N-Butyl Alcohol vs Isobutyl Alcohol
Comprehensive comparison of N-Butyl Alcohol and Isobutyl Alcohol including physical properties, applications, safety considerations, and pricing. Alliance Chemical supplies both chemicals in various grades and concentrations.
Quick Comparison Summary
Physical & Chemical Properties Comparison
| Property | N-Butyl Alcohol | Isobutyl Alcohol | Key Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boiling Point | 117.7 °C | 108 °C | N-Butyl Alcohol boils 9.7°C higher |
| Flash Point ⚠️ | 35 °C | 28 °C | Isobutyl Alcohol is more flammable |
| Density | 0.810 g/cm³ | 0.802 g/cm³ | N-Butyl Alcohol is denser |
| Water Solubility | 7.9 g/100 mL (20 °C) | 8.7 g/100 mL (20 °C) | |
| pH | 7 | N/A | Data not available for direct comparison |
| Molecular Weight | 74.12 g/mol | 74.12 g/mol | Similar molecular weight |
| Melting Point | -89.8 °C | -108 °C | N-Butyl Alcohol melts 18.2°C higher |
| Vapor Pressure | 6 mmHg at 20°C | 8.5 mmHg at 20°C | Isobutyl Alcohol is more volatile |
| Auto-ignition Temp ⚠️ | 340 °C | 427 °C | N-Butyl Alcohol auto-ignites at lower temp |
| Vapor Density | 2.6 (air = 1) | 2.55 (air = 1) | N-Butyl Alcohol vapors sink more |
| Appearance | Clear, colorless liquid | Clear, colorless liquid | Similar appearance |
| Odor | Alcohol-like | Alcoholic |
Data sourced from PubChem (NIH), OSHA Technical Guidelines, and Alliance Chemical laboratory analysis. Last verified March 2026.
Applications & Use Cases
N-Butyl Alcohol Best For:
- Solvent
- Chemical intermediate
- Paint thinner
- Fuel additive
- Plasticizer
Isobutyl Alcohol Best For:
- Solvent for paints and coatings
- Chemical intermediate
- Solvent for adhesives
- Extraction solvent
- Laboratory reagent
Choosing Between Them
The right choice depends on your specific application, required purity, and handling capabilities. Contact our team for guidance on which chemical best fits your needs.
Safety & Handling Comparison
Storage Requirements
Always store in original containers in a cool, well-ventilated area per NFPA 30 guidelines. Refer to each product's SDS for specific storage temperature ranges and incompatible materials.
PPE Requirements
At minimum: chemical-resistant gloves, safety goggles, and adequate ventilation per OSHA 29 CFR 1910.132-138. Check each SDS below for chemical-specific PPE requirements.
Fire Hazard
Isobutyl Alcohol has a lower flash point and requires extra fire precautions.
Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
Which Chemical Should You Choose?
Decision Snapshot
| Decision Factor | Better Fit | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Evaporation Profile | Isobutyl Alcohol | Lower boiling point supports faster flash-off. |
| Fire Safety Margin | N-Butyl Alcohol | Higher flash point generally reduces ignition risk in handling and storage. |
| Application Breadth | Tie | Compares distinct listed use cases to avoid generic recommendations. |
| Purity Flexibility | Standard grades | Based on availability of 99%+ concentration options in current product metadata. |
Choose N-Butyl Alcohol if:
- You specifically need support for solvent applications.
- You specifically need support for paint thinner applications.
- You need a higher-boiling solvent that stays in-process longer.
- Fire-risk controls are a priority and you prefer the higher flash-point option.
Choose Isobutyl Alcohol if:
- You specifically need support for solvent for paints and coatings applications.
- You specifically need support for solvent for adhesives applications.
- You want a faster-evaporating solvent for quick-dry production steps.
- You can manage stricter flammable-liquid controls for lower flash-point performance.
Commercial & Fulfillment Snapshot
Built for purchasing teams that need predictable dispatch, compliant documentation, and freight flexibility from parcel to full truckload.
| Procurement Advantage | N-Butyl Alcohol | Isobutyl Alcohol |
|---|---|---|
| Grade & Concentration Coverage | multiple concentration options by application with industrial/lab procurement support. | 99% with industrial/lab procurement support. |
| Packaging Depth | small packs through bulk freight quantities for parcel, pallet, and truckload planning. | small packs through bulk freight quantities for parcel, pallet, and truckload planning. |
| Dispatch SLA | Order by 1 PM CT (Mon-Thu) or noon CT Friday for same-business-day outbound from Taylor, TX. | Order by 1 PM CT (Mon-Thu) or noon CT Friday for same-business-day outbound from Taylor, TX. |
| Freight Optionality | UPS Ground for small packs plus LTL/FTL lanes through ABF, SEFL, Saia, XPO, and partner carriers. | UPS Ground for small packs plus LTL/FTL lanes through ABF, SEFL, Saia, XPO, and partner carriers. |
| Compliance Readiness | SDS ready now; COA/TDS support available pre-PO and post-order. | SDS ready now; COA/TDS support available pre-PO and post-order. |
| Bulk Procurement CTA | Request bulk quote or call (512) 365-6838. | Request bulk quote or call (512) 365-6838. |
Need Help Deciding? Our technical team can help you choose the right chemical for your specific application. Email sales@alliancechemical.com for expert guidance.
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Alliance Chemical supplies both N-Butyl Alcohol and Isobutyl Alcohol in various grades and package sizes.