What Is cas 123-86-4? Uses, Properties, and Safety
What Is CAS 123-86-4? Uses, Properties, and Safety
CAS 123-86-4 is n-butyl acetate, also called butyl ethanoate or 1-butyl acetate. It is a clear, colorless, flammable organic solvent with a characteristic fruity odor and the molecular formula C6H12O2. I commonly identify it as a solvent for coatings, inks, adhesives, and industrial cleaning formulations because it dissolves many resins while evaporating at a practical rate. For purchasing and safe use, I recommend confirming the exact grade, specification, SDS, packaging, and regulatory requirements before placing an order.
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What Is CAS 123-86-4?
CAS 123-86-4 refers specifically to n-butyl acetate, an ester produced from acetic acid and n-butanol. The CAS number is the most reliable identifier when buyers need to distinguish this material from other acetate solvents with similar names. For example, isobutyl acetate has a different chemical identity and CAS number, so I advise using both the CAS number and the chemical name in purchase documents.
In its typical commercial form, n-butyl acetate is a liquid at room temperature. It has moderate evaporation, good solvency for many coating resins, and limited solubility in water. These characteristics make it useful when a formulator needs a solvent that balances resin dissolution, application flow, drying behavior, and compatibility with other organic solvents.
Key Properties of CAS 123-86-4
| Property | Typical information | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical name | n-Butyl acetate | Confirms the intended isomer and product identity |
| CAS number | 123-86-4 | Supports accurate purchasing, documentation, and regulatory review |
| Molecular formula | C6H12O2 | Provides the basic chemical composition |
| Molecular weight | 116.16 g/mol | Useful for formulation calculations and technical evaluation |
| Boiling point | Approximately 126 °C | Helps predict drying and solvent release behavior |
| Water solubility | Limited; commonly reported at approximately 0.7 g/100 mL at room temperature | Important for water contact, phase behavior, and formulation stability |
Commercial specifications can differ according to grade, production process, and purification level. A buyer should therefore treat the values above as general reference information rather than a certificate of analysis. I recommend checking the current supplier specification for purity, water content, acidity, color, nonvolatile matter, and other controlled parameters.
Core Functions and Uses
Coatings and Paints
CAS 123-86-4 is widely used as a solvent in solvent-borne paints, industrial coatings, wood coatings, and related formulations. Its solvency can help dissolve or reduce the viscosity of selected resins, while its evaporation profile may support leveling and film formation. The actual result depends on resin chemistry, solids content, application method, temperature, humidity, and the other solvents in the blend.
Printing Inks
In printing ink systems, n-butyl acetate can function as a solvent for resin packages and as part of a controlled evaporation blend. Formulators may adjust its proportion to influence viscosity, drying speed, gloss, and print quality. I recommend testing it with the intended resin, pigment dispersion, and printing equipment because an unsuitable solvent balance can contribute to poor transfer, pinholes, odor, or slow drying.
Adhesives and Sealants
Some adhesive formulations use CAS 123-86-4 to dissolve polymers or modify processing viscosity. It may be considered for systems where a volatile organic solvent is compatible with the adhesive resin and manufacturing process. Before scale-up, buyers should evaluate bond strength, open time, substrate compatibility, drying behavior, and residual solvent requirements.
Industrial Cleaning and Process Applications
Because n-butyl acetate can dissolve oils, resins, and certain organic residues, it may be used in selected industrial cleaning or equipment-maintenance applications. It should not automatically be treated as a universal cleaner because compatibility varies across plastics, elastomers, coatings, and finished surfaces. I advise conducting a small material-compatibility test before using it on sensitive components.
Types and Material Options Buyers May Encounter
The main identity relevant to this page is standard n-butyl acetate with CAS 123-86-4. However, the market may also contain different commercial grades, such as general industrial grade, higher-purity grade, or material supplied for a specific formulation or processing requirement. These grades may differ in purity, moisture, acidity, color, odor, packaging, and documentation.
Buyers should also distinguish n-butyl acetate from related materials. Isobutyl acetate, sec-butyl acetate, and tert-butyl acetate are different substances with different physical behavior and CAS numbers. If a formulation, customer specification, or regulatory document names CAS 123-86-4, I recommend avoiding substitutions unless the technical team has reviewed and approved the change.
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Safety and Handling Requirements
CAS 123-86-4 is a flammable liquid, so ignition control is a primary handling requirement. Its commonly referenced closed-cup flash point is approximately 24 °C, although the exact reported value can vary with the test method and specification. Storage and use should therefore be managed away from flames, sparks, hot surfaces, and other ignition sources, with suitable ventilation and controlled static electricity.
Vapor exposure may irritate the eyes and respiratory tract and may cause effects such as headache, dizziness, or drowsiness at elevated concentrations. I recommend using the current SDS to determine the required personal protective equipment, exposure controls, first-aid measures, and spill response procedures. Safety requirements can vary by jurisdiction and workplace conditions, so the SDS and local regulations should govern operational decisions.
- Keep containers closed when the material is not in use.
- Use local exhaust ventilation or another suitable engineering control where vapor may accumulate.
- Use chemically resistant gloves and eye protection selected for the actual task and exposure duration.
- Store in a cool, well-ventilated area using approved containers and appropriate flammable-liquid controls.
- Prevent release to drains, soil, and waterways, and manage waste according to local requirements.
- Do not mix or transfer the solvent near uncontrolled ignition sources.
For transportation and storage, packaging must be suitable for flammable liquids and must comply with the rules applicable to the shipping route and destination. I recommend reviewing the supplier’s SDS, label, transport classification, and emergency information before dispatch. A professional safety assessment is especially important for large-volume storage, indoor use, heated processes, or automated dispensing systems.
Key Specifications to Request
For B2B purchasing, I suggest requesting more than the product name and CAS number. A practical inquiry should ask for the specification sheet, SDS, certificate of analysis where available, packaging details, production or shipment information, and any applicable regulatory documentation. This creates a clearer basis for comparing suppliers and approving the material internally.
Typical Buyer Specification Checklist
- Assay or purity requirement
- Water content
- Acidity or acid value
- Color and appearance
- Nonvolatile matter
- Density and distillation range
- Packaging type and net weight
- Batch traceability and quality documents
Not every application needs the same specification limits. A general coating application may prioritize solvency, consistency, and cost, while a sensitive ink, adhesive, or cleaning process may require tighter controls on moisture, acidity, odor, or nonvolatile residue. I help buyers match the specification to the end use rather than selecting the most expensive grade without a defined technical reason.
How I Help Buyers Select a Supplier
When I evaluate a supply program for CAS 123-86-4, I focus on identity control, batch consistency, documentation, packaging, logistics, and communication. Yuking can support B2B buyers by discussing intended use, annual volume, destination, preferred packaging, required documents, and target delivery schedule. Final availability, lead time, and commercial terms should be confirmed for each order rather than assumed in advance.
A reliable inquiry should include the required CAS number, estimated quantity, delivery country, packaging preference, application, and specification expectations. If the buyer is replacing an existing solvent, sharing the current specification or key performance requirements can make the evaluation more efficient. I can then help clarify whether standard n-butyl acetate is appropriate or whether additional technical review is needed.
Key Takeaways
- CAS 123-86-4 is n-butyl acetate, a volatile ester solvent used in coatings, inks, adhesives, and selected industrial cleaning applications.
- Its molecular formula is C6H12O2, its molecular weight is 116.16 g/mol, and its boiling point is approximately 126 °C.
- It is flammable and should be handled with ventilation, ignition control, suitable PPE, and the current SDS.
- Different grades and related acetate solvents should not be treated as automatically interchangeable.
- Before purchasing, confirm purity, water, acidity, packaging, documents, logistics, and application-specific requirements.
Conclusion: Is CAS 123-86-4 Suitable for Your Application?
CAS 123-86-4 is n-butyl acetate, and it can be a practical solvent when its solvency, evaporation behavior, water compatibility, and safety profile match the formulation or process. It is commonly relevant to coatings, printing inks, adhesives, and selected cleaning operations, but suitability must be confirmed through resin compatibility, process testing, and workplace safety review. The material should always be purchased and handled according to the applicable specification, SDS, and local regulations.
As a next step, I recommend preparing your required quantity, application, purity target, packaging, destination, and documentation needs. Contact Yuking with these details so we can review the appropriate CAS 123-86-4 supply option, provide relevant technical information, and discuss a practical B2B quotation.
Contact us to discuss your requirements of cas 123-86-4. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.
Cas 123-86-4, commonly known as butyl acetate, serves as an effective dispersing and wetting agent in various industrial applications, improving the uniformity of coatings and enhancing the performance of paints and inks by ensuring that solid particles are evenly distributed throughout the liquid medium, which ultimately leads to a smoother finish and better adhesion on surfaces.
CAS 123-86-4, commonly known as butyl acetate, serves as an effective dispersing and wetting agent in various industrial applications, enhancing the distribution of pigments and fillers while improving the flow and leveling of coatings, making it an essential component in the formulation of paints, adhesives, and other materials where optimal performance and application are required.
In the realm of industrial applications, cas 123-86-4, known as butyl acetate, serves as a highly effective dispersing and wetting agent, enhancing the performance of paints and coatings by promoting uniform distribution of pigments and additives, thereby improving the overall quality and appearance of the final product.
CAS 123-86-4, commonly known as butyl acetate, serves as an effective dispersing and wetting agent in various industrial applications, helping to enhance the stability and performance of coatings and inks by ensuring an even distribution of pigments while improving the flow properties, which ultimately contributes to a smoother finish and optimal adhesion on different surfaces.
CAS 123-86-4, commonly known as butyl acetate, serves as an effective dispersing and wetting agent in various industrial applications, enhancing the uniformity and stability of coatings and inks while ensuring that pigments and additives are evenly distributed, ultimately improving the overall performance and appearance of the final products.
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