General Description
A clear colorless liquid with a mild odor. Flash point 168°F. Less dense than water and insoluble in water. Vapors heavier than air. Used as a solvent, and to make other chemicals.
Reactivity Profile
BUTYL LACTATE(138-22-7) is an ester. Esters react with acids to liberate heat along with alcohols and acids. Strong oxidizing acids may cause a vigorous reaction that is sufficiently exothermic to ignite the reaction products. Heat is also generated by the interaction of esters with caustic solutions. Flammable hydrogen is generated by mixing esters with alkali metals and hydrides. Avoid contact with strong oxidizing agents and strong bases. Will not polymerize [USCG, 1999].
Air & Water Reactions
Insoluble in water.
Hazard
Toxic. Upper respiratory tract irritant.
Health Hazard
VAPOR: Headache, coughing, possible sleepiness, nausea or vomiting, or dizziness may result. LIQUID: Irritating to skin and eyes.
Potential Exposure
Butyl lactate is a liquid. Molecular
weight 5 146.19; boiling point 5 170C @ 760 mmHg;
freezing/melting point 5 243C; flash point 5 71C(oc). Autoignition temperature 5 340382C. Hazard
identification (based on NFPA-704 M Rating System):
Health 1; flammability 2; reactivity 0 ?. Slightly soluble in
water.
First aid
If this chemical gets into the eyes, remove any
contact lenses at once and irrigate immediately for at least
15 minutes, occasionally lifting upper and lower lids. Seek
medical attention immediately. If this chemical contacts the
skin, remove contaminated clothing and wash immediately
with soap and water. Seek medical attention immediately.
If this chemical has been inhaled, remove from exposure,
begin rescue breathing (using universal precautions, including resuscitation mask) if breathing has stopped and CPR if
heart action has stopped. Transfer promptly to a medicalfacility. When this chemical has been swallowed, get medical attention. Give large quantities of water and induce
vomiting. Do not make an unconscious person vomit
Shipping
A UN1993 Flammable liquids, n.o.s., Hazard
Class: 3; Labels: 3—Flammable liquid, Technical Name
Required.
Incompatibilities
May form explosive mixture with air.
Incompatible with oxidizers (chlorates, nitrates, peroxides,
permanganates, perchlorates, chlorine, bromine, fluorine,
etc.); contact may cause fires or explosions. Keep away
from alkaline materials, strong bases, strong acids, oxoacids, epoxides
Chemical Properties
Butyl lactate has a faintly sweet, pleasant odor with buttery, creamy, milky, sweet, mushroom undertones. Two optically
active and one racemic form of butyl lactate are known.
Chemical Properties
CLEAR COLOURLESS LIQUID
Waste Disposal
Dissolve or mix the material
with a combustible solvent and burn in a chemical incinerator equipped with an afterburner and scrubber. All federal,
state, and local environmental regulations must be
observed.
Occurrence
Reported found in cognac, cider and white wine.
Definition
ChEBI: Butyl lactate is a carboxylic ester.
Preparation
The racemic d-form is prepared by reacting zinc ammonium l-lactate with n-butyl alcohol in the presence of concentrated
H2SO4; the l-form is prepared by reacting zinc ammonium d-lactate with n-butyl alcohol in the presence of HCl; the racemic form
is prepared by several methods, one being from calcium or sodium lactate and n-butyl alcohol in benzene in the presence of H2SO4,
with subsequent azeotropic distillation of the mixture.
Production Methods
n-Butyl lactate may be prepared via esterification of lactic
acid and n-butyl alcohol.
Taste threshold values
Taste characteristic at 100 ppm: harsh and sulfuraceous with fruit notes.
storage
Color Code—Red: Flammability Hazard: Store ina flammable liquid storage area or approved cabinet awayfrom ignition sources and corrosive and reactive materials.Prior to working with this chemical you should be trainedon its proper handling and storage. Before entering confinedspace where butyl lactate may be present, check to makesure that an explosive concentration does not exist. Store intightly closed containers in a cool, well-ventilated area.Metal containers involving the transfer of this chemicalshould be grounded and bonded. Where possible, automatically pump liquid from drums or other storage containers toprocess containers. Drums must be equipped with self-closing valves, pressure vacuum bungs, and flame arresters. Useonly nonsparking tools and equipment, especially whenopening and closing containers of this chemical. Sources ofignition, such as smoking and open flames, are prohibitedwhere this chemical is used, handled, or stored in a mannerthat could create a potential fire or explosion hazard.
