What is Iso Butyl Acetate?
Iso butyl acetate is a chemical compound with a molecular formula of C6H12O2. This product is a colourless liquid that has a fruity ester odour. It is commonly used as a solvent in the production of polymers, resins, oils and cellulose. This product is highly flammable with a flash point of 18º C and a flammability rating of 3. It is highly miscible with all common organic solvents (alcohols, ketones, glycols, esters) but only slightly miscibility in water.
How is it produced?
The most common method for chemically manufacturing iso butyl acetate is via the esterification of isobutyl alcohol and acetic acid which are heated in the presence of a strong acid.
How is it stored and distributed?
A chemical wholesaler would have a bulk petrochemical storage facility to maintain the product. Storage is normally in a cool, dry and well ventilated facility away from oxidising agents. Iso butyl acetate should be kept out of direct sunlight, heat and open flames. Solvents such as iso butyl acetate should be stored in drummed containers such as isotanks made of stainless steel, aluminium or carbon steel.
A bulk chemical distributor would normally export this solvent in bulk vessels or tank trucks. For transportation purposes, iso butyl acetate is classed as a flammable liquid with a fire hazard rating of 2. A full bulk chemical exporter would distribute the solvent through-out regions such as the UK, Europe, Africa and America. This product is a packing group 2.
What is Iso Butyl Acetate used for?
Iso Butyl Acetate has great solvency traits for polymers, resins, oils, cellulose and readily thinned with aliphatic hydrocarbons. It is mainly used in the paints and coatings industry for wood varnishes, architectural coatings, printing inks and adhesives. It can replace n-butyl acetate if a coating needs to dry quicker. It is also widely used in aerosol sprays, thinners, sealants, cleaners, fragrance, cosmetics and personal care-products. The primary end user market of this product is paints, coatings, cosmetics and cleaning industries.
