Butyl Acetate
Butyl acetate is a clear, colorless liquid with the chemical formula C6H12O2 and a molar mass of 116.16 g/mol. It is highly flammable, with a flash point of 24°C, a boiling point of 126°C, and a melting point of -78°C. Its density is 882 kg/m³, which is lower than that of water. While it has low solubility in water, it dissolves well in organic solvents, and it has a fragrance reminiscent of banana and apple.
Production Process
Butyl acetate, or n-butyl acetate, is an ester produced via the esterification of butanol and its isomers (isobutanol, 2-butanol, tert-butanol) in the presence of a strong mineral acid such as sulfuric acid. The process involves reacting butanol and acetic acid with sulfuric acid as a catalyst, producing water as a byproduct.
In production, normal butanol and acetic acid are introduced into a reactor, followed by the addition of 1% sulfuric acid catalyst. The heat from the exothermic reaction initiates the process, and after the reaction reaches a stable temperature, it continues until water is separated from the butyl acetate produced, which contains around 83% by weight of butyl acetate along with residual catalyst and unreacted alcohol. The product is then purified using sodium carbonate, and the resulting mixture is washed with water.
Storage
Butyl acetate must be stored at low temperatures, avoiding freezing. The container lid should be tightly sealed after each use, and the storage area must be well-ventilated due to its flammable nature, away from heat sources and flames. It should not be kept near food due to the potential release of gases.
Applications
Butyl acetate is widely used in producing marking materials, sealants, adhesives, and architectural coatings, leading to increased demand in the construction industry. It is also essential in manufacturing printing inks, automotive plastics, automotive components, and packaging materials. As industries like automotive, construction, and food and beverage grow, the demand for butyl acetate is expected to rise. It is also common in cosmetics and fragrances, where it is used to disperse scents and act as a binding agent in product formulation.
Hazards
Butyl acetate is highly flammable and can ignite with minimal heat, sparks, or flame. Its vapors can form explosive mixtures with air, being heavier than air and posing a risk of explosion in confined spaces.
Conclusion
Butyl acetate, produced via butanol esterification, has significant applications in various industries due to its properties. However, its flammable nature necessitates careful storage in cool, well-ventilated, and dry locations.
Butyl Acetate Production and Its Applications
This project explores the production process of butyl acetate and its applications across industries. For purchasing or more information, please follow the provided link.