Butyl acetate

Butyl acetate (CAS 123-86-4, EC 204-658-1, formula C6H12O2) is an ester solvent commercially identified under references including FEMA 2174, NSC 9298, and H 6D4051. It exists as four structural isomers, with the n-butyl form being the most commercially significant. No E-code designation applies to this substance.

In food and flavor manufacturing, butyl acetate functions as a flavorant by contributing characteristic fruity notes to confectionery and beverage formulations at controlled concentrations. Personal care formulators use it as a carrier solvent in nail lacquers and fragrance systems, where it dissolves film-forming resins and controls evaporation rate. In metalworking, it serves as a lubricating agent in cutting fluid formulations.

Butyl acetate is supplied in liquid form and is available in food-grade (FCC-compliant) and industrial grades depending on application requirements. The substance is registered under REACH and classified under HS code 29153300. Typical packaging includes drums and intermediate bulk containers (IBCs).