N-Butyl Acrylate stands out as a clear, colorless liquid with a distinct, fruity odor. It belongs to the family of acrylate esters, and makes its mark in chemical manufacturing, adhesives, coatings, plastics, and textiles. Its chemical structure includes a long butyl chain attached to an acrylate group, giving it greater flexibility and lower volatility than methyl or ethyl acrylates. It's never just one shape or form in the market—sometimes poured as a liquid, sometimes formed into crystals under the right cold conditions, rarely sold as flakes, powders, or pearls for the mainstream. The interest in N-Butyl Acrylate goes beyond its looks, as manufacturers, safety teams, and regulators keep their eyes on its behavior in industrial and laboratory settings.
This material serves as a staple in many industrial settings. In coatings, N-Butyl Acrylate helps create durable finishes for wood, plastics, and even outdoor metals. It acts as a key raw material for pressure-sensitive adhesives. Many people touch, see, or use goods every day affected by N-Butyl Acrylate, but don't realize the behind-the-scenes work that puts it to use. HS Code 2916.12 lists it among industrial chemicals, which allows for standardized export and import classification. Professionals trust the compound because of its set properties: a molecular formula of C7H12O2, a molar mass of about 128.17 g/mol, a boiling point close to 145°C, and a flash point near 40°C. Its density is about 0.88 g/cm³ at room temperature, which makes it lighter than water and prompts careful storage and handling. Keeping containers tightly closed, away from oxidizing agents, reduces risks of unwanted polymerization or hazardous reactions. N-Butyl Acrylate comes in different purities depending on the application—polymer-grade material often has purity above 99%—and impurities, including inhibitors, influence safety protocols.
The liquid form of N-Butyl Acrylate dominates bulk storage and transport. Even under low temperature, it's more likely to become viscous than fully solidify into flakes or powder. This gives product handlers flexibility, but it doesn't mean casual treatment. This compound's low viscosity supports fast mixing into water-based emulsions. Chemically, that acrylate group remains reactive, providing valuable sites in polymerization that engineers and chemists put to work in copolymers. Its specific gravity means accidental spills run across floors fast, raising the stakes for anyone working in distribution or handling. Because it's volatile, inhaling vapors can irritate the nose and throat. Safety Data Sheets stress that the substance can form explosive mixtures with air under rare conditions, calling for good ventilation, explosion-proof equipment, and local exhaust. Flammability also puts the focus on proper fire prevention controls, such as carbon dioxide or dry chemical extinguishers nearby.
Raw materials for N-Butyl Acrylate involve acrylic acid and butanol, processed through esterification in manufacturing plants. Energy consumption, catalyst selection, and unreacted impurities shape the market price of finished material. Many plastic materials and latex products, especially water-based paints, rely on it for elasticity and flexibility. While most people never see N-Butyl Acrylate directly, it exists in interior wall coatings, adhesives for household items, and specialty rubber production for car tires or shoes. In my own experience in the coatings industry, consistent product quality owes much to the purity and stability of acrylates in the supply chain. Problems can crop up if raw material quality strays from specifications, as coatings might yellow, harden too soon, or lose durability.
Hazardous properties matter as much as the benefits. N-Butyl Acrylate causes eye and skin irritation during accidental contact, which calls for gloves, goggles, and prompt washing in industrial environments. Prolonged vapor exposure demands respirator use. Spills pose fire and environmental hazards, leading to strict regulatory controls for storage, transportation, and disposal. Regulatory bodies in the U.S., EU, and Asia track N-Butyl Acrylate under environmental health and safety laws. Its threshold limit value (TLV) sits around 10 ppm, and disposal follows chemical waste regulations to prevent soil and groundwater contamination. As for harmful potential, acute exposure can affect mucous membranes and respiratory function, so risk assessments, consistent staff training, and leak prevention form the backbone of responsible use. In my own facility work, strict container checks and spill drills took place each quarter to prevent incidents and maintain compliance.
There's a growing demand for eco-friendly and low-emission materials in coatings and adhesives. While N-Butyl Acrylate serves well in traditional roles, makers now look for alternatives that combine its best qualities with safer, less hazardous properties. Some research centers explore bio-based sources for acrylates or new catalysts that minimize waste during synthesis. Investing in reactor automation, improved emission controls, or alternative packaging methods helps reduce the risk of spills or worker exposure. Businesses also rely on transparent supplier audits and updated safety training. People who work around N-Butyl Acrylate don't question why safety matters—daily habits, from checking drum seals to wearing goggles, make the difference. Mistakes with raw chemicals have real costs, so companies and workers keep leaning on facts, training, and process improvements, leaving no room for carelessness.
