Butyl acetate

Butyl Acetate

Synthesis of butyl acetate

Butyl acetate is an ester that is commonly used as a solvent in the production of lacquers, varnishes, and other coatings. It is also used in the manufacture of plastics, artificial leather, and safety glass.

Chemical Structure and Properties

Butyl acetate is an ester formed from the reaction of acetic acid and butanol. Its chemical formula is C₆H₁₂O₂. It is a colorless liquid with a characteristic fruity odor, which is why it is sometimes used as a flavoring agent in food and beverages.

Physical Properties

• Molecular weight: 116.16 g/mol
• Boiling point: 126 °C
• Density: 0.882 g/cm³
• Solubility: Slightly soluble in water, but miscible with most organic solvents.

Chemical Properties

Butyl acetate is a stable compound but can undergo hydrolysis in the presence of water and acid or base to form butanol and acetic acid.

Synthesis

The synthesis of butyl acetate is typically carried out via esterification of butanol with acetic acid in the presence of an acid catalyst such as sulfuric acid. The reaction is reversible and reaches equilibrium, so the removal of water is necessary to drive the reaction to completion.

Applications

Butyl acetate is widely used in the paint and coating industry due to its excellent solvent properties. It is also used in the production of adhesives, inks, and cleaning agents.

Safety and Handling

Butyl acetate is flammable and should be handled with care. It can cause irritation to the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract. Proper personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves and goggles should be worn when handling this chemical.

Related Pages

• Esterification
• Acetic acid
• Butanol
• Solvent

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  Butyl acetate chemical structure
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  3D ball model of butyl acetate
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  Synthesis of butyl acetate