N-Butyl Alcohol

Product Overview

N-Butyl alcohol—also known as butan-1-ol—is a primary alcohol with a distinct, harsh fusel odor accompanied by banana notes. Our high-purity material is a colorless liquid that belongs to our broader Alcohols collection and serves as a vital component in organic chemical synthesis, plasticizers, and industrial detergents. As a leading Texas chemical supplier, Alliance Chemical provides this high-quality solvent to meet rigorous manufacturing standards across various processing sectors. This intermediate is widely recognized for its solvency power in coatings, resins, and specialized chemical formulations.

This versatile industrial liquid has a chemical formula of C4H10O and a molecular weight of 74.12. Due to its limited water solubility of approximately 9 % (NIOSH, 2024), it acts as an effective extraction agent and a key raw material for butyl acetate and plasticizers. Our N-butyl alcohol provides a stable reaction medium and outstanding performance as a latent solvent for nitrocellulose lacquers and baked enamels. We ensure that our supply chain maintains the purity required for sensitive chemical processing.

Why This Grade

Selecting the correct grade of N-butyl alcohol is critical for maintaining process stability and preventing chemical degradation. When formulating industrial coatings, high-purity solvents prevent unwanted chemical interactions that could alter the viscosity or curing time of the final product. Using an off-grade or contaminated solvent can lead to phase separation, cloudy finishes, or reduced performance in industrial detergents and plasticizers.

The right grade ensures that the physical properties—such as the boiling point of 243.9 °F at 760 mmHg and a flash point of 84 °F—remain consistent across production runs. In organic synthesis, trace impurities in lower-grade alcohols can act as catalyst poisons, terminating polymerization reactions prematurely or generating off-spec byproducts. By supplying a highly consistent industrial-grade product, Alliance Chemical helps operators avoid costly batch failures and downtime.

Industrial Applications

• Production of butyl acetate and other butyl esters, which are widely utilized as solvents in the paint and coatings industry.
• Formulation of industrial detergents and cleaners where a powerful coupling agent is required to stabilize immiscible liquid phases.
• Synthesis of plasticizers like dibutyl phthalate, enhancing the flexibility and durability of polyvinyl chloride and other polymer systems.
• Use as a latent solvent in nitrocellulose lacquers, preventing blushing and ensuring a smooth finish during high-humidity application conditions.
• Extraction medium in the processing of pharmaceuticals and natural products, leveraging its specific solubility characteristics for efficient separation.

Hazmat & Shipping

N-Butyl alcohol is a regulated hazardous material due to its flammability and potential health hazards. It is classified under DOT regulations as UN1120, Hazard Class 3, Packing Group III, with the proper shipping name Butanols. The GHS signal word for this chemical is Danger. Because it is a Class 3 flammable liquid with a flash point of 84 °F, all transport must strictly comply with federal hazardous materials regulations, ensuring secure packaging and proper vehicle placarding during transit.

Standard safety protocols dictate the use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when handling this material to mitigate risk from GHS hazard statements such as H318 (Causes serious eye damage), H315 (Causes skin irritation), H302 (Harmful if swallowed), H335 (May cause respiratory irritation), and H336 (May cause drowsiness or dizziness). Workers must wear chemical splash goggles, butyl rubber gloves, and protective clothing to prevent exposure. A Safety Data Sheet (SDS) provided with every order outlines these requirements in full detail to maintain a safe working environment.

Handling & Storage

Storage of N-butyl alcohol requires a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area away from heat sources, open flames, and direct sunlight. It should be kept in tightly closed containers compatible with flammable solvents, such as steel or high-density polyethylene. Avoid contact with incompatible substances including strong oxidizing agents, halogens, and strong acids to prevent hazardous exothermic reactions. Ensure grounding and bonding protocols are active during transfer to mitigate static discharge hazards, and maintain storage temperatures well below the autoignition temperature of 650 °F.

Order & Documentation

As a leading distributor of high-quality industrial chemicals, Alliance Chemical provides the reliable documentation your compliance team requires. A Certificate of Analysis (COA) is available upon request for every batch we ship, and a comprehensive Safety Data Sheet (SDS) is provided with every order to support your facility safety protocols. To secure your supply, you can Order N-Butyl Alcohol directly or Request a Quote for bulk volumes today.

Why Buy from Alliance Chemical

Since 1997, Alliance Chemical has supplied premium industrial chemicals from Taylor, Texas under CAGE Code 1LT50, with a COA and SDS included on every order. For industrial use only.