N-Butyl Lactate stands as a clear, colorless liquid with a faint, pleasant odor and a distinct molecular signature. Its chemical formula, C7H14O3, outlines a structure built from lactic acid and n-butanol, combining to create a compound that functions well across multiple industrial landscapes. The substance falls under the HS Code 2918.16, clear evidence of its identification and use across global markets. Playing a key part in cleaning, coatings, and solvent systems, N-Butyl Lactate draws notice both for its technical properties and for how it can raise safety or environmental questions.
N-Butyl Lactate holds a specific gravity of about 0.98 at 20°C, putting it just a bit less dense than water. This property means it floats when spilled into water systems, a concern for containment and cleanup. The liquid form exhibits good solubility in many organic substances and limited solubility in water, a fact that operators in manufacturing find useful. Boiling at around 186°C, it avoids evaporating at room temperature, so it sticks around longer than lighter solvents. The molecular weight clocks in at 146.18 g/mol. Unlike many solvents, N-Butyl Lactate doesn’t crystallize under normal conditions, so flakes, powders, or pearls are not typical forms for this material. Producers often offer it as a clear, stable liquid.
Clients in paints, inks, and cleaners often reach for N-Butyl Lactate when they want a slower-evaporating solvent than options like acetone or ethyl acetate. This quality gives paint films time to level out, improves gloss, and boosts the durability of coatings. Labs favor its strong solvency and its biodegradable backbone helps companies seeking greener alternatives for petroleum-derived chemicals. Yet, its ability to dissolve polymers and resins makes it possible to harm plastics and painted surfaces during improper use. The compound’s moderate volatility and pleasant odor encourage its use in products for enclosed spaces, where strong fumes can drive workers away or cause headaches.
To meet global trade and manufacturing requirements, N-Butyl Lactate must stick to clear quality specs. High-purity grades demand a minimum content above 98%, leaving little room for residue acids and water. The best batches keep acidity below 0.1% and water content below 0.2% to stop corrosion or unwanted reactions. Color stays below 10 on the APHA scale for most high-end applications. Standards of packing place the solvent in steel drums or high-density polyethylene containers, offering protection against sunlight and air that break down the chemical over time. Weight and volume measurements typically use kilograms or liters, depending on the buyer’s needs.
Anyone handling N-Butyl Lactate should watch for chemical exposure risks. In my own lab work, gloves and goggles became second nature, because this solvent welcomes absorption through the skin and quickly irritates eyes or mucous membranes. Swallowing or inhaling higher vapor concentrations can upset the nervous system and bring on headaches or dizziness. It burns with slight difficulty, flashing at 77°C, so workplaces keep it away from open flames and hot surfaces. Unlike volatile petroleum solvents, it breaks down in the environment, but spills pose a risk by making water taste bad and harming aquatic life. Clear hazard communication and local exhaust ventilation take spot number one for risk reduction. Anyone new to the chemical must learn spill response, including how to contain and absorb liquid before it gets loose in the sewer or soil.
Production of N-Butyl Lactate starts with the reaction of lactic acid and n-butanol. Lactic acid often arrives from fermentation of cornstarch or sugarcane. N-butanol comes from petrochemical streams, mostly extracted from propylene by the oxo process. Sourcing these raw materials sends ripples through the supply chain, especially when oil markets swing or harvests fall short. Companies that keep an eye on renewable sourcing shrink their carbon footprint and sometimes save money long-term. Raw materials shape the chemical’s purity, so buyers often request certificates of analysis for every batch received.
Concerns around worker health and accident prevention focus the spotlight on engineering controls, personal protective gear, and up-to-date handling training. Solvents like N-Butyl Lactate draw regulatory attention due to their potential for misuse or accidental environmental discharge. Safer packaging with tamper-evident seals, leak-proof drums, and onsite spill kits stand as the daily workhorses of chemical safety. Alternatives might cut emissions or improve safety, but direct replacements rarely match the performance in coatings or specialty cleaning. Manufacturers and users must work hand-in-hand with regulators to study real-life effects, update safety datasheets, and keep an open dialogue about future improvements. Community awareness can improve through clear product labeling and sharing lessons learned from close calls and accidents on the shop floor.
N-Butyl Lactate, by virtue of its molecular structure and detailed technical profile, shapes the performance and safety of many raw materials supply chains. My own hands-on experience points to the importance of respecting the chemical’s benefits while actively managing its risks. Durable, versatile, and drawn from renewable raw materials, this solvent offers unique advantages compared to short-chain alternatives. Health and safety protocols require discipline and investment in good tools for keeping spills in check and exposure low. With clear specifications and an eye on environmental safety, the industry moves forward, not by hoping for fewer accidents, but by taking concrete steps in every shipment and shift.
