N-Butyl Methacrylate stands out as a clear, colorless liquid with a distinct, lightly fruity odor familiar to those who have stepped inside a materials science lab or a polymer production facility. Its CAS number, 97-88-1, and formula, C8H14O2, highlight a composition built around butyl chains and methacrylate groups. At a molecular weight of 142.20 g/mol, the compound finds its place among common building blocks for acrylic-based materials. The structure centers on a methacrylic acid backbone, with a butyl ester linked at one end. Chemists often value this configuration for the balance it brings between flexibility and reactivity, making it a reliable choice for modifying hardness, elasticity, and weather resistance in copolymers.
N-Butyl Methacrylate holds a density of about 0.89 g/cm³ at 20°C and a boiling point near 217°C. These figures mean safe storage and transport require attention to temperature limits and venting. Its melting point sits below -70°C, a detail that keeps it liquid under most storage conditions. Unlike many raw materials, it does not typically crystallize or form solid flakes at room temperature, though it can occasionally be seen as a fine, oily residue adhering to container walls after prolonged standing. The refractive index hovers around 1.423 at 20°C, helping those in quality control detect purity or contamination. As a monomer, it’s rarely found in powder or pearl form; liquid is the standard presentation, but in advanced manufacturing, emulsions and solvent-based solutions often use it as a base. Solubility in water is low, yet it mixes freely with most organic solvents. In process plants, operators often favor steel tanks lined with compatible polymers to guard against leaks or accidental reactions.
Most industrial chemists know N-Butyl Methacrylate as a core ingredient in acrylic polymers and copolymers. The real magic happens in paints, adhesives, and coatings, where this chemical adjusts flexibility, gloss, or weather resistance. My own experience brushing paint that relies on this monomer reminds me how much these molecules matter for long-lasting color, chip-resistance, and overall finish. In dental materials, the compound introduces strength and polish to acrylic resins, making prosthetics more lifelike and comfortable. It also shows up as a raw material in plastics, where batch-to-batch consistency often separates quality producers from the rest. Large-scale production lines invest heavily in equipment that meters and mixes this liquid with other monomers, aiming for specific ratios to fine-tune properties such as hardness and impact resistance.
The chemical industry tracks N-Butyl Methacrylate under the HS Code 29161400, grouping it in the international tariff system for organic chemicals. Material handlers monitor storage temperature below 30°C and use nitrogen blanketing to prevent oxygen contact, as the compound can form harmful peroxides. To prevent unwanted reactions, small amounts of inhibitors—often hydroquinone—get mixed into the raw product. Manufacturers guarantee a minimum purity, often not less than 99%, with moisture limited to under 0.1%. These strict numbers stem from the reality that even slight contamination triggers off-spec batches and process shutdowns. Liquid form dominates supply, though I’ve handled samples stabilized as solid beads for research—these require careful workup to redissolve safely.
Any material handler working with N-Butyl Methacrylate knows it requires respect. Vapors can cause eye and respiratory irritation, skin contact may prompt redness and burning, and poor ventilation raises the risk of headaches or nausea. Spill management means swift containment and cleanup with dedicated absorbents, as the liquid can form slicks and spread across floors rapidly. The substance carries GHS hazard labels for skin, eye, and respiratory irritation, and technologists monitor workplace concentrations using gas detectors and regular air sampling. Fume hoods, nitrile gloves, and safety goggles become everyday gear for anyone pouring, pumping, or pipetting the compound.
The specifics of transport often hit home with a glance at the UN number (UN 2227). Each drum or tank must travel with clear hazard labeling and emergency procedures in place. Accidental release can spark volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions, so containment strategies need to go beyond the basics. Overexposure on a hot day—when the vapor pressure climbs—heightens risk for everyone in the vicinity. Hazardous waste regulations demand collection of rinsates and contaminated materials, as improper disposal threatens waterways and soil. In real factories, teams rehearse spill drills because a five-minute slip-up can close production lines and put staff at risk.
Experience teaches that better practices come from investing in training and engineering controls. Ventilation upgrades, real-time monitoring, and reinforced container storage help mitigate most immediate health hazards. Substituting or blending with less volatile methacrylate esters sometimes lessens risk for high-exposure roles. The downstream impact shows up in consumer products offering greater durability and beauty, reminding both makers and users that safe, smart handling matters, not just in the plant, but in everyday life. Embracing automation and digital inventory tracking grants operators the chance to catch issues before they become crises, reflecting the kind of evidence-based improvements that raise both material quality and worker safety.
