Chemical laboratory

Isobutyl Alcohol

Versatile Solvent for Paints, Coatings & Chemical Processing

  • CAS 78-83-1
  • Formula C₄H₁₀O
  • Flash Pt 28 °C
  • Density 0.802 g/cm³
Shop Product Download SDS

Physical & Chemical Properties

Property Value Unit
Boiling point 108 °C °C
Flash point 28 °C °C
Density 0.802 g/cm³ g/cm³
Solubility 8.7 g/100 mL (20 °C) -
Ph N/A -
Molecular weight 74.12 g/mol g/mol
Melting point -108 °C °C
Vapor pressure 8.5 mmHg at 20°C mmHg
Autoignition temp 427 °C -
Appearance Clear, colorless liquid -
Odor Alcoholic -
Vapor density 2.55 (air = 1) g/cm³

Overview

Isobutyl alcohol (CAS 78-83-1) is a clear, colorless liquid alcohol with the molecular formula C₄H₁₀O and a molecular weight of 74.12 g/mol. This branched-chain primary alcohol exhibits excellent solvent properties with moderate water solubility (8.7 g/100 mL at 20°C) and a density of 0.802 g/cm³. With a boiling point of 108°C and melting point of -108°C, isobutyl alcohol maintains liquid state across a wide temperature range, making it suitable for diverse industrial applications.

Key Applications

Isobutyl alcohol serves as a critical solvent for paints and coatings, providing excellent film formation and leveling properties while maintaining compatibility with various resins and additives. The chemical functions as an important intermediate in chemical synthesis, particularly in the production of esters, ethers, and other organic compounds. Its moderate polarity makes it highly effective as a solvent for adhesives, enabling proper viscosity control and application characteristics. Additionally, isobutyl alcohol is utilized as an extraction solvent in pharmaceutical and chemical processing due to its selective dissolution properties.

Safety & Handling

Isobutyl alcohol has a flash point of 28°C, classifying it as a flammable liquid requiring careful handling. The autoignition temperature of 427°C provides a reasonable safety margin during processing. Proper ventilation is essential when working with this material, as it has a vapor pressure of 8.5 mmHg at 20°C and vapor density of 2.55 times that of air. Personnel should wear appropriate personal protective equipment including chemical-resistant gloves, safety glasses, and ensure adequate respiratory protection in enclosed spaces.

Storage & Shelf Life

Store isobutyl alcohol in tightly sealed containers in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from heat sources and ignition sources. The product should be kept in approved flammable liquid storage containers and maintained at temperatures below 25°C for optimal stability. Avoid contact with strong oxidizing agents, acids, and reactive metals. When stored properly in original packaging, isobutyl alcohol maintains its quality and specifications for extended periods.

Why Alliance Chemical

Alliance Chemical provides high-quality Isobutyl Alcohol with same-day shipping from our Taylor, Texas facility. We offer flexible shipping options including UPS, LTL, and FTL to meet your delivery requirements. Every shipment includes comprehensive Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and Certificates of Analysis (COA) to ensure compliance and quality assurance for your operations.

Shipping & Availability

Parcel Shipping

UPS Ground supports pints, quarts, and most 1-gallon packages nationwide.

LTL Freight

5-gallon pails, drums, and totes move via LTL carriers such as ABF Freight, SEFL, Saia, and XPO.

Full Truckload

FTL available for palletized bulk orders. Competitive freight rates.

Local Pickup

Same-day pickup at our Taylor, TX warehouse for Texas customers.

SDS, COA, and TDS available for every product • Same-day shipping on orders before 1 PM CT

Frequently Asked Questions

What is isobutyl alcohol (CAS 78-83-1) and what is it used for?
Isobutyl alcohol (C4H10O, CAS 78-83-1) is a colorless flammable solvent and chemical intermediate. It is commonly used in industrial processes and laboratories as a solvent, extraction agent, and precursor for esters, coatings, adhesives and specialty chemicals.
How should isobutyl alcohol be stored and what is its typical shelf life?
Store in a tightly closed container in a cool, well-ventilated area away from heat and ignition sources, protected from moisture and oxidizers. When kept sealed under recommended conditions, typical shelf life is about 12 months but verify with the supplier for specific lots.
What are the key safety and handling precautions for isobutyl alcohol?
Isobutyl alcohol is flammable and can cause eye and skin irritation; use appropriate PPE (gloves, splash goggles) and ensure good ventilation or local exhaust. Keep away from ignition sources, use grounding/bonding during transfers, and follow the product SDS for first-aid and spill-response measures.
What does 99% concentration mean and how does concentration affect performance?
A 99% grade indicates high-purity isobutyl alcohol with minimal water and impurities, providing stronger solvent power and fewer side reactions than lower grades. Lower concentrations contain water which can change boiling point, drying behavior and compatibility with sensitive reactions or formulations.
What documentation is available for isobutyl alcohol?
Suppliers typically provide a Safety Data Sheet (SDS), Certificate of Analysis (COA) showing batch-specific purity and key analytical data, and a technical data sheet (TDS) with handling and application guidance. Request these documents from your supplier before purchasing or using the material.
How is isobutyl alcohol shipped and what packaging options are available?
Isobutyl alcohol is transported as a flammable liquid (Class 3) and must be shipped in compliance with local and international ADR/IMDG/IATA regulations. Common packaging includes steel or polyethylene drums (200 L), intermediate bulk containers (IBC), and bulk/ISO tank shipments depending on volume and customer requirements.
What materials are compatible with isobutyl alcohol for storage and equipment?
Isobutyl alcohol is generally compatible with stainless steel (316/304), carbon steel and glass, but it can swell or degrade some elastomers, paints and certain plastics. Always verify compatibility with seals, gaskets and piping materials and consult material compatibility charts or the supplier for specific components.
What are the typical technical specifications for 99% isobutyl alcohol?
Typical specifications include purity 99% (wt%), molecular weight 74.12 g/mol, boiling point ≈ 108°C, density ≈ 0.80 g/cm3 at 20°C, and a colorless liquid appearance; for exact acceptance criteria consult the COA for the supplied batch. Analytical tests commonly reported are GC purity, water content and refractive index.
Which industries and applications commonly use isobutyl alcohol?
Isobutyl alcohol is used across chemical manufacturing, coatings, adhesives, agrochemical intermediates, specialty solvents, and laboratory research as a reagent or solvent. Its role as a building block for esters and other derivatives makes it valuable in industrial and formulation chemistry.
How can I purchase isobutyl alcohol and is it readily available in 99% grade?
99% isobutyl alcohol is widely available from chemical suppliers and distributors in drum, IBC, and bulk quantities; availability and lead times depend on region and order size. Contact suppliers for pricing, minimum order quantities, shipping options and to obtain SDS/COA prior to purchase.

Documentation & Downloads

Safety Data Sheet
SDS / MSDS
Request COA
Certificate of Analysis
Technical Data Sheet (TDS)
Available for all products

Ready to Purchase?

SDS & COA included • Same-day shipping • No minimum order

Shop Isobutyl Alcohol