CAS 123-86-4 is n-Butyl Acetate, also called butyl ethanoate, a colorless organic solvent with a characteristic fruity odor. Its molecular formula is C6H12O2, and its molecular weight is approximately 116.16 g/mol. I commonly see it selected for coatings, paints, inks, adhesives, cleaning formulations, and other industrial processes that require a medium-evaporation solvent with useful solvency and manageable flow behavior.
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For B2B buyers, identifying the correct CAS number is only the first step. The practical purchasing decision also depends on purity, water content, color, acidity, packaging, transport classification, and consistency between batches. In this guide, I explain what CAS 123-86-4 is, how it functions, where it is used, what specifications deserve attention, and how I support customers sourcing n-Butyl Acetate through Yuking.
CAS 123-86-4 is the Chemical Abstracts Service registry number for n-Butyl Acetate. It is an ester formed from acetic acid and n-butanol, and it is generally supplied as a clear, volatile liquid. The term “n-butyl” distinguishes this linear butyl ester from other butyl acetate isomers that may have different physical and performance characteristics.
n-Butyl Acetate is valued because it can dissolve or assist in blending many resin, polymer, oil, and coating components. Its evaporation rate is neither as rapid as some light solvents nor as slow as high-boiling solvents, which can help formulators balance drying speed, leveling, gloss, and film appearance. Actual performance depends on the complete formulation, temperature, humidity, film thickness, and application equipment.
| Property | Typical Reference Information | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical name | n-Butyl Acetate | Confirms the intended solvent identity |
| CAS number | 123-86-4 | Supports purchasing, documentation, and regulatory review |
| Molecular formula | C6H12O2 | Defines the chemical composition |
| Molecular weight | Approximately 116.16 g/mol | Useful for formulation calculations |
| Boiling point | Approximately 126°C | Helps estimate evaporation and drying behavior |
| Density | Approximately 0.88 g/cm³ at 20°C | Supports volume-to-weight conversion and formulation control |
These values are general reference points rather than a substitute for a supplier’s current certificate of analysis. Commercial specifications can differ according to grade, production process, test method, and contractual requirements. I recommend reviewing the technical data sheet and batch-specific documentation before approving a material for production.
The primary function of n-Butyl Acetate is to act as an organic solvent. It can help dissolve or reduce the viscosity of selected resins used in paints, coatings, printing inks, and adhesives. The right level of solvency depends on the resin chemistry, so I advise customers to confirm compatibility through formulation trials rather than relying on a general solvent ranking.
Its moderate boiling range can support controlled solvent release during application and drying. In a coating, this may influence flow, leveling, gloss, surface appearance, and the risk of defects such as pinholes or uneven film formation. However, excessive or insufficient evaporation can both create problems, meaning that n-Butyl Acetate is often evaluated as part of a solvent blend rather than as the only solvent.
Formulators may use n-Butyl Acetate to adjust application viscosity for spraying, rolling, printing, or other processes. Viscosity control affects atomization, transfer efficiency, wet film thickness, and drying behavior. The required addition level should be determined with the actual resin, pigment, additives, equipment, and environmental conditions.
n-Butyl Acetate is used in solventborne paints, protective coatings, wood finishes, industrial finishes, and related products. It can contribute to resin dissolution, viscosity adjustment, and film formation. In production, the solvent must be selected together with the coating resin and other solvents to achieve the required drying profile and surface quality.
Printing ink manufacturers may use CAS 123-86-4 in solvent-based ink systems where solvency and evaporation balance are important. The final choice depends on the printing method, substrate, press speed, drying equipment, and ink resin. Consistent quality is particularly important because changes in water, acidity, color, or evaporation behavior can affect process stability.
Selected adhesive systems use n-Butyl Acetate as a carrier or viscosity-control solvent. It may help processability during mixing and application, but suitability depends on polymer compatibility and the required open time. I recommend checking residual solvent requirements and application-site conditions before introducing it into an adhesive formulation.
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Because it can dissolve certain organic residues, n-Butyl Acetate may be considered for equipment cleaning or process maintenance. It should only be used where the substrate, seals, plastics, and workplace controls are compatible with the solvent. A small-scale compatibility check can help reduce the risk of swelling, softening, discoloration, or surface damage.
In commercial sourcing, buyers may encounter different quality levels or specification packages for n-Butyl Acetate. Common purchasing distinctions include general industrial material, higher-purity material for more demanding formulations, and products supplied with customer-defined limits for water, acidity, color, non-volatile matter, or other properties. The exact grade names are not universal, so I recommend comparing measurable specifications instead of relying only on labels such as “standard” or “premium.”
Packaging is another practical option. Depending on order size and logistics requirements, n-Butyl Acetate may be supplied in drums, intermediate bulk containers, or bulk formats where suitable. The choice affects handling equipment, storage space, transportation planning, and contamination control. Yuking can discuss packaging and documentation requirements based on the buyer’s destination and application.
Before placing an order, I suggest defining the required assay or purity, water limit, color, acidity, residue, density range, and evaporation-related requirements. If the solvent will be used in a sensitive coating or ink, the buyer should also confirm odor, appearance, and batch consistency expectations. These requirements should be written into the purchase specification so that supplier quotations can be compared fairly.
n-Butyl Acetate is flammable, and its vapors can form hazardous mixtures with air under suitable conditions. Storage should follow the applicable safety data sheet, local regulations, and site procedures, including appropriate ventilation, ignition-source control, grounding, fire protection, and compatible containers. Workers should use suitable personal protective equipment and consult the current SDS before handling, transferring, or disposing of the product.
A low unit price does not necessarily represent the lowest total sourcing cost. Buyers should evaluate minimum order quantity, lead time, packaging condition, export documents, batch traceability, and the supplier’s response process for technical questions. A stable supply arrangement can reduce production interruptions and the need for repeated qualification.
At Yuking, I approach CAS 123-86-4 sourcing as a specification-matching process rather than a simple product-name transaction. I can help buyers clarify the intended application, review target specifications, discuss packaging, and organize relevant technical and safety documentation for evaluation. Where a customer has an existing internal standard, I recommend using that document as the starting point for quotation and sample approval.
Our support can also include communication about shipment planning and export requirements. Availability, lead time, packaging options, and commercial terms depend on order quantity, destination, season, and the confirmed specification, so I avoid presenting fixed promises without reviewing the inquiry details. For recurring procurement, buyers may benefit from agreeing on inspection points, document requirements, and batch communication procedures in advance.
CAS 123-86-4 is n-Butyl Acetate, a versatile ester solvent used in coatings, paints, inks, adhesives, cleaning processes, and other industrial applications. Its approximately 126°C boiling point, approximately 0.88 g/cm³ density at 20°C, and useful resin solvency make it a practical option for formulations requiring balanced evaporation and viscosity control. At the same time, its flammability and application-dependent performance mean that safe handling and technical validation are essential.
My recommended next step is to prepare a clear purchasing specification covering purity, water, color, acidity, packaging, documentation, and annual or shipment quantity. Send those requirements to Yuking for a focused quotation and suitability discussion. With the correct grade, verified documents, and a controlled approval process, buyers can evaluate n-Butyl Acetate more reliably and select a supply solution aligned with both production and sourcing objectives.
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