Butyl Benzoate

Butyl benzoate is the esterification product of benzoic acid and n-butanol. It appears as a colorless to pale yellow, transparent oily liquid that can crystallize at low temperatures. It is insoluble in water but miscible with ethanol, diethyl ether, acetone, aromatic hydrocarbons, and chlorinated hydrocarbons. Capable of dissolving nitrocellulose and certain acrylic or alkyd resins, it serves as a high-boiling aromatic ester solvent.

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Product Introduction

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Basic physical properties

Appearance: Butyl Benzoate is a colorless to pale yellow transparent oily liquid; may crystallize at low temperatures (melting point of pure substance: -22 to -19°C; some literature cites -22.5°C).
Boiling point: 249–251°C (atmospheric pressure; approximately 38°C higher than ethyl benzoate).
Density: 1.00–1.01 g/cm³ (at 20°C; close to that of water).
Refractive index: n²⁰_D 1.498–1.500.
Flash point: 107–110°C (closed cup); a combustible liquid, not classified as low-flash-point.
Vapor pressure: Approx. 0.003 mmHg (at 25°C); virtually non-volatile at room temperature.
Solubility: Insoluble in water (<0.1 g/L); miscible with ethanol, diethyl ether, acetone, aromatic hydrocarbons, and chlorinated hydrocarbons; capable of dissolving nitrocellulose and certain acrylic/alkyd resins; functions as a high-boiling aromatic ester solvent.

chemical properties

General properties of aromatic esters: Acid/base hydrolysis yields benzoic acid and *n*-butanol; LiAlH₄ reduction yields benzyl alcohol and butanol.
The benzene ring undergoes *meta*-substitution (nitration/halogenation); the ester group does not undergo polymerization or Michael addition.
Stable; store in a sealed container away from light; undergoes saponification with strong bases upon heating.

Primary Uses

High-boiling solvent/plasticizer: Butyl benzoate serves as a carrier for nitrocellulose, resins, and fragrance fixatives.; slow-drying and leveling agent for coatings and inks.
Fragrance industry: Used as a fixative (long-lasting retention, mild inherent odor); used in blends with ylang-ylang and tuberose, and in soap fragrances.
Insecticide/pharmaceutical excipient: Historically used as a solvent carrier for pyrethroids such as permethrin; also used to enhance transdermal solubility in topical formulations.
Organic synthesis: Precursor for benzoylation reagents; pharmaceutical intermediate.

Safety and Toxicology

Acute toxicity:Butyl benzoate is classified as having low toxicity; oral LD₅₀ (rat) ≈ 5700 mg/kg; dermal LD₅₀ (rabbit) >2000 mg/kg.
Irritation: Liquid causes moderate eye irritation; prolonged skin contact causes defatting; GHS H319 (eye irritation), H315 (skin irritation).
Flammability/Explosion: Combustible; auto-ignition temperature approx. 425°C; extinguish with foam, dry powder, CO₂, or sand/earth.
Protection: Ensure ventilation; wear safety goggles and nitrile gloves; handle as a combustible liquid and low-toxicity chemical (not classified as Class 6.1).
Storage and transport: Store in a cool, sealed container; keep separate from strong bases and strong oxidizing agents.