Chemists have worked with esters like N-Butyl Lactate for well over a century, but the journey began in the 1800s as laboratories first tried to unlock the uses of lactic acid derivatives. The search for greener and safer solvents took off in the late 20th century, when industries started moving away from legacy chemicals such as chlorinated solvents and traditional glycol ethers. N-Butyl Lactate emerged as a response to this shift. Production first took hold in regions with strong fermentation industries, since lactic acid gets made from fermenting sugars found in corn and sugar beet. Over time, techniques improved, costs dropped, and the push for low-toxicity, biodegradable solvents kept demand moving steadily upward. Every stage of its growth story shows a blend of old-world chemistry and new-world sustainability trends.
N-Butyl Lactate carries a clear, oily liquid appearance with a mild, pleasant odor. This ester combines lactic acid with n-butanol, turning two common chemical building blocks into a handy, high-boiling solvent. Commercially, companies pack it into drums or bulk containers, clearly labeled as N-Butyl Lactate or its synonyms to help buyers pick it out in a crowded market. Its appeal lies in its blend of strong solvency and low volatility, making it a favorite for cleaners, coatings, and specialty resins. Its biodegradable nature and reduced toxicity compared to older solvents give manufacturers a reason to switch. Each buyer cares about purity, so suppliers consistently provide assay numbers and water content specs in line with strict industry requirements.
People working with N-Butyl Lactate get to know its light yellow tinge, density around 0.99 g/cm3, and its boiling point close to 185°C. Its modest vapor pressure and near-neutral pH help limit hazards compared to aggressive alternatives. The ester displays full miscibility with most organic solvents and can tolerate small amounts of water without breaking down—something that stands out in the lab or on the plant floor. Flammability remains a concern, with a flash point near 75°C, so safe storage and handling practices never fall by the wayside. Its mild, fruity odor makes the work environment more tolerable than many other industrial solvents, reducing complaints from workers on the job.
Buyers often expect assay values above 98%, minimal water absorption below 0.5%, and controlled acidity. Leading suppliers include full documentation on batch origin, recommended storage temperatures (usually below 30°C), and guidance on shelf life. Safety Data Sheets (SDS) follow strict local and international standards, giving users reliable advice for everything from spill response to first aid, fire response, and transport. Labels usually carry hazard pictograms, packaging group info, and instructions for safe disposal, reflecting changes in chemical labeling over the last decade.
N-Butyl Lactate gets made by reacting lactic acid with n-butanol under acid catalysis, a straightforward esterification reaction. Lactic acid producers often use fermentation, which pulls plant sugars from crops that renew each season. Once the lactic acid is ready, factories react it in a stirred vessel, recover water through distillation, and wash/purify the resulting ester until it hits the purity target. Waste streams contain little more than water and trace reactants, a big win for sustainability. The use of renewable feedstocks makes the process popular among companies looking for better ESG scores and a reduced carbon footprint.
This ester stands up well in most formulating environments, resisting hydrolysis at neutral and mildly acidic/alkaline pH. Prolonged contact with strong acids or bases eventually splits it back to lactic acid and n-butanol. Industrial users sometimes blend N-Butyl Lactate with other solvents to match specific cleaning or dissolving jobs. Chemists sometimes convert it into other esters or ethers for niche applications, but most users take advantage of its strong hydrogen-bonding capability right out of the drum. This strength as a solvent owes much to its polar nature, which lets it dissolve both grease and certain polymers other green solvents can’t touch.
The chemical literature lists a handful of synonyms: 2-Hydroxypropionic Acid Butyl Ester, Butyl 2-hydroxypropanoate, and Butyl lactate. Labeling may also reflect region-specific codes or proprietary brand names, especially in European or Asian markets where local distributors handle sourcing. Knowledge of synonyms helps procurement teams avoid confusion and pick the exact grade needed for pharmaceuticals, coatings, or electronics.
Anyone storing or using N-Butyl Lactate must respect flammability and avoid contact with flames or hot metal, since its vapors can catch fire above 75°C. Facilities post clear instructions on spill response and remind workers to ventilate areas thoroughly. Standard PPE involves gloves, goggles, and aprons, especially for those handling bulk loads or cleaning up spills. Long-term studies on worker exposure remain positive, with nausea and eye irritation rare but possible if users skip ventilation or splash protection. Disposal rules line up with local waste solvent guidelines; most jurisdictions treat it as non-hazardous, but require careful separation from water sources due to its mild aquatic toxicity.
Paint and coatings firms use N-Butyl Lactate for its powerful solvency and leveling effects, which cut down on surface defects and help new finishes look crisp. Formulators in cleaning products add it to dissolve stubborn inks, adhesives, and greasy smudges that water can’t touch. In electronics, trace amounts help degrease components without leaving behind heavy residues, keeping circuit boards clean and functional. Lately, natural cosmetics and specialty pigment makers turn to it for gentle, sustainable extraction processes. Its journey from fermentation all the way to high-end clinical research labs highlights the chemical’s remarkable range.
Industry players and university chemists both keep pushing to improve process yields, minimize unwanted byproducts, and broaden the range of renewable feedstocks. Fermentation strains with better sugar uptake or acid tolerance help reduce costs at scale. At the same time, researchers check how modifications to the butyl group or the lactic acid backbone can improve cleaning efficiency or enable the compound to work in harsher conditions. Collaboration between chemical firms and downstream users guides the creation of specialty grades with lower odor, lower volatility, or tailored evaporative profiles. Patent activity has increased steadily, showing strong commitment to making each generation of product safer, greener, and more effective.
Studies in animal models and short-term human exposure scenarios suggest N-Butyl Lactate scores lower on most toxicity scales than classic solvents like acetone, toluene, or methylene chloride. It breaks down rapidly in the environment, and its main metabolites aren’t persistent or bioaccumulative. People rarely report allergic reactions, but high concentrations over long periods can cause mild dizziness or throat irritation. Regulatory agencies in the US, EU, and elsewhere keep close tabs on new research, adjusting safety thresholds if any concerning results emerge. Detailed reporting by manufacturers, direct feedback from users, and third-party academic papers all contribute to a growing, transparent safety record, supporting responsible expansion into sectors with high worker safety standards or environmental oversight.
Demand looks set to climb as sustainability targets change the way chemicals get sourced and used across the globe. Producers in Asia, Europe, and North America are upgrading facilities to use better feedstocks and more efficient reactors. The renewable origins and safer profile push N-Butyl Lactate into new territory, including biomedical devices, precision cleaning for optics, and advanced agricultural sprays. Stronger public focus on air quality and chemical residues gives specialty solvents with this background a solid leg up on the competition. Industry partnerships and open-source research both play a part in building more robust applications, fine-tuning performance, and shrinking the environmental footprint even further.
Walk into any hardware store, grab a can of paint or a tin of wood finish, and there’s a good chance it owes some of its workability to N-Butyl Lactate. Manufacturers reach for this solvent because it softens, dissolves, and carries pigments where water alone cannot. During my time painting old furniture and helping friends spruce up their homes, I learned the hard way that paints and coatings live or die by how well their ingredients blend and spread. N-Butyl Lactate helps achieve that smooth, even layer. And because it’s less aggressive than some strong-smelling chemicals, it cuts down on headaches—both literal and figurative—after a long day spent indoors.
Factories deal with greasy machinery and stubborn build-up. N-Butyl Lactate works well in industrial cleaners because it dissolves oils and residues without being harsh on the metal beneath. It stands up to heavy-duty grime in mechanical shops, electronics facilities, and places that need powerful cleaning without corroding parts or harming sensitive equipment. Studies show that using safer solvents can improve worker safety and decrease insurance claims in the long run. This approach keeps repair bills down and helps people avoid skin rashes or respiratory problems that harsher solvents sometimes cause.
Print shops rely on chemicals to prepare inks and clean presses. N-Butyl Lactate steps in to prevent ink from drying out too soon, which keeps lines crisp and colors true. Years ago, I had a short stint packing fliers at a press operation, and nothing slowed us down like gummy, dried-up rollers. Printers need a fluid that evaporates at the right speed—slow enough to let ink flow, fast enough not to pool or streak. Reports from the printing industry point out that N-Butyl Lactate delivers that balance, so jobs get finished faster with fewer rejects.
Not all solvents have a good relationship with the planet. Many are sourced from petroleum, linger in the air, or stink up a workspace. Here, N-Butyl Lactate holds an advantage. It comes from renewable sources such as corn or sugar beets. It also breaks down faster in the environment. This makes it safer to use compared to traditional petrochemical solvents. Environmental reports including those from the EPA list it among “greener” cleaning choices for companies aiming to reduce their impact.
Every chemical has risks. N-Butyl Lactate can still irritate skin or eyes and shouldn’t be inhaled in large amounts. I remember a friend in maintenance who learned the importance of gloves and good ventilation after one too many minor chemical burns. Labels on these products remind users to treat them with respect—simple steps like protective gear, ventilation fans, and storage away from heat sources help avoid problems.
Growing demand for safer and greener chemicals keeps companies working on better formulas. More paints and cleaners now list ingredients like N-Butyl Lactate because it brings performance without as much environmental baggage. Progress hinges on balancing safety, cleaning power, and long-term sustainability. Shifting away from harsher solvents in favor of those with better safety records makes a difference at the job site, in the home, and for the world outside.
Folk in industry circles discuss solvents all the time. For day-to-day life outside the lab, most folks don’t stop to wonder what their car cleaning agents or paint thinners do once they reach a drain or landfill. N-Butyl lactate slides under the radar compared to household names like acetone or toluene, but it has a footprint worth examining—especially when it comes to how it breaks down in nature.
Researchers and manufacturers have checked how N-butyl lactate behaves once it leaves the controlled conditions of a factory. Unlike many traditional petrochemical solvents, N-butyl lactate comes from lactic acid, a compound that’s already familiar to most outdoor spaces and wastewater systems. The good news: studies (European Chemicals Agency, US EPA, and academic reviews) have shown that bacteria, fungi, and other microbes can digest N-butyl lactate pretty efficiently.
Under standard soil and water conditions, it takes just a few days to a couple of weeks before the compound splits into butanol and lactic acid. Both of those breakdown byproducts can be handled by bacteria that live in rivers, soils, and sewage plants. For the skeptical, keep in mind that published tests (like OECD 301 standards) confirm N-butyl lactate achieves more than 90% degradation in less than a month.
Plenty of companies and agencies push for “greener” solvents, but those claims only matter if what’s marketed as safer actually does less harm. As someone who’s led school science projects with young students near riverbanks, I saw up close how minor spills or dumping add up over time. Replacing classic solvents with a biodegradable one like N-butyl lactate goes farther than a marketing label or a green-colored bottle. The next time a painter hoses off tools or a mechanic degreases engine parts, runoff that contains this solvent won’t linger in water or soil for years, nor will it poison microbial life that break down leaves and trash.
No chemical gets a blank check, though. Speedy biodegradation doesn’t guarantee no risk, just as clever chemistry doesn’t excuse careless disposal. High concentrations of N-butyl lactate—dumped all at once—could still disrupt ecosystems until microbes do their work. Keeping disposal rates moderate and ensuring well-oxygenated breaking-down conditions helps. My background in municipal waste policy taught me that even biodegradable products backfire if people toss them out carelessly; systems and habits matter just as much as the compound’s science.
Community programs, industry rules, and education go a long way. Regulatory agencies already demand proof of biodegradability for any solvent meant for green chemistry labels, but waste handlers and everyday users need guidance. Updating local guidelines to state plainly what fits in water-safe disposal bins removes confusion. Even small shops benefit when they know what risks drop once they switch from a stubborn solvent to one that nature handles better.
Switching to N-butyl lactate doesn’t turn every job chemical-free, but it does show how combining smart science with public education makes a real difference. I’ve watched workplaces shrink their compliance worries when they choose safer solvents—fewer headaches, fewer environmental accidents, and a smaller cleanup bill on both the wallet and planet. For those choosing cleaning agents or degreasers, focusing on true biodegradability means less regret downstream and cleaner ground under our feet.
N-Butyl lactate carries the chemical formula C7H14O3. This formula may seem like a string of numbers and letters, but for anyone curious about how chemicals show up in everyday products, it pays to look closer. When looking for non-toxic options in industrial or household cleaners, names like N-Butyl lactate start to pop up more often. This compound comes straight from lactic acid and n-butanol; both exist in plenty of natural and commercial processes. Scrubbing the kitchen counter, refinishing wood, or painting, chances are pretty good some bottle has this ester on the label.
Chemical literacy sounds like something for chemists in white coats, but knowing the formula of N-butyl lactate affects daily choices. That formula, C7H14O3, reveals things about safety, biodegradability, and purity. One look at the breakdown shows this chemical does not hide chlorine or lingering heavy metals. Working in construction, spending time painting a fence or working with cleaning crews, I learned to scan product sheets. Spotting C7H14O3 gives me a little confidence. This compound breaks down into butanol and lactic acid, both more manageable for wastewater systems than aggressive, petroleum-based solvents.
There is a push toward safer, environmentally gentler solvents. Many manufacturers have moved away from harsh options loaded with volatile organic compounds, which spike up air pollution indoors and out. N-Butyl lactate stands out as an answer for people demanding fewer headaches and less skin irritation. It evaporates slower than solvents like acetone. That longer working time matters if you care about finish quality or want to avoid breathing concentrated fumes.
Safe does not mean skip the gloves and pour down the drain. The right chemical formula helps people know what kind of protection works. For N-butyl lactate, gloves and goggles go a long way. Working on a refurbishment project, our team used this ester for degreasing metal parts. Even though the chemical feels less aggressive, a basic check of the formula tells you it will break up grease without dissolving skin. Still, ventilation and reasonable handling keep jobs trouble-free.
Seeing more companies announcing “greener” products, chemical formulas turn into a kind of fingerprint. C7H14O3 tells buyers what’s inside. Trust only grows with clear facts—not vague marketing. In today’s repair shops and cleaning services, every solvent leaves a trail downstream. N-butyl lactate tends to score higher for biodegradability than heavier petroleum distillates. Literature across journals like the Journal of Hazardous Materials backs up its rapid breakdown in water and soil, showing it’s less likely to linger and build up. That’s something I always look for on data sheets before using a product in a group setting or around families.
Even safer solvents present opportunities for tighter safety rules, smarter labeling, and more transparent supply chains. The drive for chemistry that serves both people and the planet invites researchers to tweak the structure—maybe swapping to recycled butanol, or pushing renewable feedstocks for lactic acid. Sticking with what works, while asking for cleaner formulas, encourages everyone from product managers to buyers to keep demanding honesty and improvement. Understanding the simple formula, C7H14O3, keeps the conversation grounded in reality, and brings better choices to light on store shelves and in workshops alike.
Walking into a lab on my first job, I learned that even common solvents can surprise you. Among the long list of bottles, N-Butyl Lactate didn’t sound as intimidating as some chemicals. Folks using it for paints or as a cleaning fluid see it as just another liquid. Still, every chemical tells its own story on safety, and N-Butyl Lactate has a few chapters worth knowing.
N-Butyl Lactate pops up all over—cleaning agents, coatings, even electronics. It dissolves a good range of things, which makes it a favorite in certain circles. But ease of use rarely equates to carefree handling. Sometimes, people get the sense that something biodegradable can’t possibly pose harm. Research points out that while this solvent breaks down in the environment more easily than some alternatives, that trait alone doesn’t turn it into water.
Once, refilling a pipette, I let a single drop land on my skin. At first, nothing much happened, but after half an hour, my skin felt prickly and red. It wasn’t dramatic, but the reminder stuck. Studies confirm my experience—prolonged contact can irritate the skin and eyes. Breathing in vapors during a messy spill left colleagues with headaches and a scratchy throat. Not exactly stuff to brush off.
Looking up peer-reviewed articles, the safety data lines up. Acute exposure leads to eye and skin irritation. Inhaling large amounts over time can produce central nervous system symptoms like dizziness, nausea, or headaches. The solvent’s low volatility means fumes don’t hit hard at every moment, but carelessness builds up trouble over time in a poorly ventilated space.
Gloves, goggles, and proper ventilation form the basics. I learned to work near a fume hood—not because safety posters said so, but because I value keeping my lungs clear. It’s tempting to skip gloves for “just a moment,” but skin absorbs much more than most people guess. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and European Chemicals Agency databases both highlight the importance of minimizing repeated exposure.
In my own labs, storage became an important routine without even thinking about it. Keeping containers sealed after use cuts down on vapor leaks and accidental splashes. Clean spills quickly with absorbent pads, not paper towels. The chemical does break down, but this matters more after disposal—nobody wants to mop up a strong-smelling mess mingling into the air.
I’ve seen shops dump spent N-Butyl Lactate down the drain, hoping that “biodegradable” translates into safe. Environmental studies show this approach adds up, harming water ecosystems if enough people follow suit. Waste disposal regulations usually steer used solvent toward proper recycling streams, protecting both water and air.
N-Butyl Lactate won’t threaten health dramaticly if workers keep protections in place. Training and personal experience build trust in those simple routines. Anyone working with chemicals owes it to themselves and their environment to keep the respect high and the care steady. The chemical itself doesn’t demand fear, but it does ask for basic respect—something earned only through experience and following the facts.
Working with solvents like N-Butyl Lactate, I’ve seen firsthand how a bit of preparation can prevent headaches later. This liquid gets used across plenty of industries—from coatings to cleaners—because it dissolves well, but can cause problems if left on its own terms. Leaving it on a crowded shelf can spell trouble for both workers and the environment. I believe in keeping storage simple, but smart.
N-Butyl Lactate evaporates more slowly than some other solvents, so spills or open containers don’t clear out quickly. The strong odor serves as a reminder: this isn’t something you’d want wafting through an office or a garage. The vapor irritates eyes and skin, and breathing in too much over time impacts health. Even with a lower fire risk compared to more volatile liquids, a spark or open flame nearby can cause real danger. It doesn’t mix well with strong acids, strong bases, or oxidizers. Safety data sheets put it plainly: this is a flammable liquid that demands respect.
I never leave chemicals like this in random containers. Use tightly sealed, labeled drums or bottles made from compatible materials. Metal and glass handle N-Butyl Lactate best. Polyethylene sometimes holds up, but checking with the supplier proves worthwhile. I’ve seen people repurpose old soda bottles or gas cans. That shortcut leads to leaks, mislabeled hazards, or worse. Factory-fresh containers beat jury-rigged setups every time.
Keep the container somewhere cool, out of the sun, and away from heat sources. I look for places with good airflow—stale air lets vapors linger, raising the odds of fire or sick coworkers. Lock the door if children or untrained workers might stumble into the area. Avoid wet or humid spots, since water doesn’t mix well and raises risks of corrosion. Stacking heavy loads on top makes a mess if the seal cracks, so shelving should support the weight.
I’ve seen small leaks turn into big issues, especially if materials for cleaning and containment aren’t nearby. Store absorbent materials and spill kits within arm’s reach. Post up a fire extinguisher marked for chemical use, not just regular combustibles. Rely on personal experience: read the label every time, never assume the bottle holds what you expect, and train everyone in the area to treat chemical storage as a serious responsibility.
Building a chemical log helps spot old containers or weird labels before they fade into the background. Rotate the stock, just like with food. Don’t let unused solvent hang around for years. Arranging safe disposal for old batches protects people and keeps local regulations in check. I always follow local guidelines for chemical waste—pouring this down the sink causes issues for both septic systems and public water.
Every workplace differs, but the basics always stand out: strong containers, good ventilation, and a watchful eye. Companies lead by example, setting up training that sticks. Product manufacturers and chemical suppliers should help with easy-to-read labels and quick-access safety sheets. Routine checks stop trouble before it starts. Turning these habits into second nature doesn’t just check a box—it keeps workers, families, and property safe, without cutting corners.
| Names | |
| Preferred IUPAC name | Butyl 2-hydroxypropanoate |
| Other names |
Butyl 2-hydroxypropanoate Butyl lactate Butyl alpha-hydroxypropionate Butyl 2-hydroxypropionate |
| Pronunciation | /ˈɛn ˈbjuːtɪl ˈlæk.teɪt/ |
| Identifiers | |
| CAS Number | 629-25-4 |
| Beilstein Reference | 635873 |
| ChEBI | CHEBI:31363 |
| ChEMBL | CHEMBL135108 |
| ChemSpider | 82115 |
| DrugBank | DB11255 |
| ECHA InfoCard | 03d82d34-bd58-4e8f-bae1-d6e0d5605ce3 |
| EC Number | 203-778-7 |
| Gmelin Reference | 107157 |
| KEGG | C18673 |
| MeSH | D017370 |
| PubChem CID | 6567 |
| RTECS number | OJ7875000 |
| UNII | VZP51I70G5 |
| UN number | UN number: "UN2716 |
| CompTox Dashboard (EPA) | urn:epa.comp tox dashboard:DTXSID6020131 |
| Properties | |
| Chemical formula | C7H14O3 |
| Molar mass | 146.19 g/mol |
| Appearance | Colorless to pale yellow transparent liquid |
| Odor | Fruity |
| Density | 0.88 g/cm³ |
| Solubility in water | Soluble |
| log P | 0.8 |
| Vapor pressure | 0.2 mmHg (20°C) |
| Acidity (pKa) | pKa ≈ 16 |
| Basicity (pKb) | 11.46 |
| Magnetic susceptibility (χ) | -7.31e-6 cm³/mol |
| Refractive index (nD) | 1.418 |
| Viscosity | 2.1 mPa·s (at 25 °C) |
| Dipole moment | 2.67 D |
| Thermochemistry | |
| Std molar entropy (S⦵298) | 212.6 J·mol⁻¹·K⁻¹ |
| Std enthalpy of formation (ΔfH⦵298) | -604.3 kJ/mol |
| Std enthalpy of combustion (ΔcH⦵298) | -2495 kJ/mol |
| Pharmacology | |
| ATC code | NA |
| Hazards | |
| GHS labelling | GHS02, GHS07 |
| Pictograms | GHS02, GHS07 |
| Signal word | Warning |
| Hazard statements | H315: Causes skin irritation. H318: Causes serious eye damage. |
| Precautionary statements | P210, P280, P305+P351+P338, P337+P313, P403+P233 |
| NFPA 704 (fire diamond) | 1-2-0 |
| Flash point | 73 °C |
| Autoignition temperature | 225 °C (437 °F; 498 K) |
| Explosive limits | 1.5% - 8.0% |
| Lethal dose or concentration | LD50 Oral Rat 3730 mg/kg |
| LD50 (median dose) | 1,950 mg/kg (rat, oral) |
| NIOSH | WA0570000 |
| PEL (Permissible) | PEL (Permissible Exposure Limit) for N-Butyl Lactate: 5 ppm (23 mg/m³) |
| REL (Recommended) | 100 mg/m³ |
| IDLH (Immediate danger) | 300 ppm |
| Related compounds | |
| Related compounds |
Ethyl lactate Methyl lactate Isopropyl lactate Propylene glycol Butyl acetate |
