Isobutyl Lactate brings a mix of biodegradable qualities and solvency to various chemical processes in today’s industries. Chemists recognize it as an ester formed from lactic acid and isobutanol, carrying the molecular formula C7H14O3 and a molecular weight close to 146.18 g/mol. Its chemical structure features a carboxylate group bonded to an isobutyl group, resulting in a compound that offers both flexibility and mild polarity. As a clear liquid, Isobutyl Lactate earns interest from manufacturers focusing on safe green chemicals due to its renewable origin, often sourced from plant-based raw materials like corn or sugar beet.
In day-to-day handling, Isobutyl Lactate appears as a colorless to pale yellow liquid, sometimes sporting a faint, pleasant odor reminiscent of fruit or butter—though the scent can turn pungent if stored poorly. The liquid state dominates at room temperature, but chilled environments may bring out a faint, waxy flake as impurities crystallize, though solid, powder, or crystal forms rarely occur under normal storage. Specific gravity comes in at about 0.95 to 1.00 at 20°C, making it slightly lighter than water. Boiling point crosses the 170°C mark, which signals moderate volatility, while the low freezing point keeps it fluid even in cold weather. Isobutyl Lactate’s moderate solubility in water and full miscibility with many organic solvents fuel its reputation as a strong green solvent in both extraction and cleaning settings.
The backbone of this molecule—a combination of lactic acid’s two functional groups and isobutanol’s branched chain—provides both hydrophilic and hydrophobic elements, enhancing its surfactant and solvent action. Unlike many other esters, it holds stability in neutral and mildly acidic or basic conditions, making it less likely to break down during normal storage or transit. While pearls or flakes sometimes refer to specialty esters, in this case, Isobutyl Lactate overwhelmingly shows up as a flowing liquid in commercial shipments, packaged by volume in liters or weight for bulk tanks. You’ll rarely encounter it in fine crystal or solid forms except in specialized lab work or analytical settings.
Industrial use of Isobutyl Lactate stretches across coating, ink, agriculture, and personal care. Surface cleaning gets easier because Isobutyl Lactate dissolves both polar and non-polar grime, and paint shops value its ability to thin resins without excessive evaporation or harsh odors. Pharmaceutical and flavor companies sometimes use it as a carrier or reaction intermediate. Most technical grade products claim minimum purity of 98%, water content below 0.5%, and acid value less than 2 mg KOH/g. Buyers look for a clear appearance free of suspended material. Technical data sheets often list a refractive index of 1.420–1.430 (20°C), flash point above 75°C, and vapor pressure below 1 mmHg at room temperature, rounding out the key handling details. The HS Code most relevant for worldwide customs clearance is 2918.19, which covers carboxylic acid esters.
Every material carries both opportunities and hazards. Isobutyl Lactate, compared with many solvents, offers relatively low toxicity and is less harmful in typical occupational settings, provided that exposure remains below threshold limit values. Still, inhaling concentrated vapors, direct skin contact, or eye splashes can cause irritation or mild narcotic effects, especially in poorly ventilated spaces. Fire risk rises as vapor density increases, so closed environments warrant exhaust fans and careful storage away from ignition sources. Nitrile gloves, splash goggles, and lab coats cut down on exposure during material transfers. Strict labeling as a hazardous chemical and clear MSDS documentation ensure safe handling all along the production chain.
Much of the renewed industry interest in Isobutyl Lactate stems from its origin in renewable lactic acid made through the fermentation of biomass—a step away from petroleum-based solvents that linger in the environment or generate hazardous waste. Isobutanol adds another renewable, low-toxicity link in the chain, produced either synthetically or from biological fermentation. Sustainability ratings favor solvents derived from agricultural byproducts, and customers downstream in cosmetics and food packaging watch not just for chemical performance but traceability of all raw materials used. Continuous improvements in enzyme-based synthesis and lower-energy distillation promise to keep Isobutyl Lactate relevant as industries push for safer, greener, and more efficient operations.
