Isobutyl Acetate

Isobutyl acetate, alternatively known as 2-methylpropyl ethanoate (IUPAC name) or β-methylpropyl acetate, is a frequently employed solvent. It is synthesized through the esterification process, involving the reaction of isobutanol with acetic acid. Isobutyl acetate serves as a solvent for lacquer and nitrocellulose. Similar to many other esters, it exhibits a fruity or floral fragrance at low concentrations and is naturally present in raspberries, pears, and various other plants.

Synonyms: 2-Methylpropyl Ethanoate I 2-methylpropyl ethanoate I acetic acid, isobutyl ester
Chemical Formula: C6H12O2
CAS Number: 110-19-0

Characteristics

Molar Weight: 116.16g/mol

Melting Point: −99 °C

Boiling Point: 118 °C

Flash Point: 17.7 °C

Density: 0.873

Forms: Liquid (clear)

Uses and applications

Key applications

Fragrances
Food additive
Cleaning products
Household industrial
Personal care
Cosmetic products
Paint and Coatings

Industries

Isobutyl acetate

Isobutyl acetate is also known as acetic acid isobutyl ester. It is a fruit ester that is found in large quantities in bananas and melons, for example. The compound is also found in alcoholic beverages such as cider and mulberry wine. Isobutyl acetate is a solvent frequently used in many industries. In the food industry, it acts as a flavouring agent.

Mango smoothie with on the background pieces of chopped mango in a bowl.

Isobutyl acetate in the industry

Food

Isobutyl acetate has a fruity-sweet flavour reminiscent of pears, apples or bananas. The substance is mainly used in the food industry as a flavouring and fragrance for products such as confectionery and baked goods, ice cream, chewing gum, desserts, jams, jellies or drinks such as fruit juices.

The fruit ester is not only used for ist own aroma, it also enhances or harmonises other aromas. It is also used as a solvent for food additives such as other flavourings and colourings.

Cosmetics

Isobutyl acetate is often used as a solvent in the cosmetics industry, particularly in nail varnishes, nail varnish removers and other cosmetic products that need to dry quickly. Due to its fruity and slightly sweet flavour, it is also used as a fragrance in perfumes and other cosmetics.

Pharma

Isobutyl acetate is also used as a solvent in the pharmaceutical industry. Thanks to its volatile properties, it is also used in the coating of tablets to make their outer surface smooth and even. The rapid evaporation of the substance ensures that the coating dries without leaving any residue. The coatings protect the active ingredient, control its release in the body and mask the flavour of tablets.

Isobutyl acetate is also used as a cleaning agent for equipment and production facilities in the pharmaceutical industry to remove greasy or oil-based residues.

It is also used as a reaction medium in chemical synthesis processes, particularly in the production of active ingredients or pharmaceutical intermediates.

Paint and coatings

Isobutyl acetate is used in the paint and coatings industry primarily as a solvent for acrylic, vinyl and nitrocellulose paints, which improves the quality and processability ft he coating.

Cropped shot of an unrecognizable woman cleaning her kitchen counter at home

Construction

In the construction industry, isobutyl acetate is primarily used as a solvent and cleaning agent for tools and surfaces. In addition to its use in coatings, it is also a component of adhesives, sealants and sealants.

Polymers

In the polymer industry, isobutyl acetate plays a central role as a solvent in the production and processing of polymers such as acrylate, polyvinyl acetate and cellulose derivatives. It supports the production of homogeneous polymer solutions that are used for further processing in paints, varnishes, adhesives and coatings. Isobutyl acetate controls the viscosity of polymer solutions and thus their processability.

Isobutyl acetate is used as a reaction medium in the production of modified polymers and copolymers. It is also used as a cleaning agent for polymer processing systems.

Rubber

Isobutyl acetate is used as a solvent in certain rubber compounds to improve the processability, viscosity and homogeneity of the compound.

It is also used as a solvent in adhesives that have been specially developed for rubber and caoutchouc materials. It ensures optimum viscosity and facilitates adhesion between rubber and other materials, particularly in the production of car tyres, seals and conveyor belts.

Isobutyl acetate is also used to formulate protective and functional coatings for rubber products. They increase the durability and resistance of the products to abrasion, chemicals and weathering.

Isobutyl acetate is also used as a cleaning and degreasing agent before applying adhesives or coatings to rubber and caoutchouc. It removes oils, greases and other contaminants from the surface and thus improves the adhesion of coatings and adhesives.

Isobutyl acetate is also used to remove residues from moulds and tools used in rubber processing.

Cleaning

Isobutyl acetate is also used as a strong solvent in the cleaning industry, effectively removing paints and varnishes on construction sites, for example, as well as oils and greases in workshops, the automotive industry or during machine maintenance.

Household

In the household industry, isobutyl acetate is a component of cleaning products and care products such as polishes (furniture polishes and car care products) and waxes to remove grease, oils or other substances that are difficult to dissolve, such as adhesive residues and paint.

Due to its sweet, fruity aroma, isobutyl acetate is also used as a fragrance in products such as air fresheners, room sprays and scented candles. It is also used to create or enhance fruity and pleasant fragrances in cleaning products to promote the perception of freshness.

Engineer checking solar panels on a solar power plant

Energy

Isobutyl acetate is used as a solvent-based cleaning agent in the maintenance of energy plants, such as power stations or renewable energy plants. It removes grease, oil residues, resins and other poorly soluble contaminants from machine parts and technical components.

Isobutyl acetate is also used in the energy industry in the production of protective coatings that are applied to pipes, tanks and other metal components. They protect against corrosion, chemical influences and high temperatures. The solvent facilitates processing and ensures that the coating dries evenly.

The substance is also used in the production of speciality plastics used in wind turbines, solar cells or battery housings. In the processing of fuels or chemical additives for engines or machines as well as in lubricants, isobutyl acetate is used as a solvent to keep substances in liquid form or to enable chemical reactions.

In the energy industry, chemical solvents such as isobutyl acetate are also used in recycling processes to extract valuable materials such as plastics or metals from mixed waste.

In the animal nutrition industry, isobutyl acetate is primarily used as a flavouring agent to increase the acceptance and attractiveness of feed for breeding animals and pets.
Isobutyl acetate is used in agriculture as an attractant in biological pest control systems and as a solvent in plant protection products. Isobutyl acetate is also used as a solvent for protective or care coatings in the post-treatment of harvested fruit or in the production of agricultural products in order to improve shelf life.