Coatings

In paints and coatings, n-Butyl Acetate acts as a solvent for compatible binders and formulation ingredients. It can help control viscosity, application behavior, leveling, and film formation. Coating manufacturers may evaluate it for automotive refinishing, industrial finishes, and other solvent-based systems.

Its suitability depends on resin chemistry, required drying time, film thickness, ambient temperature, and ventilation. Formulators should conduct compatibility and application tests rather than choosing a solvent based on evaporation rate alone.

2. Printing Inks

Printing ink manufacturers may use n-Butyl Acetate in selected solvent-based ink systems. The solvent blend influences viscosity, transfer, drying, and compatibility with the ink’s resin and pigment system. Suitability varies by printing technology, substrate, and production speed.

Before adopting a grade, manufacturers should verify solvent purity, water content, residual impurities, and the relevant specifications for the finished ink. Food-contact packaging applications may require additional regulatory and migration assessments.

3. Adhesives and Resin Formulations

n-Butyl Acetate can serve as a solvent or formulation component in certain adhesive and resin systems. Its role may include adjusting viscosity and supporting uniform application. However, it is not suitable for every adhesive chemistry, and the final formulation must meet requirements for bonding strength, drying, emissions, and substrate compatibility.

4. Chemical Manufacturing and Specialty Formulations

Some chemical manufacturers use n-Butyl Acetate as a processing solvent or formulation ingredient. Its usefulness depends on the solubility of the target materials, process temperature, solvent recovery requirements, and applicable safety controls.

For industrial procurement, buyers should distinguish between use as a process solvent, a formulation ingredient, and a chemical intermediate. These roles can require different purity limits and documentation.

What Factors Affect n-Butyl Acetate Performance?

• Evaporation rate: Influences drying behavior and the time available for leveling.
• Solvency: Depends on the resin, polymer, and other formulation components.
• Purity: Water and other impurities may affect process consistency.
• Temperature: Changes evaporation behavior and can affect viscosity.
• Formulation balance: A solvent blend may perform differently from a single solvent.

n-Butyl Acetate vs. Other Industrial Solvents

Solvent	General Characteristics	Selection Consideration
n-Butyl Acetate	Ester solvent with a moderate evaporation profile	Evaluate for coatings, inks, and compatible resin systems
Ethyl Acetate	Generally faster-evaporating ester solvent	Consider when faster drying is required and formulation compatibility is confirmed
Methyl Acetate	Low-boiling ester solvent with rapid evaporation	Assess process controls, emissions, and drying requirements

The most appropriate solvent depends on the formulation, performance targets, workplace controls, and local regulatory requirements. Review Ethyl Acetate and Methyl Acetate as potential alternatives when comparing solvent systems.

How to Select an Industrial Grade

When sourcing n-Butyl Acetate, buyers should match the product specification to the intended process. Relevant checks include:

• Purity and limits for relevant impurities
• Water content and acidity, where specified
• Appearance and consistency between batches
• Compatibility with the resin or formulation
• Current TDS, SDS, and Certificate of Analysis (CoA)
• Packaging, transport requirements, and supplier traceability

There is no single grade that is automatically suitable for every application. Coatings, inks, adhesives, and chemical processing may require different acceptance criteria. Buyers in Iran, India, and Turkey should confirm the applicable import, labeling, transport, and storage requirements before placing an order.

Safety, Handling, and Storage

n-Butyl Acetate is a flammable liquid. Its vapors may irritate the eyes or respiratory tract, and exposure can cause symptoms such as dizziness. Always consult the current SDS for the exact product supplied and follow the site’s chemical risk assessment.

• Use suitable ventilation and avoid breathing concentrated vapors.
• Keep the solvent away from heat, sparks, open flames, and other ignition sources.
• Use compatible, properly closed containers in a cool, designated storage area.
• Follow the SDS for personal protective equipment, spill response, and firefighting measures.
• Store and transport the product in accordance with applicable local regulations.

Packaging and Industrial Supply

Packaging options and minimum order quantities depend on supplier availability, destination, and transport requirements. Before confirming an order, request the current specification, CoA, SDS, available packaging formats, lead time, and delivery terms. This helps procurement teams compare offers on technical suitability as well as price.

Where to Source n-Butyl Acetate

Aasad Chimie provides information about its n-Butyl Acetate product for industrial buyers. Review the available chemical product range and contact the team to confirm current specifications, packaging, availability, and supply terms.

For product inquiries, use the Aasad Chimie contact page to discuss your application and purchasing requirements.

Technical References

• PubChem: n-Butyl Acetate chemical information
• European Chemicals Agency (ECHA): Chemical safety information

Technical review: Aasad Chimie Technical Team
Last updated: October 2026