N-Butyl Alcohol (NBA), also known as 1-Butanol or Butan-1-ol (CAS: 71-36-3), is a primary, four-carbon straight-chain alcohol. It is a clear, colorless liquid characterized by a distinct, pungent, banana-like odor. Industrially, it is primarily produced through the oxo process, involving the hydroformylation of propylene to butyraldehyde, followed by hydrogenation. It also occurs naturally as a byproduct of the fermentation of sugars.
As a versatile industrial chemical, NBA serves as a critical intermediate in the production of various derivatives, including butyl acetate, butyl acrylates, and glycol ethers. Its physical properties—specifically its moderate volatility and ability to act as a latent solvent—make it indispensable in the coatings and polymer industries. While it has limited solubility in water (approximately 7.3 g/100 mL), it is completely miscible with most common organic solvents. In the context of safety and handling, it is classified as a flammable liquid and a respiratory irritant, requiring stringent industrial hygiene practices and explosion-proof storage conditions.
**Superior Solvency:** Exhibits high solvency for a wide range of resins, gums, and synthetic polymers, ensuring homogeneous formulations in coatings and adhesives.
**Latent Solvent Properties:** When used in combination with hydrocarbon solvents, it significantly increases their solvating power, particularly in nitrocellulose lacquers.
**Controlled Evaporation:** With a medium boiling point (117.7°C), it offers a slower evaporation rate than lower alcohols, improving flow and leveling in surface coatings.
**Moisture Resistance:** Effectively prevents “blushing” or cloudiness in paint films by controlling the evaporation rate and resisting water absorption during the drying process.
**Chemical Intermediary:** Provides a highly reactive hydroxyl group for the synthesis of various butyl esters and glycol ethers.
**Molecular Weight:** 74.12 g/mol.
**Boiling Point:** 117.7°C (243.9°F) at 760 mmHg, providing stability in high-temperature applications.
**Flash Point:** 35°C–37°C (95°F–98.6°F) (Closed Cup), classifying it as a Class 3 flammable liquid.
**Solubility:** 7.3 g/100 mL in water at 25°C; fully miscible with organic solvents.
**Specific Gravity:** 0.810 at 20°C, making it less dense than water.
**Refractive Index:** 1.399 at 20°C.
**Viscosity:** 2.57 cP at 20°C, contributing to its ease of pumping and mixing in industrial processes.
**Vapor Pressure:** 6.7 hPa at 20°C, indicating moderate volatility.
• Electrical and electronics
• Connectors, switches, PCB housings, terminal blocks
• Automotive
• Under-hood components, interior assemblies, cable conduits
• Wire and cable
• Insulation layers, sheathing, jacketing materials
• Construction
• Plastic fittings, conduits, insulation panels
• Consumer appliances
• Enclosures, adapters, plugs, casings
• Industrial components
• Fiber-reinforced composites, flame-retardant masterbatches
• Compatible polymers
• PA6, PA66
• PBT, PET
• PE, PP
• Blends and copolymers requiring halogen-free flame retardancy
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