About Butyl Acetate

Butyl Acetate is an organic ester compound with the chemical formula C₆H₁₂O₂. It is a clear, colourless, flammable liquid with a characteristic fruity odour. Commonly supplied in liquid form, it is insoluble in water but miscible with most organic solvents. Butyl acetate is produced via the esterification of butanol with acetic acid in the presence of an acid catalyst. It is available in various isomeric forms, though n-butyl acetate is the most commonly used in industrial and commercial applications.

This compound is widely used across industries due to its excellent solvent properties, moderate evaporation rate, and ability to dissolve resins, oils, and cellulose derivatives. It is a key ingredient in the formulation of coatings, inks, adhesives, and cleaning agents, and is also found in the flavour and fragrance sectors due to its naturally occurring presence in some fruits.

Butyl Acetate Uses

Paints & Coatings

Butyl acetate is extensively used as a solvent in automotive, industrial, and decorative paints. It promotes smooth application, enhances flow and levelling, and assists in achieving a uniform film. Its balance between evaporation rate and solvency makes it ideal for both high-performance and general-purpose coatings.

Printing Inks

In the printing industry, butyl acetate is used as a solvent in flexographic and gravure inks. It helps control viscosity, improve drying time, and maintain print quality across a range of substrates including paper, plastics, and films.

Adhesives & Sealants

Butyl acetate functions as a diluent in the formulation of solvent-based adhesives and sealants. It helps adjust consistency and open time, contributing to improved application and curing characteristics in contact cements and construction adhesives.

Cleaning & Degreasing Agents

Its ability to dissolve oils, greases, and resins makes butyl acetate suitable for use in industrial cleaners and surface preparation products. It is often used in formulations for degreasing electronic components, metal surfaces, and manufacturing equipment.

Flavours & Fragrances

Butyl acetate is used in the formulation of synthetic fruit flavours and fragrances, particularly in perfumes, cosmetics, and personal care products. Its pleasant aroma, low toxicity, and natural occurrence in some fruits make it suitable for controlled use in these applications.

Butyl Acetate Supplier Australia, USA & More!

Redox are trusted, authorised suppliers of butyl acetate. With distribution centres worldwide, we can supply to Australia, USA, UK, NZ, Europe, Asia and more. Get in touch with our expert team, who can help you order the right product, form and amount for your needs.

Common use-cases: Butyl Acetate is commonly used in inks, coatings and adhesives, as well as cleaning products.