Chemical laboratory

N-Butyl Alcohol

High-Purity Solvent for Industrial Applications

  • CAS 71-36-3
  • Formula C₄H₁₀O
  • Flash Pt 35 °C
  • Density 0.810 g/cm³
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Physical & Chemical Properties

Property Value Unit
Boiling point 117.7 °C °C
Flash point 35 °C °C
Density 0.810 g/cm³ g/cm³
Solubility 7.9 g/100 mL (20 °C) -
Ph 7 -
Molecular weight 74.12 g/mol g/mol
Melting point -89.8 °C °C
Vapor pressure 6 mmHg at 20°C mmHg
Autoignition temp 340 °C -
Appearance Clear, colorless liquid -
Odor Alcohol-like -
Vapor density 2.6 (air = 1) g/cm³

Overview

N-Butyl Alcohol (CAS 71-36-3) is a clear, colorless liquid with the molecular formula C₄H₁₀O and a characteristic alcohol-like odor. This versatile primary alcohol serves as an essential industrial solvent and chemical intermediate across numerous manufacturing processes. With a molecular weight of 74.12 g/mol and moderate water solubility of 7.9 g/100 mL at 20°C, n-butyl alcohol offers excellent performance characteristics for specialized applications requiring controlled solubility and evaporation rates.

Key Applications

  • Industrial Solvent: Used in coatings, adhesives, and cleaning formulations where controlled evaporation and excellent solvency are required
  • Paint Thinner: Provides optimal flow properties and drying characteristics in lacquers, enamels, and specialty coatings
  • Chemical Intermediate: Essential building block for manufacturing plasticizers, particularly dibutyl phthalate, and other specialty chemicals
  • Pharmaceutical Manufacturing: High-purity grades serve as reaction media and extraction solvents in pharmaceutical synthesis

Safety & Handling

N-Butyl alcohol has a flash point of 35°C, requiring careful handling around ignition sources. The autoignition temperature is 340°C with a vapor pressure of 6 mmHg at 20°C. Always use appropriate personal protective equipment including chemical-resistant gloves, safety glasses, and ensure adequate ventilation in work areas. Vapor density of 2.6 (air = 1) means vapors will accumulate in low-lying areas, requiring proper ventilation design.

Storage & Shelf Life

Store in tightly sealed containers away from heat sources, oxidizing agents, and strong acids. Recommended storage temperature range is 15-25°C in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area. Use carbon steel, stainless steel, or compatible plastic containers. Avoid copper and copper alloys which may catalyze degradation. When stored properly, n-butyl alcohol maintains stability for extended periods.

Why Alliance Chemical

Alliance Chemical provides reliable supply of N Butyl Alcohol with same-day shipping from our Taylor, Texas facility. We offer flexible delivery options including UPS for smaller quantities and LTL/FTL freight for bulk orders. Every shipment includes comprehensive Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and Certificates of Analysis (COA) to ensure you receive consistent, high-quality product that meets your specifications.

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

Will-call pickup available at our Taylor, TX warehouse for Texas customers.

SDS, COA, and TDS available for every product • Most orders ship in 1-2 business days from Taylor, TX

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Available Sizes

N-Butyl Alcohol - 1 Quart

1 Quart

$20.48

 N-Butyl Alcohol - 1 Gallon

1 Gallon

$42.46

 N-Butyl Alcohol - 5 Gallon Pail

5 Gallon Pail

$151.81

 N-Butyl Alcohol - 55 Gallon Drum

55 Gallon Drum

$1,362.20
View all sizes →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is n-Butyl Alcohol (CAS 71-36-3) and what is it used for?
n-Butyl alcohol (C4H10O, CAS 71-36-3) is a primary aliphatic alcohol that is a colorless liquid with a mild alcohol odor. It is used as an industrial solvent, a chemical intermediate, and a laboratory reagent in coatings, adhesives, extraction, and synthesis applications.
How should n-Butyl Alcohol be stored and what is its typical shelf life?
Store n‑butyl alcohol in a cool, well‑ventilated area away from ignition sources and oxidizers, in tightly closed, compatible containers. When stored unopened under proper conditions it typically remains stable for 12–24 months, but check the supplier Certificate of Analysis (COA) for lot-specific stability information.
What are the key safety and handling precautions for n-Butyl Alcohol?
n‑Butyl alcohol is a flammable liquid and can cause skin and eye irritation and respiratory effects if inhaled; use explosion‑proof ventilation, grounding/bonding during transfer, and appropriate personal protective equipment (gloves, goggles, lab coat). Refer to the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for first aid, exposure limits, and emergency response measures.
What concentration grades of n-Butyl Alcohol are commonly available and how do they differ?
Common grades include technical (industrial) grades, reagent/ACS grades (≥99%), and anhydrous or high‑purity variants (≥99.5%) for sensitive processes. Higher‑purity and anhydrous grades are used where water or trace impurities affect reactions or analytical results, while technical grades are suitable for general solvent uses.
What documentation is provided with n-Butyl Alcohol shipments?
Suppliers typically provide a Safety Data Sheet (SDS), a Certificate of Analysis (COA) for each lot, and a Technical Data Sheet (TDS); regulatory and transportation documents (e.g., MSDS, declarations) are available on request. Always review the SDS and COA before use to confirm purity, hazards, and handling requirements.
How is n-Butyl Alcohol shipped and what packaging options are common?
n‑Butyl alcohol is transported as a flammable liquid (hazard class 3) under DOT/IATA/IMDG regulations and must be shipped in UN‑approved, sealed containers with proper labeling. Common packaging options include small bottles, steel or plastic drums (e.g., 25–200 L), and intermediate bulk containers (IBCs) for bulk orders; parcel restrictions may apply for small shipments.
Is n-Butyl Alcohol compatible with common storage materials and seals?
n‑Butyl alcohol is generally compatible with stainless steel, carbon steel, glass, HDPE, and PTFE-lined systems. It can swell or degrade some elastomers and plastics (for example natural rubber, neoprene and some PVC grades), so use resistant materials such as PTFE or fluorocarbon (Viton) seals for pumps and closures.
What are the typical technical specifications for n-Butyl Alcohol (physical properties)?
Typical specifications: molecular weight 74.12 g/mol, boiling point ~117.7°C, melting point ~-89°C, density ~0.81 g/mL at 20°C, and closed‑cup flash point ~35°C; it is a colorless liquid with limited water solubility and miscible with many organic solvents. Purity and analytical limits vary by grade and are listed on the COA.
Which industries and applications commonly use n-Butyl Alcohol?
n‑Butyl alcohol is used in coatings and paints, adhesives and sealants, chemical intermediate manufacture, solvent formulations, and laboratory research. It is also employed in extraction processes and in the production of esters and other specialty chemicals.
How can I purchase n-Butyl Alcohol and what should I expect for availability and lead times?
n‑Butyl alcohol is available from chemical distributors and manufacturers in multiple grades and pack sizes, from small laboratory bottles to bulk drum and IBC quantities; request a quote with grade, quantity, and required documentation. Availability and lead times depend on grade and location, so confirm current stock and shipping restrictions with your supplier.

Documentation & Downloads

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

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