[Chemical Knowledge]：Properties, uses, upstream and downstream raw materials, storage methods of butyl acetate, introduction of butyl acetate

Properties of butyl acetate

Butyl acetate (Butyl Acetate), the chemical formula is C6H12O2, is a colorless transparent liquid with a fruity flavor. It has a density of 0.88g/cm³, a boiling point of 126°C and a flash point of 22°C. The solubility of butyl acetate in water is low, but it is miscible with ethanol, ether and other organic solvents. It has good chemical stability and is prone to hydrolysis reaction when encountering strong acid and alkali.

Butyl acetate use

Because of its volatility and solubility, butyl acetate is widely used in coatings, inks, varnishes and adhesives. As a solvent, butyl acetate provides good leveling and gloss in paints and varnishes. It is also used in synthetic fragrances and cosmetics because of its pleasant fragrance. In the pharmaceutical industry, butyl acetate is also used as an extraction solvent for drugs.

Butyl acetate upstream feedstock

The main upstream feedstocks for the production of butyl acetate include acetic acid and butanol. Acetic acid (Acetic Acid) is prepared by carbinylation of methanol or oxidation of acetaldehyde, which is widely used in the production of acetate fiber and polyvinyl alcohol. Butanol (Butanol) is mainly produced by petroleum cracking or biological fermentation. In the production process, acetic acid and butanol are esterified under the action of acidic catalyst (such as sulfuric acid) to produce butyl acetate and water.

Butyl acetate downstream products

The downstream products of butyl acetate cover all kinds of coatings, inks, varnishes and adhesives. Especially in automotive coatings and wood coatings, butyl acetate is particularly widely used. With the increasing demand for environmental protection, the development and application of low volatile organic compound (VOC) coatings has also promoted the growth of butyl acetate demand. Butyl acetate is also used in the manufacture of flavors and fragrances, which can be used in food additives and daily chemical products after further processing.

Butyl acetate market demand

The global butyl acetate market demand is growing steadily, especially in the Asia-Pacific region, where the acceleration of industrialization and urbanization has promoted the development of industries such as coatings and adhesives. The North American and European markets are constrained by environmental regulations, driving demand for low-VOC solvents. Overall, the market prospect of butyl acetate is still broad.

Butyl acetate production process

A typical process for the production of butyl acetate is an esterification reaction. The reaction is carried out in the presence of an acidic catalyst and the reaction temperature is controlled between 90-100°C. In order to improve the yield, the water generated by the reaction needs to be removed in time, and the azeotropic distillation or water absorption method is often used. After completion of the reaction, butyl acetate was separated by distillation and purified to obtain a high purity product.

Butyl acetate safety and storage methods

Butyl acetate is flammable and should be stored away from fire and heat sources and away from direct sunlight. It should be stored in a cool, ventilated and dry place, and the container must be sealed. Wear protective gloves and goggles when handling due to skin and eye irritation. The storage area should be equipped with fire extinguishing equipment, such as dry powder fire extinguishers, carbon dioxide fire extinguishers, etc.

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS

Butyl acetate has certain environmental hazards, especially toxic to aquatic organisms. In industrial discharge, it is necessary to control its concentration to avoid pollution to water and soil. When wastewater is treated, biodegradation can be used to ensure that it meets discharge standards. Reducing the volatilization of butyl acetate in the process of production and use helps to reduce air pollution.

BUTYL ACETATE RECOVERY AND REUSE

In the process of production and application, the recycling of butyl acetate is an important way to reduce the waste of resources. Through distillation and adsorption, butyl acetate can be recovered from waste gas and waste water and used again in industrial production. This not only helps to reduce production costs, but also reduces environmental pollution.

BUTYL ACETATE FUTURE DEVELOPMENT DIRECTION

With the increasingly stringent environmental regulations, the production and use of butyl acetate is facing new challenges and opportunities. In the future, the development of more environmentally friendly production processes and low VOC solvents will become the focus of industry development. Through technological innovation, the production efficiency and product quality of butyl acetate can be improved, and its application fields can be further expanded to meet the diversified needs of the market.

Conclusion

As an important chemical raw material and solvent, butyl acetate has broad application prospects. Its production and application not only need to consider economic benefits, but also need to take into account environmental protection and safety management. By continuously optimizing the production process and strengthening recycling, butyl acetate will play a greater role in the future chemical industry.