Butyl acetate is a clear, flammable ester of acetic acid that occurs in n-, sec-, and tert- forms (INCHEM, 2005). Butyl acetate isomers have a fruity, banana-like odor (Furia, 1980). Isomers of butyl acetate are found in apples (Nicholas, 1973) and other fruits (Bisesi, 1994), as a well as in a number of food products, such as cheese, coffee, beer, roasted nuts, vinegar (Maarse and Visscher, 1989). Butyl acetate is manufactured via esterification of the respective alcohol with acetic acid or acetic anhydride (Bisesi, 1994). N-butyl acetate is used as a solvent for nitrocellulose-based lacquers, inks, and adhesives. Other uses include manufacture of artificial leathers, photographic film, safety glass, and plastics (Budavari, 1996). Isomers of butyl acetate are also used as flavoring agents, in manicure products, and as larvicides (Bisesi, 1994). The tert-isomer has been used as a gasoline additive (Budavari, 1996). It may be used as a synthetic fruit flavoring in candy, ice cream, cheeses, and baked goods (Dikshith, 2013).
Butyl acetate is a colorless or yellowish liquid with a strong fruity odor. burning and then sweet taste reminiscent of pineapple. It occurs in many fruits and is a constituent of apple aromas. Butyl acetate is incompatible with strong oxidizing agents, strong acids, and strong bases.
There are 4 isomers. At 20 °C, the density of the n-butyl isomer is 0.8825 g/ cm3, and the density of the sec-isomer is 0.8758 g/cm3 (Bisesi, 1994). The n-butyl isomer is soluble in most hydrocarbons and acetone, and it is miscible with ethanol, ethyl ether, and chloroform (Haynes, 2010). It dissolves many plastics and resins (NIOSH, 1981).
Clear, colorless liquid with a strong fruity odor resembling bananas. Sweetish taste as low
concentrations (<30 μg/L). Experimentally determined detection and recognition odor threshold
concentrations were 30 μg/m3 (6.3 ppbv) and 18 μg/m3 (38 ppbv), respectively (Hellman and
Small, 1974). Cometto-Mu?iz et al. (2000) reported nasal pungency threshold concentrations
ranged from approximately 550 to 3,500 ppm.
Reported present in rum ether, pears, pear brandy, cider, mango, mountain papaya (C. pubescens), soybean,
roasted peanuts and honey and other natural products.
Butyl acetate is one of the more important derivatives of n-butyl alcohol produced commercially, is employed as a solvent in rapid drying paints and coatings. In some instances, butyl acetate, C6H12O2, has replaced ethoxyethyl acetate due to the latter’s reported toxicity and teratogenicity.
n-Butyl acetate is used in the manufactureof lacquers, plastics, photographic films, andartificial leathers.
Butyl Acetate is a flavoring agent which is a clear, colorless liquid
possessing a fruity and strong odor. it is sparingly soluble in water
and miscible in alcohol, ether, and propylene glycol. it is also termed
n-butyl acetate.
ChEBI: Butyl acetate is the acetate ester of butanol. It has a role as a metabolite. It is functionally related to a butan-1-ol.
Butyl alcohol is combined with acetic acid in the presence of
a catalyst such as sulfuric acid. After esterification is complete,
the solution is distilled to yield butyl acetate .
By esterification of n-butyl alcohol with acetic acid.
A clear colorless liquid with a fruity odor. Flash point 72 - 88°F. Density 7.4 lb / gal (less than water). Hence floats on water. Vapors heavier than air.
Highly flammable. Very slightly soluble in water.
Butyl acetate 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. Attacks many plastics. [Handling Chemicals Safely 1980. p. 233].
Skin irritant, toxic. Flammable, moderate
fire risk. Eye and upper respiratory tract irritant.
The narcotic effects of n-butyl acetate isgreater than the lower alkyl esters of aceticacid. Also, the toxicities and irritant actionsare somewhat greater than n-propyl, iso propyl, and ethyl acetates. Exposure to its vapors at about 2000 ppm caused mild irritation of the eyes and salivation in test animals. A 4-hour exposure to 14,000 ppm wasfatal to guinea pigs. In humans, inhalation of 300-400 ppm of n-butyl acetate may produce moderate irritation of the eyes and throat, and headache.
Exposures to n-butyl acetate cause harmful effects that include, but are not limited to, coughing and shortness of breath. High concentrations have a narcotic effect, with symp toms such as sore throat, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. High concen trations of n-butyl acetate cause severe poisoning. Prolonged periods of exposure cause adverse effects to the lungs, the nervous system, and the mucous membranes. Repeated skin contact causes skin dryness or cracking, and dermatitis.
HIGHLY FLAMMABLE: Will be easily ignited by heat, sparks or flames. Vapors may form explosive mixtures with air. Vapors may travel to source of ignition and flash back. Most vapors are heavier than air. They will spread along ground and collect in low or confined areas (sewers, basements, tanks). Vapor explosion hazard indoors, outdoors or in sewers. Runoff to sewer may create fire or explosion hazard. Containers may explode when heated. Many liquids are lighter than water.
Moderately toxic by
intraperitoneal route. Mdly toxic by
inhalation and ingestion. An experimental
teratogen. A skin and severe eye irritant.
Human systemic effects by inhalation:
conjunctiva irritation, unspecified nasal and
respiratory system effects. A mild allergen.
High concentrations are irritating to eyes
and respiratory tract and cause narcosis.
Evidence of chronic systemic toxicity is
inconclusive. Flammable liquid. Moderately
explosive when exposed to flame. Ignites on
contact with potassium tert-butoxide. To
fight fire, use alcohol foam, CO2, dry
chemical. When heated to decomposition it
emits acrid and irritating fumes. See also
ESTERS.
n-Butyl acetate is an important solvent
in the production of lacquers, leather and airplane dopes,
and perfumes. It is used as a solvent and gasoline additive.
sec-Butyl acetate is used as a widely used solvent for
nitrocellulose, nail enamels and many different purposes.
tert-Butyl acetate is common industrial solvent used in the
making of lacquers, artificial leather, airplane dope, perfume; and as a food additive. Isobutyl acetate is used as a
solvent and in perfumes and artificial flavoring materials
If this chemical gets into the eyes, remove anycontact lenses at once and irrigate immediately for at least15 min, occasionally lifting upper and lower lids. Seek medical attention immediately. If this chemical contacts theskin, remove contaminated clothing and wash immediatelywith soap and water. Seek medical attention immediately. Ifthis chemical has been inhaled, remove from exposure,begin rescue breathing (using universal precautions, including resuscitation mask) if breathing has stopped and CPR ifheart action has stopped. Transfer promptly to a medicalfacility. When this chemical has been swallowed, get medical attention. Give large quantities of saltwater and inducevomiting. Do not make an unconscious person vomit.
There are no indications of mutagenic or
cytogenic effects for n-butyl acetate.
Identified as a volatile constituent released by fresh coffee beans (Coffea canephora
variety Robusta) at different stages of ripeness (Mathieu et al., 1998). Also identified among 139
volatile compounds identified in cantaloupe (Cucumis melo var. reticulates cv. Sol Real) using an
automated rapid headspace solid phase microextraction method (Beaulieu and Grimm, 2001).
n-Butyl acetate should be kept stored in a segregated and approved area. Workers
should keep the container in a cool, well-ventilated area, closed tightly, and sealed
until ready for use. Workers should avoid all possible sources of ignition/spark at the
workplace
UN1123 Butyl acetates, Hazard Class: 3; Labels:
3—Flammable liquid.
Distil, reflux with successive small portions of KMnO4 until the colour persists, dry with anhydrous CaSO4, filter and redistil. [Beilstein 2 IV 143.]
All butyl acetates are incompatible with
nitrates, strong oxidizers; strong alkalies; strong acids.
Butyl acetates may form explosive mixture with air; reacts
with water, on standing, to form acetic acid and n-butyl
alcohol. Violent reaction with strong oxidizers and
potassium-tert-butoxide. Dissolves rubber, many plastics,
resins and some coatings. May accumulate static electrical
charges, and may cause ignition of its vapors
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.
On exposure to Butyl acetate, immediately wash with plenty of water, also under the eyelids, for at least 15 min. Remove contact lenses. Butyl acetate is flammable in the pres ence of open flames, sparks, oxidizing materials, acids, and alkalis. It poses explosion risk in the presence of mechanical impact. For health safety, management authorities should provide exhaust ventilation facilities at the workplace to keep the airborne concentrations of vapors of Butyl acetate below TLV.
