n-Butylacetate

What is n-butyl acetate?

n-butyl acetate is a colourless, flammable liquid with a fruity odour that belongs to the ester group. It is often used as a solvent in the paint, colour and coating industry. In addition to its role as a solvent, n-butyl acetate is also an important component in the production of adhesives and cleaning agents.

Origin

n-butyl acetate is produced by the esterification of acetic acid with n-butanol. It is mainly used as a solvent in the paint and coatings industry, in the production of printing inks and adhesives and in the cosmetics industry.

Recognition

n-Butyl acetate is a clear, colourless liquid with a fruity odour. It is moderately volatile and soluble in water. Contact with n-butyl acetate may cause eye and skin irritation, and inhalation of the vapours may cause headaches and dizziness.

Limit values

In Germany, the limit values for n-butyl acetate are regulated by the Technical Instructions on Air Quality Control (TA-Luft) and the occupational exposure limit values (OEL). The OEL for I n-butyl acetate is 100 ppm (parts per million) or 480 mg/m³. These limit values are intended to ensure that the concentrations in the workplace do not cause any damage to health.

Hazards

Health: High exposure to n-butyl acetate can cause eye and skin irritation. Inhalation of the vapours leads to headaches, dizziness and nausea. Long-term exposure may affect the central nervous system. Environment: n-Butyl acetate is biodegradable, but may pollute water and soil in high concentrations. It is moderately toxic to aquatic organisms. Economic damage: Due to its flammability, there is a considerable risk of fire and explosion if handled improperly, which can lead to considerable material damage.