Acetates & Esters, High-Purity Solvents

Sec-Butyl Acetate (SBAC)

Sec-butyl acetate, systematically identified as 1-methylpropyl acetate with the CAS Registry Number 105-46-4, represents a clear, colorless liquid ester characterized by its distinctive pleasant, fruity aroma. As one of the four isomers of butyl acetate, it occupies a significant niche within the chemical industry due to its moderate volatility and excellent solvent capabilities. Structurally, it consists of an acetyl group bonded to a secondary butyl group, a configuration that imparts specific physical properties differing from its linear counterpart, n-butyl acetate. This organic compound exhibits low solubility in water but demonstrates high miscibility with a broad spectrum of organic solvents, including alcohols, ethers, and hydrocarbons. Its moderate evaporation rate makes it a versatile component in various formulations, balancing drying times and surface finish quality. Furthermore, sec-butyl acetate serves as a critical intermediate in chemical synthesis and is valued for its relatively low toxicity profile compared to some alternative oxygenated solvents utilized.

Attributes

Key Features and Benefits

High Solvency Power: Offers exceptional solvency for a wide variety of resins, including nitrocellulose, acrylics, epoxies, and alkyd resins.
Moderate Evaporation: Features an intermediate evaporation rate, which helps prevent surface defects like blushing or orange peeling during coating applications.
Low Water Solubility: Its hydrophobic nature ensures stability in moisture-sensitive formulations and facilitates easy separation in aqueous recovery systems.
Broad Compatibility: It is fully miscible with common organic solvents, allowing for flexible blending to achieve specific viscosity and drying profiles.
Pleasant Fragrance: The characteristic fruity odor is less pungent than other acetates, making it preferable for certain consumer-facing product applications.

Specifications

Technical Highlights

Molecular Formula and Weight: C6H12O2 with a molar mass of 116.16 g/mol, providing a balanced structure for solvent-solute interactions.
Boiling and Flash Points: Features a boiling point of 112.2°C and a flash point of 31°C (closed cup), requiring flammable storage precautions.
Density and Vapor Pressure: Possesses a density of 0.875 g/cm³ at 20°C and a vapor pressure of approximately 1.33 kPa at standard temperature.
Refractive Index and Purity: Typically maintained at a high purity of ≥99.5% with a refractive index of 1.392 to 1.395.
Viscosity Profile: Exhibits a low dynamic viscosity of approximately 0.70 mPa·s at 20°C, aiding in the formulation of high-solids coatings.

Download Technical Data Sheet (TDS)

Practical industry uses

Applications

Paint and Coating Industry: Primarily used as a solvent in nitrocellulose lacquers, polyurethane finishes, and automotive enamels for superior leveling.
Printing Ink Formulation: Acts as an essential component in gravure and flexographic inks, ensuring optimal drying speeds and pigment dispersion.
Adhesive Production: Utilized in the manufacture of solvent-based adhesives to adjust open times and improve the wetting of various substrates.
Pharmaceutical Processing: Serves as an extraction solvent or reaction medium in the synthesis of active pharmaceutical ingredients and specialty chemicals.
Fragrance and Flavor: Employed as a flavoring agent or fragrance component in cosmetic products and food additives due to its fruity profile.