Isobutyl acetate (also known as 2-methylpropyl ethanoate) is a chemical compound with a molecular formula of C6H12O2. It is produced from the esterification of isobutanol with acetic acid. Isobutyl Acetate is used as a solvent in the production of polymers, resins, oils, lacquers, and nitrocellulose.
Isobutyl acetate has three isomers: n-butyl acetate, tert-butyl acetate, and sec-butyl acetate, which are also common solvents.
Characterization of Isobutyl acetate
Isobutyl acetate(also known as Acetic acid, isobutyl ester) is a clear colourless liquid with a fruity odour. While at low concentrations, this product has a fruity or floral smell, at higher concentrations the odour can be unpleasant and may cause symptoms such as nausea, dizziness, and headache.
Isobutyl acetate is highly flammable with a flash point of 18º C and a flammability rating of 3. It is highly miscible with common organic solvents such as alcohols, ketones, glycols, and esters. However, Isobutyl acetate is slightly miscible in water. Advantages of Isobutyl acetate include:
- Good solvent activity
- Low surface tension
- Low water solubility
- Readily biodegradable
- Mild odour
Some properties of Isobutyl acetate include:
- Its molar mass is 16 g. mol-1.
- Its melting point is -99 °C.
- Its boiling point is 118 °C.
- Its density is 867 gcm–3
Applications of Isobutyl acetate
Isobutyl Acetate is mainly used in the paints and coatings industry for wood varnishes, architectural coatings, printing inks and adhesives. Plus, it is used in thinners, sealants, cleaners, and personal care products. Some uses of Isobutyl Acetate include:
- Architectural coatings
- General industrial coatings
- Printing inks
- Metal coatings
- Protective coatings
- Wood coatings
Isobutyl acetate production
Isobutyl acetate is generally produced by Fischer esterification, where isobutyl alcohol and acetic anhydride are heated together in the presence of a strong acid. In this process, sulfuric acid is added after acetic anhydride and isobutanol are mixed, and heated. Finally, Isobutyl acetate is obtained by fractional distillation.
Isobutyl acetate storage
Isobutyl acetate should be kept in a cool, dry and well-ventilated facility away from oxidizing agents. Other storage conditions include:
- Isobutyl acetate should be kept out of direct sunlight, heat and open flames.
- Solvents such as Isobutyl acetate should be stored in drummed containers such as isotanks made of stainless steel, aluminum or carbon steel.
- For transportation purposes, Isobutyl acetate is classed as a flammable liquid with a fire hazard rating of 2.
Isobutyl acetate health hazards
Isobutyl acetate is highly flammable. It Will be easily ignited by heat, sparks or flames. In high temperatures, Isobutyl acetate may form explosive mixtures in the air. It must be stored in tightly closed containers.
Isobutyl acetate does not cause serious health problems in lower concentrations. However, it is hazardous in higher concentrations.
- Isobutyl acetate vapours may irritate the upper respiratory tract and cause nausea, vomiting, dizziness and loss of consciousness.
- Isobutyl acetate liquid irritates the eyes and may irritate the skin.
FAQ
What is Isobutyl acetate used for?
Isobutyl Acetate has strong solubility. It is used as a diluent and solvent in different industries. Plus, it forms the lowest azeotrope with water and can be used as an azeotroping agent in azeotropic distillation processes.
What is another name for Isobutyl acetate?
Isobutyl acetate, also known as 2-methylpropyl ethanoate (IUPAC name) or β-methylpropyl acetate, is a common solvent. It is used as a solvent for lacquer and nitrocellulose.
Is isobutyl acetate soluble in water?
Isobutyl acetate is Slightly soluble in water (0.63–0.7 g/100g at 20 °C).
Is Isobutyl acetate hazardous?
Isobutyl acetate does not cause serious health problems in lower concentrations. However, it is hazardous in higher concentrations.
Is Isobutyl acetate flammable?
Isobutyl acetate is highly flammable. It Will be easily ignited by heat, sparks or flames. It must be stored in tightly closed containers.
How much does Isobutyl acetate cost per kg?
ArChem Isobutyl acetate can be purchased in a variety of volumes. Depending on your orders, prices are different. For more information, please contact our technical sales team in ArChem.
What is Isobutyl acetate?
Isobutyl acetate, also known as 2-methylpropyl ethanoate, is a common solvent. It is produced from the esterification of isobutanol with acetic acid. Isobutyl acetate appears as a clear colourless liquid with a fruity odour.
What is the most important application of Isobutyl acetate?
Isobutyl acetate is used as a solvent in different industries. It is mainly used in the paints and coatings industry.