Solvents
REACH
Butyl acetate
CAS Number
123-86-4
EC Number
204-658-1
FEMA Number
FEMA 2174
Abbreviation
NBA
What is Butyl acetate?
Butyl acetate (CAS 123-86-4), also known as NBA, is a fast-evaporating ester solvent. FEMA 2174.
Where is Butyl acetate used?
- Coatings and adhesives: dissolves nitrocellulose, acrylics and vinyl resins in industrial and automotive finishing systems
- Nail care and cosmetics: primary solvent in nail lacquers and polish removers, controlling viscosity and film formation
- Food and flavour: fruity note in confectionery, beverages and baked goods, imparting apple and pear profiles
- Metalworking and lubricants: carrier solvent for cutting fluids and surface treatment formulations
- It serves as a preferred carrier in formulations requiring clean, residue-free drying.
- Pharmaceutical industry: used as an extraction solvent.
- Leather manufacturing: solvent for lacquers and for dyeing and tanning hides.
Good to know: Food-grade and flavour-grade material meets FCC specifications; high-purity grades are needed for regulated food and cosmetic applications.
Typical specification
- Main substance concentration at least 99.0%.
- Water content no more than 0.02%.
Regulatory status
- EU-OEL: 241 mg/m³, 50 ppm as TWA; 723 mg/m³, 150 ppm as STEL.
- Classified as a flammable liquid, category 3, with hazard statement H226 (flammable liquid and vapor).
- UN transport classification: Class 3, Packing Group II.
- Classified under the harmonised CLP classification with hazard statement H336: may cause drowsiness or dizziness.
Storage, packaging and handling
- Reacts with strong oxidants, strong acids and strong bases, creating a fire and explosion risk.
- Store fireproof, separated from strong oxidants, strong bases and strong acids, and keep cool.
Frequently asked questions about Butyl acetate
- How is butyl acetate classified under ADR transport regulations?
- Under ADR transport regulations it is classified and labeled as class 3.
Technical content is compiled and updated by the SoleChem product team from public technical sources; the certificate of analysis (COA) governs product-specific specifications.
Other Names (Synonyms)
n-butylacetate|n-butyl ethanoate|n-butyl ester of acetic acid|butyl ethanoate|butyl ester of acetic acid|acetic acid, butyl ester|acetic acid n-butyl ester|1-butylacetate|NBA
What are the physical properties of Butyl acetate?
Melting Point -78 °C
Boiling Point 126.1 °C
Density 0.8826 g/cm³ @ Temp: 20 °C
Flash Point 74 °F
Appearance Butyl acetates are colorless or yellowish liquids with pleasant, fruity odors. There are 4 isomers.
Color ≤10(APHA)
Odor Characteristic; agreeable fruity (in low concentrations); non residual.
Form Liquid
Water Solubility 0.7 g/100 mL (20 ºC)
Vapor Pressure 15 mm Hg ( 25 °C)
Refractive Index n 20/D 1.394(lit.)
pH 6.2 (5.3g/l, H2O, 20℃)(External MSDS)
Log P 1.82-2.3 at 25℃
How is Butyl acetate classified and handled safely? Learn More
Warning
GHS02· Flammable GHS07· Irritant GHS06· Toxic GHS08· Health Hazard
Hazard Statements
H225 Highly Flammable liquid and vapor
H226 Flammable liquid and vapor
H316 Causes mild skin irritation
H320 Causes eye irritation
Precautionary Statements
P210 Keep away from heat, hot surfaces, sparks, open flames and other ignition sources. No smoking.
P233 Keep container tightly closed.
P240 Ground and bond container and receiving equipment.
P241 Use explosion-proof [electrical/ventilating/lighting/…] equipment.
Which trade and regulatory codes apply to Butyl acetate?
HS Code 29153300
UN Number 1123
ADR Class 3
Packing Group III
Storage Class 3 - Flammable liquids
WGK (Germany) 1