| Description |
Butyl butyrate is a kind of ester formed through the condensation of butyric acid and n-butanol. It has a pleasant flavor, and thus being used in the flavor industry to generate a sweet fruity flavor of pineapple-like. It occurs naturally in many kinds of fruits including apple, banana, berries, pear, plum, and strawberry. It is also found in alcoholic beverages. However, it should be noted that it is a marine pollutant, posing a threat to the marine environment. It may also penetrate into soil, contaminating groundwater and other nearby waterways. |
| References |
https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Butyl_butyrate#section=Top
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Butyl_butyrate |
| Chemical Properties |
CLEAR COLORLESS TO PALE YELLOWISH LIQUID |
| Definition |
ChEBI: A butanoate ester of butan-1-ol. |
| General Description |
A colorless liquid. Insoluble in water. A marine pollutant. Poses a threat to the aquatic environment. Immediate steps should be taken to prevent spread to the environment. May penetrate soils and contaminate groundwater and nearby waterways. Mildly irritates the eyes and skin. |
| Air & Water Reactions |
Insoluble in water. |
| Reactivity Profile |
Butyl butyrate reacts with acids to liberate heat along with butyl alcohol and butyric acid. Strong oxidizing acids may cause a vigorous reaction that is sufficiently exothermic to ignite the reaction products. Heat is also generated by interaction with caustic solutions. Flammable hydrogen is generated by mixing with alkali metals and hydrides. May attack some forms of plastics [USCG, 1999]. |
| Health Hazard |
Inhalation or ingestion causes headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and narcosis. Contact with liquid irritates eyes. |
| Fire Hazard |
Some may burn but none ignite readily. Containers may explode when heated. Some may be transported hot. |
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