What Is Butyl Acrylate?

Butyl Acrylate, also known as n-Butyl Acrylate, is an acrylic ester with the molecular formula C₇H₁₂O₂ and a molecular weight of 128.17 g/mol. Its CAS number is 141-32-2, and its IUPAC name is butyl prop-2-enoate.

At room temperature, Butyl Acrylate is generally a clear, colorless liquid with a characteristic fruity odor. It has limited solubility in water and is widely used as a monomer and chemical intermediate in polymer and resin production.

Basic Properties of Butyl Acrylate

Some important properties of Butyl Acrylate include:

• Chemical Name: Butyl Acrylate
• CAS No.: 141-32-2
• Molecular Formula: C₇H₁₂O₂
• Molecular Weight: 128.17 g/mol
• Appearance: Clear, colorless liquid
• Boiling Point: Approximately 146°C
• Melting Point: Approximately -64°C
• Density: Approximately 0.89 g/cm³
• Flash Point: Approximately 39°C
• Water Solubility: Low

These properties make Butyl Acrylate suitable for use as a reactive monomer in a wide range of industrial formulations.

Applications of Butyl Acrylate

Butyl Acrylate is an important raw material for the production of polymers, copolymers and resins. Its major applications include paints, coatings, adhesives, sealants, plastics and textile chemicals.

Paints and Coatings

Butyl Acrylate is widely used in architectural coatings, water-based dispersions and automotive coating formulations. It can contribute to the flexibility and performance of acrylic polymers used in coatings.

Adhesives and Sealants

Butyl Acrylate is used in the production of acrylic adhesives and sealants. It is particularly relevant to pressure-sensitive adhesives and other adhesive formulations requiring polymer flexibility.

Plastics and Resins

As a reactive monomer, Butyl Acrylate can be copolymerized with other monomers to produce polymers with specific physical and chemical properties. It is also used in certain plastic modifiers and resin systems.

Textile Applications

Butyl Acrylate is used in textile and leather finishing formulations, including textile coatings, back-coating formulations and other polymer-based treatments.

Butyl Acrylate in Polymer Production

One of the key characteristics of Butyl Acrylate is its ability to undergo polymerization. It is therefore commonly used together with other acrylic or vinyl monomers to produce copolymers.

Depending on the formulation, these polymers can provide properties such as flexibility, adhesion, weather resistance and film-forming performance, making Butyl Acrylate useful across coatings, adhesives and polymer applications.

Handling and Storage

Butyl Acrylate is a flammable liquid and vapor and can cause skin and eye irritation. It can also cause respiratory irritation and allergic skin reactions according to the EU harmonized classification.

Because Butyl Acrylate can polymerize under certain conditions, commercial products are normally supplied with an inhibitor. Proper storage should follow the supplier's SDS and technical specifications, with appropriate controls for heat, ignition sources and incompatible materials. NIOSH notes that the material is highly reactive and may polymerize when heated.

Conclusion

Butyl Acrylate (CAS No. 141-32-2) is an important acrylic monomer widely used in the chemical industry. Its applications cover paints, coatings, adhesives, sealants, plastics, resins and textile finishing. With its role in polymer and copolymer production, Butyl Acrylate remains an important raw material for a variety of industrial applications.