Chemical Properties
Butyl benzoate is a clear yellowish oily liquid or colorless viscous liquid. Insoluble in water,
poorly soluble in Propylene glycol, soluble in alcohol, 95% ethanol and oil, with sweet and soft with astringent floral and paste fragrance, very light ambergris scent, woody and spicy underlying fragrance. The aroma is weak and lingers long. B.P. 250℃. Sp.Gr. 1.01.
Uses
Butyl benzoate is used as a solvent for cellulose ether, a dye carrier for textiles, and a perfume ingredient . It occurs naturally as a volatile component of various fruits and vegetables. It has been approved by the FDA as an indirect food additive for use as a component of adhesives.
Application
Butyl benzoate has been used as:
preservative in commercial cosmetic lotions
as involatile solvent, for sampling of isocyanates with silica gel solid phase extraction
Definition
ChEBI: Butyl benzoate is a benzoate ester obtained by condensation of benzoic acid and butanol. It is used as a perfume ingredient and as a solvent for cellulose ether, a dye carrier for textiles. It has a role as an antimicrobial food preservative, a fragrance and a plant metabolite.
Production Methods
Butyl benzoate is formed by the direct esterification of
n-butyl alcohol with benzoic acid under azeotropic conditions
.
Flammability and Explosibility
Not classified
Safety Profile
Moderately toxic by
skin contact. Mildly toxic by ingestion.
Severe skin irritant and moderate eye
irritant. Combustible when exposed to heat
or flame; can react with oxidizing materials.
To fight fire, use Co2, dry chemical, water
mist, fog, spray. When heated to
decomposition it emits acrid and irritating
fumes. See also ESTERS.
