Product Overview
Tert Butyl Acetate (TBA) — registered under CAS number 540-88-5 — is a specialized ester solvent widely utilized in the industrial chemical sector. Featuring the chemical formula C6H12O2 and a molecular weight of 116.16, this colorless liquid is highly valued for its unique volatility and solvency characteristics. In industrial manufacturing, finding a reliable solvent that balances evaporation rate with strong solvency is critical for optimizing process efficiency. Alliance Chemical supplies high-purity Tert Butyl Acetate to meet these demanding industrial requirements across North America.
As a versatile solvent, Tert Butyl Acetate exhibits a distinct fruity odor and a boiling point of 208 °F at 760 mmHg (USCG, 1999). Its physical properties make it an exceptional alternative to traditional chlorinated or aromatic solvents in various formulation workflows. With a density of 0.8665 at 68 °F, this compound is less dense than water and will float. Our technical-grade solvent ensures consistent performance in critical industrial systems where vapor pressure and drying times must be tightly controlled to prevent manufacturing defects.
Why This Grade
While the authoritative record designates the grade as not applicable for this raw material, our Tert Butyl Acetate is processed to high industrial purity standards. For specialized manufacturing, having an uncompromised high-purity solvent is vital. Water contamination and trace alcohol impurities must be strictly minimized to prevent reaction interference. In moisture-sensitive applications, such as polyurethane coatings, even minor water fractions in the solvent can react with isocyanates, leading to CO2 gassing, bubbles, and structural film failures.
Choosing a lower-grade or contaminated solvent alternative can dramatically alter the evaporation profile, leading to surface blushing, orange peeling, or poor adhesion in commercial coatings. Our technical-grade TBA ensures that the evaporation rate remains predictable, maintaining the integrity of the polymer matrix during film formation. By sourcing this high-purity ester, manufacturers avoid the costly downtime and product recalls associated with solvent-related coating degradation and inconsistent chemical reactions.
Chemical Profile
- CAS Number
- 540-88-5
- Chemical Formula
- C6H12O2
- Molecular Weight
- 116.16 g/mol
- Boiling Point
- 208 °F at 760 mmHg (USCG, 1999)
- Melting Point
- -5°C
- Flash Point
- 72 °F (NIOSH, 2024)
- Specific Gravity
- 0.8665 at 68 °F 0.8593 at 25 °C (USCG, 1999) - Less dense than water; will float
- Appearance
- Tert-butyl acetate is a colorless liquid with a mild odor. Floats on water. Produces irritating vapor. (USCG, 1999)
- Solubility
- Insoluble (NIOSH, 2024)
- UN Number
- UN1123
- Hazard Class
- Class 3
- Packing Group
- II
- Proper Shipping Name
- Butyl acetates
- GHS Signal Word
- Danger
Values sourced from Alliance Chemical's canonical chemistry registry. Certificate of Analysis (COA) per lot.
Industrial Applications
- In industrial coatings and paints, Tert Butyl Acetate serves as an effective solvent to reduce viscosity and improve spray application performance.
- In the formulation of adhesives and sealants, this ester solvent provides critical solvency for rubbers and polymers without degrading substrates.
- For industrial cleaning and degreasing operations, its solvent strength helps remove heavy oils, greases, and surface contaminants from metal parts.
- In the synthesis of chemical intermediates, TBA acts as a reaction medium where precise boiling point and volatility controls are required.
- Within agricultural chemical formulations, it functions as a carrier solvent to dissolve active ingredients uniformly for consistent field application.
Hazmat & Shipping
Due to its physical properties, Tert Butyl Acetate is classified as a hazardous material for transport. It is officially shipped as UN1123, Hazard Class 3, Packing Group II, under the proper shipping name Butyl acetates. With a flash point of 72 °F (NIOSH, 2024), this liquid is highly flammable and requires strict compliance with Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations. The authoritative signal word for this chemical is Danger, reflecting the hazards associated with its flammability (H225). Safe transport is managed strictly through certified hazmat carriers.
When handling this material, personnel must wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) to manage risks. Keyed to precautionary statement P280, handlers must wear protective gloves, protective clothing, eye protection, and face protection. Grounding and bonding of containers during transfer is required per P240 and P241 to prevent static discharge. Keep away from heat, hot surfaces, sparks, open flames, and other ignition sources per P210. Always review the product safety data sheet for detailed, compliance-focused handling guidelines prior to industrial use.
Handling & Storage
Store Tert Butyl Acetate in a cool, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight, maintaining temperatures preferably below 100 °F (38 °C) to minimize vapor pressure buildup. Ensure containers are kept tightly closed when not in use per P233. This chemical is compatible with carbon steel, stainless steel, and Teflon containers, but can degrade certain plastics and elastomers like PVC and natural rubber. Keep away from incompatible substances, including strong oxidizing agents, strong acids, and strong bases, to avoid hazardous exothermic reactions.
Order & Documentation
We provide complete documentation for all solvent purchases to ensure compliance with your internal quality control frameworks. A Safety Data Sheet (SDS) is provided with every order, and a Certificate of Analysis (COA) is available upon request for any lot number. For pricing, lead times, or bulk packaging options, you can Request a Quote or Download the SDS directly from our online chemical index.
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.
