Butyl benzoate

Chemical properties

Butyl benzoate is a clear yellowish oily liquid or colorless viscous liquid. Insoluble in water,  poorly soluble in Propylene glycol, soluble in alcohol, 95% ethanol and oil, with sweet and soft with astringent floral and paste fragrance, very light ambergris scent, woody and spicy underlying fragrance. The aroma is weak and lingers long. B.P. 250℃. Sp.Gr. 1.01.

The Uses of Butyl benzoate

Butyl benzoate is used as a solvent for cellulose ether, a dye carrier for textiles, and a perfume ingredient . It occurs naturally as a volatile component of various fruits and vegetables. It has been approved by the FDA as an indirect food additive for use as a component of adhesives.

What are the applications of Application

Butyl benzoate has been used as:
preservative in commercial cosmetic lotions
as involatile solvent, for sampling of isocyanates with silica gel solid phase extraction

Production Methods

Butyl benzoate is formed by the direct esterification of n-butyl alcohol with benzoic acid under azeotropic conditions .

Definition

ChEBI: Butyl benzoate is a benzoate ester obtained by condensation of benzoic acid and butanol. It is used as a perfume ingredient and as a solvent for cellulose ether, a dye carrier for textiles. It has a role as an antimicrobial food preservative, a fragrance and a plant metabolite.

Synthesis Reference(s)

Journal of the American Chemical Society, 111, p. 8742, 1989 DOI: 10.1021/ja00205a039
Synthetic Communications, 14, p. 857, 1984 DOI: 10.1080/00397918408075729
The Journal of Organic Chemistry, 39, p. 3318, 1974 DOI: 10.1021/jo00937a003

Flammability and Explosibility

Not classified

Safety Profile

Moderately toxic by skin contact. Mildly toxic by ingestion. Severe skin irritant and moderate eye irritant. Combustible when exposed to heat or flame; can react with oxidizing materials. To fight fire, use Co2, dry chemical, water mist, fog, spray. When heated to decomposition it emits acrid and irritating fumes. See also ESTERS.