Chemical laboratory

Tert-Butyl Acetate

High-Performance Solvent for Coatings and Industrial Applications

  • CAS 540-88-5
  • Formula C₆H₁₂O₂
  • Flash Pt 16°C
  • Density 0.866 g/cm³
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Physical & Chemical Properties

Property Value Unit
Boiling point 97-98°C °C
Flash point 16°C °C
Density 0.866 g/cm³ g/cm³
Solubility Slightly soluble in water -
Ph N/A -
Molecular weight 116.16 g/mol g/mol
Melting point -83 °C °C
Vapor pressure 27 mmHg at 20°C mmHg
Autoignition temp 432 °C -
Appearance Clear, colorless liquid -
Odor Fruity, ester-like -
Vapor density 4.0 (air = 1) g/cm³

Overview

Tert-Butyl Acetate (TBA) is a high-performance organic solvent with the molecular formula C₆H₁₂O₂ and CAS number 540-88-5. This clear, colorless liquid with a characteristic fruity, ester-like odor offers excellent solvency properties combined with relatively low toxicity, making it an ideal choice for various industrial and laboratory applications. With a molecular weight of 116.16 g/mol and a boiling point of 97-98°C, TBA provides optimal volatility for coating and ink formulations while maintaining excellent stability during processing.

Key Applications

TBA serves as a premium solvent in coatings and paints, where its controlled evaporation rate and excellent film-forming properties contribute to superior finish quality. In the printing industry, it functions as an effective solvent for inks, providing optimal viscosity control and print clarity. The chemical also plays a crucial role in adhesive formulations, offering strong bonding characteristics and clean application properties. Additionally, TBA is widely used as a laboratory reagent for analytical procedures, as a chemical intermediate in synthesis reactions, and as a fragrance ingredient in pharmaceutical and cosmetic applications.

Safety & Handling

With a flash point of 16°C, TBA is classified as a flammable liquid requiring careful handling protocols. Always use appropriate personal protective equipment including safety goggles, chemical-resistant gloves, and flame-resistant clothing. Ensure adequate ventilation in work areas, as TBA has a vapor pressure of 27 mmHg at 20°C and vapor density of 4.0 times that of air. Keep away from heat sources, open flames, and electrical equipment. The autoignition temperature is 432°C, providing a reasonable safety margin when proper precautions are followed.

Storage & Shelf Life

Store TBA in tightly sealed containers made of compatible materials such as stainless steel or properly lined drums. Maintain storage temperatures below 25°C in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from incompatible materials including strong oxidizers and acids. The product should be kept away from heat sources and direct sunlight to prevent degradation. When stored under proper conditions, TBA maintains its quality and performance characteristics for extended periods, ensuring consistent results in your applications.

Why Alliance Chemical

Alliance Chemical delivers reliable supply chain solutions from our Taylor, Texas facility with same-day shipping capabilities. We offer flexible delivery options including UPS for smaller quantities, LTL for medium shipments, and FTL for bulk orders. Every shipment includes comprehensive Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and Certificate of Analysis (COA) documentation to support your compliance requirements. Our technical support team provides expert guidance for product selection and application optimization. Order your Tert Butyl Acetate Tba today and experience the Alliance Chemical difference in quality and service.

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

Available Sizes

Tert Butyl Acetate (TBA) - 1 Quart

1 Quart

$28.00

 Tert Butyl Acetate (TBA) - 1 Gallon

1 Gallon

$65.00

 Tert Butyl Acetate (TBA) - 5 Gallon Pail

5 Gallon Pail

$265.00

 Tert Butyl Acetate (TBA) - 55 Gallon Drum

55 Gallon Drum

$2,300.00
View all sizes →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is tert‑butyl acetate (TBA) and what is it used for?
Tert‑butyl acetate (CAS 540‑88‑5, C6H12O2) is a volatile organic ester commonly used as an industrial solvent and laboratory reagent. It is used in coatings, inks, adhesives, chemical synthesis and as a solvent for extraction and formulation work.
How should tert‑butyl acetate be stored and what is its shelf life?
Store TBA in its original, tightly closed container in a cool, dry, well‑ventilated area away from heat and ignition sources; avoid strong oxidizers. Typical unopened shelf life is about 12 months under recommended storage conditions, but check the supplier COA for lot‑specific information.
What are the main safety and handling precautions for tert‑butyl acetate?
TBA is a flammable liquid and vapor; use explosion‑proof equipment, keep away from flames, and ensure good ventilation to limit inhalation. Wear suitable gloves, eye protection and avoid skin contact; consult the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for first aid, firefighting and spill response procedures.
What concentration grades of tert‑butyl acetate are available and how do they differ?
TBA is offered in various grades from industrial (technical) to high‑purity or reagent grades (typical purities up to ≥99.9%). Higher‑purity grades have lower water and impurity levels and are used where analytical accuracy or sensitive reactions are required; request a Certificate of Analysis (COA) for exact specs.
What documentation is provided when buying tert‑butyl acetate?
Suppliers typically provide an SDS (safety data sheet), COA (certificate of analysis) and a TDS (technical data sheet) on request. Additional documents such as shipping papers, hazard assessments or regulatory compliance statements can be supplied per customer or regulatory requirements.
How is tert‑butyl acetate shipped and what packaging options are common?
TBA is shipped as a flammable liquid under applicable dangerous goods regulations; specific UN/packing group and labeling depend on the carrier and jurisdiction, so consult the SDS and freight carrier. Common packaging options include 20–25 kg steel drums, 200 L drums, intermediate bulk containers (IBCs) and bulk tank shipments.
What materials is tert‑butyl acetate compatible with and what should be avoided?
TBA is generally compatible with stainless steel, carbon steel and glass, but can attack or swell some elastomers, paints and certain plastics (e.g., some rubbers, PVC or polystyrene). Perform compatibility testing with seals, gaskets and coatings, and avoid contact with strong oxidizers and strong acids/bases.
What are the typical technical specifications for tert‑butyl acetate?
Typical specifications include CAS 540‑88‑5, molecular weight 116.16 g/mol, boiling point around 97 °C, and density approximately 0.86–0.88 g/mL at 20 °C; purity is commonly offered from ~95% up to ≥99.9%. Exact values vary by grade and supplier, so review the product TDS/COA for lot‑specific data.
Which industries and applications commonly use tert‑butyl acetate?
TBA is widely used in paints and coatings, printing inks, adhesives, industrial cleaning, chemical synthesis and laboratory research as a general solvent or reagent. It is also used as an intermediate in specialty chemical manufacturing and formulation development.
How can I purchase tert‑butyl acetate and is it readily available?
Tert‑butyl acetate is commercially available from chemical distributors and manufacturers in multiple grades and packaging sizes; lead times and minimum order quantities vary by supplier. Request product specifications, SDS and COA before purchase and confirm shipping restrictions for flammable liquids to your location.

Documentation & Downloads

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

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