Industrial Grade 99.5% 540-88-5 tert-Butyl acetate

 What is tert-Butyl acetate?

tert-Butyl acetate (TBAC) is an ester compound formed from the esterification of acetic acid and tert-butanol. It is also the 4th isomer of butyl acetate. It is often represented by the chemical formula:

C6H12O2 (CAS No. 540-88-5, EC No. 208-760-7, UN No. 1123, Molecular weight ~ 116.16)

It is a colourless clear liquid at room temperature and has a fruity odour like camphor or blueberries. Its density is approximately 0.866 g/cm3, boiling point is approximately 98°C, melting point is approximately -62°C, flash point is approximately 4.4°C (closed cup, extremely flammable), ignition temperature is approximately 421°C, it is slightly soluble in water (approx. 0.8% at 20°C) and miscible with most organic solvents such as ethers and alcohols.

The molecular framework of tert-butyl acetate consists of acetate groups (CH3COO-) and tert-butyl groups ((CH3)3C-). The low viscosity, high volatility and good solvency of the tert-butyl group are due to the tribranched structure, so that the evaporation rate and solubility of the tert-butyl group are similar to methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) and methyl isobutyl ketone (MEK). At the same time, it shows low toxicity and is a known environmentally friendly solvent. The company states that its “low toxicity, fast drying and strong solubility” feature makes it a great green alternative for harmful solvents such as toluene and xylene, which explains its broad uses in coatings, inks and cleaning products.

Tert-butyl acetate is a highly flammable chemical with a flash point of only 4.4 °C. Its vapour can form explosive mixtures with air so must be kept away from sources of ignition. It irritates eyes and skin and must be protected in case of prolonged contact. It will be stored in a sealed, fire-proof, well-ventilated place, away from sources of ignition and heat.

Non-industrial grade tert-butyl acetate refers to tert-butyl acetate for research, consumer and other non-mass industrial uses. These are generally reagent grade, with a purity usually in excess of 99% (GC). Non-industrial grade products pay more attention to the following indicators than industrial grade:

Control of Purity & Impurity

Generally, the main content of reagent-grade reagents needs to be 99% or above (GC), and the control of impurities such as moisture and acid value to ensure the accuracy of experimental results.

Moisture

Excessive moisture content can affect solvent performance and the synthesis reaction, so it needs to be kept at a low level.

acid value

Acid value reflects the content of free acetic acid, which affects product stability and downstream applications, and needs to be controlled at a low level.

Color

It should be colorless and transparent; abnormal color often indicates impurities or deterioration.

Density and refractive index

Density (0.866) and refractive index are common indicators for judging purity and quality, and they must meet specifications.

What are the uses of tert-Butyl acetate?

1. Scientific research and laboratory applications (reagent grade, core applications)

tert-Butyl acetate is a common ester used as a reagent and solvent in the laboratory. It can be used in organic production reactions (introduction of tert-butyl groups), transesterification studies, chromatographic analysis and solvent substitution studies. High purity grades are used in scientific research experiments where strict purity requirements are imposed.

2. Fine chemicals and custom synthesis

tert-Butyl acetate is a useful reagent for introducing tert-butyl protecting groups to protect functional groups like carboxyl and hydroxyl groups.

3.Cleaning agent

(1) Tert-butyl acetate is used as a component in industrial cleaners and degreasers to help remove oil and contaminants. It is also used to clean electronic components and precision parts. Due to its low toxicity and environmental-friendly properties, it can be used as an alternative to traditional harmful cleaning solvents.

( 2 ) It can be used in household cleaners, paint removers and paint thinning in model making, utilising the environmental friendliness of low toxicity and quick-drying properties of tert-butyl acetate, helping enthusiasts to solve cleaning and painting problems .

4. Environmentally Friendly Coating Solvents (Core Application)

Tert-butyl acetate is a well-known environmentally friendly coating solvent that can replace harmful solvents such as toluene and xylene. It is used in coating systems like 2K polyurethane, alkyd resin, acrylic resin, nitrocellulose and epoxy, and in automotive refinish paint, wood paint, aviation paint and baking paint, helping coatings meet more stringent environmental regulations.

5. Printing inks solvents

tert-Butyl acetate is applied as a solvent for solvent-based printing inks. Fast drying and strong dissolving properties, it can help dissolve resins and control the speed of drying. Used in the production of packaging printing, and industrial inks.

6. Solvents for adhesives

Used as a solvent component in adhesives for dissolving resins and for adjusting viscosity and drying properties. Used in the manufacture of industrial adhesives and sealants.

7. Nitrocellulose and resin solvents

tert-butyl acetate is an excellent solvent for resins such as nitrocellulose and is used in the formulation of coatings, inks and paints to help improve leveling and film-forming properties.

8. Chemical Additives and Auxiliary Solvents

tert-butyl acetate is used as a solvent for chemical additives such as gasoline anti-vibration agents, and also as an auxiliary solvent in chemical production, serving the fine chemical industry.

9. Automotive refinish paint (indirect contact)

tert-butyl acetate can be used in coating systems such as automotive refinish paints and wood coatings, and the production chain of automotive repair and wood coating may indirectly involve it.

10. Other Applications

With the development of green chemistry, the application scope of non-industrial grade tert-butyl acetate continues to expand, including in areas such as standard reagent supply, analytical testing, and research on environmentally friendly solvents.

Summarize

Tert-Butyl acetate (TBAC) is a colourless transparent ester liquid, with a fruity aroma like camphor or blueberry. It boils at 98°C and is volatile with a flash point of 4.4°C (very flammable). It is a well-known environmentally friendly solvent that can replace the use of toxic solvents such as toluene and xylene. We encounter it indirectly in our daily lives through eco-friendly coatings, printing inks, adhesives, industrial and electronic cleaning, automotive repair paints and educational experiments. Tert-butyl acetate of reagent grade is used extensively in organic chemical synthesis and as a reagent for the protection of tert-butyl group and in household cleaning and DIY projects, educational experiments and research on green solvents in non-industrial applications. It is an important ester solvent connecting “daily use” with “scientific research and green living.”