Butyl propionate

Description

Butyl propionate is a flammable, colorless tostraw-yellow liquid with an apple-like odor. Molecularweight = 130.2; Boiling point = 146℃; Specific gravity(H2O:1) = 0.87; Melting/Freezing point = - 90℃; Vaporpressure = 2.9 mmHg at 20℃; Relative density at 20℃ ofthe saturated vapor/air mixture (air = 1) = 1.01; Flashpoint = 32℃; Autoignition temperature = 426℃. HazardIdentification (based on NFPA-704 M Rating System):Health 2, Flammability 3, Reactivity 0. Practically insolublein water.

Chemical properties

Butyl propionate is a flammable, colorless to straw-yellow liquid with an apple-like odor.

Chemical properties

Butyl propionate has a characteristic earthy, faintly sweet odor and apricot-like taste.

Occurrence

Reported found in fresh apple, apple juice, melon, strawberry, Gruyere de Comte cheese and plum.

The Uses of Butyl propionate

Butyl propionate is a moderately fast evaporating solvent. Its linear structure contributes to effective viscosity reduction and improves solvent diffusion from coating films.
Butyl propionate is used solvent for nitrocellulose, retarder in lacquer thinner, ingredient of perfumes, flavors.

Preparation

By esterification of propionic acid with n-butyl alcohol in the presence of concentrated H2SO4 or p-toluene sulfonic acid.

Definition

ChEBI: Butyl propionate is a propanoate ester of butan-1-ol. It has a role as a plant metabolite, a human metabolite, an insect attractant and a flavouring agent. It is functionally related to a butan-1-ol.

Aroma threshold values

Detection: 25 to 440 ppb

Synthesis Reference(s)

Tetrahedron Letters, 14, p. 1823, 1973 DOI: 10.1016/S0040-4039(01)96249-5

General Description

A water-white liquid with an apple-like odor. Less dense than water. Flash point 90°F. May irritate skin and eyes. Used to make perfumes and flavorings.

Air & Water Reactions

Highly flammable. Very slightly soluble in water.

Reactivity Profile

BUTYL PROPIONATE is an ester. Esters react with acids to liberate heat along with alcohols and acids. Strong oxidizing acids may cause a vigorous reaction that is sufficiently exothermic to ignite the reaction products. Heat is also generated by the interaction of esters with caustic solutions. Flammable hydrogen is generated by mixing esters with alkali metals and hydrides.

Hazard

Skin and eye irritant. Flammable, moderate fire risk.

Health Hazard

Contact will cause eye and skin irritation. Vapor exposure may cause eye and respiratory tract irritation.

Fire Hazard

Special Hazards of Combustion Products: Irritating and toxic gases, such as carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide, may be produced in fire.

Flammability and Explosibility

Flammable

Safety Profile

Mildly toxic by ingestion. A skin irritant. Dangerously flammable when exposed to heat or flame. To fight fire, use foam, CO2, dry chemical. Incompatible with oxidizing materials. See also ESTERS, n-BUTYL ALCOHOL, and PROPIONIC ACID.

Potential Exposure

It is used as a solvent or lacquer thinner; and in perfumes and flavoring

First aid

If this chemical gets into the eyes, remove anycontact lenses at once and irrigate immediately for at least15 min, occasionally lifting upper and lower lids. Seek medical attention immediately. If this chemical contacts theskin, remove contaminated clothing and wash immediatelywith soap and water. Seek medical attention immediately. Ifthis chemical has been inhaled, remove from exposure,begin rescue breathing (using universal precautions, including resuscitation mask) if breathing has stopped and CPR ifheart action has stopped. Transfer promptly to a medicalfacility. When this chemical has been swallowed, get medical attention. Give large quantities of water and inducevomiting. Do not make an unconscious person vomit.

storage

Color Code—Red: Flammability Hazard: Storein a flammable liquid storage area or approved cabinetaway from ignition sources and corrosive and reactivematerials. Protect against physical damage. Outside ordetached storage is preferred. Prior to working with butylpropionate you should be trained on its proper handlingand storage. Store in tightly closed containers in a cool,well-ventilated area away from incompatible materialslisted above. Metal containers involving the transfer ofthis chemical should be grounded and bonded. Drumsmust be equipped with self-closing valves, pressure vacuum bungs, and flame arresters. Use only nonsparkingtools and equipment, especially when opening and closingcontainers of this chemical. Sources of ignition, such assmoking and open flames, are prohibited where this chemical is used, handled, or stored in a manner that could create a potential fire or explosion hazard

Shipping

UN1914 Butyl propionates, Hazard Class: 3; Labels: 3—Flammable liquid

Incompatibilities

Vapor may form explosive mixture with air. Incompatible with oxidizers (chlorates, nitrates, peroxides, permanganates, perchlorates, chlorine, bromine, fluorine, etc.); contact may cause fires or explosions. Keep away from alkaline materials, strong bases, strong acids, oxoacids, epoxides. May accumulate static electrical charges and cause ignition of its vapors.

Waste Disposal

Dissolve or mix the material with a combustible solvent and burn in a chemical incinerator equipped with an afterburner and scrubber. All federal, state, and local environmental regulations must be observed.