Substance profile
Butyl butyrate
Butyl butyrate: liquid.
01 · Identification
What Butyl butyrate is
Butyl butyrate: liquid. Its molecular formula is C8H16O2 and its molecular weight is 144.21 g/mol. It boils at 167 °C, melts at -91.7 °C.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Warning.
02 · GHS classification
Hazards and label elements
Harmonised classification under CLP Annex VI. This is the legally binding classification in the EU; other jurisdictions may differ.
| Code | Hazard statement |
|---|---|
| H226 | Flammable liquid and vapour. |
03 · Physical and chemical properties
Butyl butyrate properties
Every value is shown with the conditions it was measured under and the source it came from. Where sources disagree, all values are listed rather than one being picked — the difference is usually a different form of the substance, not an error.
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boiling point | 166.67 °C (332 °F) | at 760 mmHg | CAMEO |
| 166.67 °C (332 °F) | OSHA | ||
| 166 °C (330.8 °F) | at 760 mmHg | DOE PAC | |
| Melting point | -91.67 °C (-133 °F) | CAMEO | |
| -91.5 °C (-132.7 °F) | HMDB | ||
| Density | 0.872 g/cm³ | OSHA | |
| 0.872 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | CAMEO | |
| Solubility | miscible with alcohol, ether, most vegetable oils; slightly soluble in propylene glycol, water | JECFA | |
| 1 ml in 3 ml 70% alcohol (in ethanol) | JECFA | ||
| 0.5 mg/mL at 20 °C | at 20 °C | HMDB | |
| Vapor pressure | 10.34 mmHg | CAMEO | |
| 1.81 mmHg | Haz-Map | ||
| Flash point | 53.33 °C (128 °F) | CAMEO |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Handling and storage
Storing and handling Butyl butyrate
Reactivity
BUTYL BUTYRATE reacts with acids to liberate heat along with butyl alcohol and butyric acid. Strong oxidizing acids may cause a vigorous reaction that is sufficiently exothermic to ignite the reaction products. Heat is also generated by interaction with caustic solutions. Flammable hydrogen is generated by mixing with alkali metals and hydrides. May attack some forms of plastics (USCG, 1999).
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check Butyl butyrate in the storage compatibility matrix →