Butyl Butyryl Lactate belongs to a class of chemicals known as esters. People in the chemical industry count on this compound for its reliable properties. The chemical formula is C11H20O4. Engineers, researchers, and formulators often look for its CAS number 659-68-3 and refer to its HS Code 29181980 in logistics or regulatory documents. Its structure combines a butyl group with both butyryl and lactate elements, which brings out a balance between lipophilic and hydrophilic traits. This chemical appears as a clear to pale yellow liquid when stored at room temperature, avoiding any crystals or flakes under normal conditions. Its density, typically sitting at about 0.99 g/cm³ at 20°C, supports its use in blends and emulsions without weighing down the finished product. When you open a drum of Butyl Butyryl Lactate, you notice a faint odor with a touch of sweetness, which often signals purity and quality in organic esters.
People demand precise numbers when evaluating a new raw material. Butyl Butyryl Lactate delivers in this category. Its molecular weight lands at 216.27 g/mol, which matters for stoichiometry in industrial reactions. This molecule remains soluble in ethanol and other solvents, but less so in water, due to its ester backbone and the hydrocarbon tails on both ends. You’ll rarely see it as a powder, flakes, pearls, or solid—this liquid form encourages easy pouring and mixing, cutting down time on material handling. Its boiling point hovers around 272°C, which gives it heat resistance, and the flash point of 122°C (closed cup) calls for careful storage away from direct heat or flames. Its refractive index of 1.435 to 1.445 at 20°C signals purity, and its viscosity makes it easy to pump through piping systems, avoiding unnecessary maintenance on valves and fittings.
Everyone using chemicals wants straight facts on safety. Butyl Butyryl Lactate does not count as a major hazardous material under standard transport regulations, making it easier for shippers and users. Still, spills or skin contact can pose risks. Workers need to wear gloves, goggles, and protective clothing to limit risk of irritation. Inhalation of vapors—especially at elevated temperatures—may cause respiratory discomfort. This compound should be handled in well-ventilated places, and workplaces must keep a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) on hand for first-aid protocols and regulatory compliance. In a fire, it gives off carbon oxides, so proper firefighting measures and equipment make a difference when storing large drums. Eco-conscious buyers check for biodegradability because chemical spills remain a top concern. Butyl Butyryl Lactate does break down in the environment faster than some industrial solvents, but it should never be dumped into drains or soil. By keeping a proper waste disposal strategy, users protect groundwater and local ecosystems.
The market sees Butyl Butyryl Lactate used as a specialty solvent, plasticizer, and intermediate. Formulators in the coatings and inks industries depend on its slow evaporation rate, which promotes a uniform finish and minimizes defects like blushing. In cleaners, its solvency power tackles grease and residues without the bite of more aggressive chemicals. The fragrance world regards it for boosting fruity and creamy notes. In polymerization, this compound can ease the processing of resins by lowering melt viscosity and improving flow properties. Some research teams look into its application as a green solvent, replacing persistent substances that threaten long-term health and safety. Pharmaceutical and cosmetic companies often bring it into play for specialized formulations, owing to its lower toxicity and compatibility with sensitive ingredients.
Chemicals like Butyl Butyryl Lactate only meet demand when supply chains ensure consistent quality. Raw materials should come from reputable, audited suppliers who guarantee traceability from production through shipment. Testing for purity—often through gas chromatography—ensures batch-to-batch consistency. End users perform in-house quality checks or insist on third-party certification to avoid downtime or product recalls. Regulators insist on correct labeling, packaging integrity, and compliance with REACH or similar laws before allowing imports. Documentation becomes critical, as customs and auditors ask for HS Codes, certificates of analysis, and safety paperwork. Companies looking for long-term partnerships with suppliers aim for reliability and open lines of communication, because interruptions or quality lapses carry real costs in lost sales or safety incidents. By focusing on rigorous sourcing strategies and lab testing, companies hedge against contamination and misuse, safeguarding not just the product but their own professional reputation.
