n-Butyl acetate
The reference solvent for evaporation rates and a staple ester in 2K urethane and lacquer formulas.
n-Butyl acetate is the ester of acetic acid and n-butanol, boiling at about 126 °C with a fruity odor. It defines the standard evaporation-rate scale: n-butyl acetate = 1.0.
It is a primary solvent in 2K polyurethane and acrylic urethane coatings, nitrocellulose lacquers and many industrial finishes, valued for good solvency and a balanced evaporation rate.
Esters have no reactive hydrogens, so urethane-grade n-butyl acetate with very low water content is compatible with isocyanates. Its moderate evaporation helps films flow and level without excessive sagging.
Flammable, with vapors that irritate eyes and airways and can cause drowsiness. Ventilate and control ignition sources.
Its moderate, consistent evaporation makes it a convenient benchmark; other solvents are rated faster (above 1) or slower (below 1).
No. n-Butyl acetate counts as a VOC under US EPA rules, unlike tert-butyl acetate.
