Substance profile
Butyric Acid
Butyric Acid is an oily liquid with an unpleasant, rancid odor.
01 · Identification
What Butyric Acid is
Butyric Acid is an oily liquid with an unpleasant, rancid odor. Its molecular formula is C4H8O2 and its molecular weight is 88.11 g/mol. It boils at 164 °C, melts at -7.9 °C.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Danger. It is classed as corrosives.
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 |
|---|---|
| H314 | Causes severe skin burns and eye damage. |
03 · Physical and chemical properties
Butyric Acid 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 | 163.5 °C (326.3 °F) | HSDB | |
| 163.5 °C (326.3 °F) | at 760 mmHg | CAMEO | |
| 164 °C (327.2 °F) | ICSC | ||
| Melting point | -7.9 °C (17.8 °F) | HSDB | |
| -7.89 °C (17.8 °F) | CAMEO | ||
| Density | 0.96 g/cm³ | ICSC | |
| 0.959 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | HSDB | |
| 0.958 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | CAMEO | |
| Solubility | Miscible with ethanol, ether; slightly soluble in carbon tetrachloride | HSDB | |
| In water, 6.00X10+4 mg/L at 25 °C | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| greater than or equal to 100 mg/mL at 66 °F (NTP, 1992) | at 18.89 °C | CAMEO | |
| Vapor pressure | 0.43 mmHg | at 20 °C | CAMEO |
| 0.4275 mmHg | at 20 °C | ICSC | |
| 1.65 mmHg | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| Flash point | 71.67 °C (161 °F) | HSDB | |
| 76.67 °C (170 °F) | CAMEO | ||
| 72 °C (161.6 °F) | ICSC | ||
| Autoignition temperature | 443.33 °C (830 °F) | HSDB | |
| 450 °C (842 °F) | CAMEO | ||
| 452 °C (845.6 °F) | ICSC | ||
| Lower explosive limit (LEL) | 2 % by volume | HSDB | |
| Upper explosive limit (UEL) | 10 % by volume | HSDB | |
| Vapor density | 3.04 (air = 1) | HSDB | |
| 3 (air = 1) | ICSC | ||
| Odor threshold | 0.001 mg/cu m (Odor low) 9 mg/cu m (Odor high) | HSDB | |
| Critical temperature and pressure | 342.05 °C (647.7 °F) | HSDB | |
| Corrosivity | Corrosive material | HSDB |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Handling and storage
Storing and handling Butyric Acid
Storage conditions
Store in cool, dry, well-ventilated location, away from any area where fire hazard may be acute.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Incompatible materials
May attack aluminum or other light metals with formation of flammable hydrogen gas.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Reactivity
BUTYRIC ACID can react with oxidizing agents. Incandescent reactions occur with chromium trioxide above 212 °F. Also incompatible with bases and reducing agents. May attack aluminum and other light metals (NTP, 1992).
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check Butyric Acid in the storage compatibility matrix →