| Names | |
|---|---|
| Preferred IUPAC name | Butan-1-ol |
| Other names | 1-Butanol Butan-1-ol n-Butanol Fermentation butyl alcohol Butyl alcohol |
| Pronunciation | /ˈɛnˈbjuːtɪlˈælkəhɒl/ |
| Identifiers | |
| CAS Number | 71-36-3 |
| Beilstein Reference | 603932 |
| ChEBI | CHEBI:28885 |
| ChEMBL | CHEMBL15369 |
| ChemSpider | 3220 |
| DrugBank | DB02142 |
| ECHA InfoCard | 100.004.325 |
| EC Number | 200-751-6 |
| Gmelin Reference | 130436 |
| KEGG | C02335 |
| MeSH | D019355 |
| PubChem CID | 303 |
| RTECS number | EJ4200000 |
| UNII | 3K9958V90M |
| UN number | 1120 |
| Properties | |
| Chemical formula | C4H10O |
| Molar mass | 74.12 g/mol |
| Appearance | Colorless liquid with a characteristic odor |
| Odor | Alcohol-like |
| Density | 0.81 g/cm³ |
| Solubility in water | 8.7 g/100 mL (20 °C) |
| log P | 0.88 |
| Vapor pressure | 4.7 mmHg (20°C) |
| Acidity (pKa) | 16.0 |
| Basicity (pKb) | pKb = 5.4 |
| Magnetic susceptibility (χ) | -65.4×10⁻⁶ cm³/mol |
| Refractive index (nD) | 1.399 - 1.403 |
| Viscosity | Viscosity: 2.95 mPa·s (at 20°C) |
| Dipole moment | 2.75 D |
| Thermochemistry | |
| Std molar entropy (S⦵298) | 285.8 J·mol⁻¹·K⁻¹ |
| Std enthalpy of formation (ΔfH⦵298) | –327.5 kJ/mol |
| Std enthalpy of combustion (ΔcH⦵298) | -2674 kJ/mol |
| Pharmacology | |
| ATC code | Y040000011 |
| Hazards | |
| GHS labelling | GHS02, GHS07 |
| Pictograms | GHS02,GHS07 |
| Signal word | Warning |
| Precautionary statements | P210, P233, P240, P241, P242, P243, P261, P264, P271, P280, P303+P361+P353, P304+P340, P305+P351+P338, P312, P337+P313, P370+P378, P403+P235, P405, P501 |
| NFPA 704 (fire diamond) | 2-3-0 |
| Flash point | 35°C |
| Autoignition temperature | 343°C (649°F) |
| Explosive limits | 1.4% - 11.2% |
| Lethal dose or concentration | LD50 Oral Rat 790 mg/kg |
| LD50 (median dose) | LD50 (median dose): 1,400 mg/kg (oral, rat) |
| NIOSH | RT8400000 |
| PEL (Permissible) | 100 ppm |
| REL (Recommended) | 50 ppm |
| IDLH (Immediate danger) | 800 ppm |
| Related compounds | |
| Related compounds | Methanol Ethanol Isopropyl alcohol tert-Butyl alcohol sec-Butyl alcohol Amyl alcohol |
| Product Identification | Description & Manufacturer Commentary |
|---|---|
| Product Name & IUPAC Name | N-Butyl Alcohol (1-Butanol) |
| Chemical Formula | C4H10O |
| Synonyms & Trade Names | n-Butanol, 1-Butanol, Butan-1-ol, n-Butyl alcohol, Butyl alcohol |
| CAS Number | 71-36-3 |
| HS Code & Customs Classification | 29051300 (Alcohols; butan-1-ol (n-butyl alcohol)) |
N-Butyl Alcohol is produced in our facilities through petrochemical synthesis routes such as hydroformylation (oxo process) of propylene, followed by hydrogenation. Industrial manufacturing is carefully monitored for catalyst consumption, side product generation, and water management. The choice of feedstock and process configuration directly influences final quality, overall efficiency, and impurity profile.
Crude product contains residual aldehydes, water, and higher alcohols. Purification relies on multi-column distillation tailored to the removal of low-boiling and high-boiling byproducts. Application-driven demands for color, odor, and specific contaminant levels require custom settings on process controls and column operation.
Butanol grade selection depends on:
We run final testing based on end-use but always include water determination (Karl Fischer titration), gas chromatography impurity profiling, and visual assessment. Batch-to-batch consistency is maintained through automated feedback on primary distillation parameters and final tank sampling prior to shipment. Downstream customers expect documentation on the process route and impurity sources for regulatory and performance audits.
Moisture uptake and peroxides can develop during bulk storage and extended transport, especially at high ambient temperatures or with long dwell times. Manufacturer-tanked lots use nitrogen blanketing and lined vessels to control water ingress and corrosion. Packaging for export often requires drum or IBC cleaning validation plus anti-static precautions to reduce accumulation of volatile atmospheres during decanting.
Customs codes are enforced based on product form (bulk vs. packed), purity tier, or intended downstream application if regionally regulated. Supporting documentation typically includes Certificate of Analysis that aligns batch release with customer specification and legal import classification. Misclassification or ambiguous grade labeling at customs has attracted increased regulatory scrutiny in some regions.
Industrial batches of N-Butyl Alcohol usually produce a clear, colorless liquid recognized by a strong characteristic odor. Batches may develop a slightly yellow tint on extended storage or after exposure to air and light, which indicates onset of degradation or minor contamination, especially in technical and lower grades. The melting point typically sits just below room temperature, meaning drums occasionally show some solidification in cold storage facilities. Boiling begins above 115°C, and the product transitions fully to vapor at that point. This temperature impacts recovery and recycling setups during distillation steps on an industrial scale. The flash point ranges above 30°C, making handling near ignition sources a key operational safety focus. Industrial samples usually demonstrate density between 0.8 and 0.82 g/cm³ at 20°C, though blended grades or inconsistent production show up in shifted densities.
N-Butyl Alcohol maintains good stability in coated carbon steel drums and in standard process lines, but prolonged contact with strong oxidizers or acids rapidly accelerates degradation, typically producing butyric acid or more reactive intermediates. Alkaline or high-temperature conditions increase rates of side reactions, such as dehydration. Quality control continuously monitors peroxide formation, especially in partially emptied or old stock containers.
Full miscibility in ethanol and diethyl ether, with moderate water solubility, distinguishes N-Butyl Alcohol from many higher alcohols. In water-based formulations or polymer dispersions, solubility shifts visibly with pH and temperature swings. For manufacturing waterborne paints or specialty solvents, batchwise premixing under controlled agitation avoids phase separation or haziness due to incomplete dissolution.
Refined grades (such as high-purity or pharmaceutical use) demand defined upper limits for water content, color (Pt/Co scale), aldehyde content, and non-volatile matter. Technical and solvent grades tolerate higher water and organic impurities, suiting cleaning and extraction processes rather than precision syntheses. Detailed impurity allowances and analytical values depend on grade, region, and downstream requirements.
Ethanol, isobutanol, methanol, and aldehydes represent the most common trace impurities in technical lots. Residual acidic or basic substances indicate upstream process deviation or substandard purification. Target impurity thresholds always reflect raw material health, process route, and intended sector. Analytical monitoring of those species employs gas chromatography and Karl Fischer titration per internal protocol, with final lot acceptance criteria tailored to contractual specifications.
Plant QC labs benchmark incoming and outgoing lots against gas chromatography (GC), ASTM, or ISO methodologies specified by the end-user. Most global markets refer to ISO, JIS, or ASTM standards, though local regulatory requests may drive additional in-house or customer-specific characterization per batch.
Most manufacturing relies on propylene (from petrochemical crackers) for large-scale synthesis via hydroformylation and hydrogenation. Feedstock purity and trace metal levels control the process selectivity and finished product cleanness. Alternative processes starting from biomass-based acetone-butanol-ethanol fermentation exist but supply is frequently limited to region or application.
The primary industrial process sequentially hydroformylates propylene to butyraldehyde and then hydrogenates to N-Butyl Alcohol. Catalyst health and co-reagent ratios are tuned continuously for consistent yields. Byproduct minimization in the hydrogenation step requires tight temperature and pressure control to suppress formation of secondary alcohols and aldehydes.
Fractional distillation removes low-boiling and high-boiling impurities. In-process tests monitor water content, acid value, and UV absorbance as contamination signals. Carbon filtration, polishing, and targeted absorbents come into play for demanding final uses. Multistep purification only justifies itself where most sensitive grades are required.
All batches cleared for shipment undergo final quantitative GC impurity screening (alcohol homologs, residual aldehydes, water, key volatiles). Additional color, odor, and non-volatile matter checks address application-specific risks such as polymerization or odor transfer. The final release standard is subject to internal quality control criteria and customer requirements.
N-Butyl Alcohol readily undergoes esterification with organic acids to generate butyl esters (e.g., butyl acetate), supporting coatings, solvents, and plasticizers production. Dehydration produces butenes or ethers under strong acid catalysis. Halogenation, oxidation, and Grignard reactions see controlled application in intermediates synthesis.
Most typical reactions use acid catalysis, moderate heating, or reflux. Choice of solvent and pressure depends closely on downstream contaminant tolerance or thermal stability needs. Precision required for high-value intermediates like pharmaceutical esters drives the selection of catalyst, temperature profile, and downstream purification intensity.
Butyl acetate, butyl acrylate, and glycol ethers dominate the next processing step in our and customer units. The downstream selection must match both purity and impurity load, since trace residuals can catalyze polymerization or discoloration in sensitive applications.
Best results occur with sealed mild steel, stainless, or lined containers under inert gas blanket. Extended storage in polyolefin drums or IBCs requires monitoring for permeation and headspace oxidation. Temperature cycling below freezing or above 40°C risks phase separation or bottle stress. Avoiding light exposure slows discoloration and off-odor formation.
N-Butyl Alcohol interacts slowly with some thermoplastics, especially over multiple filling cycles or with recycled polymer drums. Stainless and epoxy-lined steel tanks provide best long-term performance and contamination resistance, supporting both bulk storage and packaged goods.
Shelf life expectations relate directly to grade and storage conditions. Lower grades or partially vented drums show increased aldehyde and color within months, while high-purity shipments in inerted, sealed containers support multi-year storage. Presence of haze, strong acid odor, increased water content, or yellowing signals progressive degradation or breach of container integrity.
N-Butyl Alcohol carries both flammable liquid and irritant signal designations per GHS criteria, with grades varying only in degree based on auxiliary impurity load and water content. Most drums require clear flammable warning and splash hazard signage.
Operational procedures prioritize avoidance of ignition sources and control of airborne concentration during filling, blending, and waste handling. Splash controls, local exhaust, and closed transfer lines mitigate vapors and skin/eye contact.
Acute oral and inhalation toxicity tends to be moderate compared with lighter alcohols, but central nervous system depression and skin/eye irritation remain the primary occupational risks. Extended high-level exposure, especially via inhalation, drives monitoring in plant settings.
National and jurisdictional occupational limits should inform time-weighted average air monitoring and PPE decisions. Fume detection and ventilation requirements intensify for confined tanks or during bulk transfers. Immediate eyewash and spill control provisions stay ready at every transfer and packaging point.
In industrial settings, N-Butyl Alcohol production primarily follows the oxo process via hydroformylation of propylene, using syngas as a core feedstock. Production volumes are determined by both the availability and cost of propylene and natural gas, along with plant on-stream rates. Output levels can fluctuate as a result of planned turnarounds or feedstock supply interruptions. Grade-specific requirements and downstream customer schedules affect batch planning and line assignments. For customers requiring higher purity and tighter impurity profiles, purification stages and dedicated lines lead to smaller, bespoke output runs. Global nameplate capacity may vary regionally, with spot market tightness during turnaround seasons or periods of supply-chain disruption.
Lead times typically depend on requested volume, packaging configuration, and current plant load. For bulk deliveries in tank trucks, normal dispatches range from one to two weeks after order confirmation, assuming sufficient feedstock and on-spec production capacity are available. Drum or IBC packaging can introduce additional logistics time due to packaging line scheduling and inventory drawdown. MOQ varies significantly: typical figures are set above single-container levels to reduce contamination risk and optimize logistics. Shorter lead times sometimes incur premium surcharges or priority allocation, especially in periods of production constraint or strong downstream pull.
Plant shipment options include ISO tankers, stainless steel bulk road tankers, 200kg steel drums, or IBCs. For certain high-purity grades, drum or IBC filling must be conducted under strict QA protocols to minimize moisture or oxygen ingress. Packaging material choice is dictated by product grade, intended application, and regional transport regulations. Certification for food-contact or pharmaceutical applications may require specialized containers or certified cleaning procedures prior to use.
Export shipments follow Incoterms as agreed by contract, with most bulk orders shipped FOB or CIF major ports. Payment terms often range from advance payment to net 30 or 60 days for established customers. New accounts may face stricter terms. Export documentation, insurance coverage, and compliance certifications are determined by destination country and market segment.
Production economics trace closely to the volatility of propylene – a derivative of naphtha or natural-gas cracking – and synthesis gas, both of which depend on the upstream petroleum and natural gas sector. Shocks in crude oil pricing, refinery maintenance, or feedstock allocation policies will immediately reflect in the variable input costs faced by the manufacturer. Secondary cost drivers include energy tariffs, logistical surcharges, and compliance outlays, specifically for hazardous chemical handling and emissions abatement.
Base price differentiates across technical, industrial, and high-purity grades. Achieving higher purity often demands further distillation and impurity removal, increasing both fixed and variable costs. Tighter tolerances for moisture, aldehydes, or catalyst residues drive up analytical and validation requirements. Packaging certified for food or pharmaceutical use commands premiums due to regulatory compliance protocols and documentation.
N-Butyl Alcohol demand tracks industrial investment cycles and downstream consumer product trends, especially in solvents, plastics, coatings, and lubricants. Periods of oversupply and under-investment in regional capacity introduce price volatility and arbitrage opportunities between continents.
The United States and EU base their production on large-scale petrochemical backward integration, resulting in a degree of self-sufficiency but also exposing them to natural gas and crude oil swings. China’s capacity expansion cycle outpaces demand growth in some years, resulting in regional price suppression. Demand growth in India is pressing supply, with new projects targeting the local coatings and chemical intermediate segments. Japan relies on both domestic and regional imports, often focusing on specialty and high-purity applications, meaning smaller but more demanding procurements.
Forecasts point to continued raw material cost sensitivity, especially for plants dependent on spot propylene. External risks such as geopolitical instability and regulatory transitions in emissions or hazardous goods handling may introduce further volatility. Consensus view supports a moderate upward bias in global pricing through 2026 subject to typical commodity cycle dynamics and crude oil cost fluctuations.
Industry forecasts incorporate refinery and petrochemical bulletin data, global trade statistics, and published contract pricing benchmarks across key regions. For grade-specific price trends, compiled producer feedback, shipment records, and raw material cost indices inform annual rebate adjustment mechanisms and customer-specific pricing.
Large-scale capacity expands in Asia, often with back-integrated feedstock, shift shipping patterns and introduce spot price competition. Market participants note more frequent batch quality inquiries, particularly for applications new to regulatory scrutiny or entering export supply chains.
Global regulatory trends emphasize stricter hazardous chemical registration and tighter control of VOC content in both product and packaging. Compliance with REACH, TSCA, and country-specific volume reporting is required for ongoing market access. Major changes include expanded requirements for product traceability and harmonized hazard communication for international trade.
Manufacturers invest in digital batch traceability, expanded analytical certification, and real-time compliance checks to maintain customer confidence. On the production side, process improvements target impurity reduction and solvent recovery to manage both regulatory exposure and process economics. Suppliers adapt contract structures to share input-cost risk and offer more frequent price adjustments during periods of increased volatility.
N-Butyl Alcohol, produced via oxo synthesis or fermentation, enters a broad set of sectors. Each industry segment typically tightens or relaxes impurity thresholds based on downstream sensitivity. Paints and coatings use n-butyl alcohol as a high-boiling solvent—its slow evaporation supports improved film formation. The inks segment values controlled moisture content and consistent boiling range for viscosity tuning and pigment compatibility. In pharmaceuticals, especially as an intermediate or in synthesis routes, control over specific trace impurities ranks as a key quality issue; different routes (hydroformylation or fermentation) influence the impurity fingerprints and approval process. Flavors and fragrances consider both purity and aroma carry-through, so aldehyde or ester traces must meet sensory acceptance, which is validated in small-run pilot applications.
| Application | Common Grade(s) | Critical Parameters |
|---|---|---|
| Paints & Coatings | Industrial, Technical | Water content, acetic acid, volatile residue, color stability |
| Inks | Technical, Semi-Specialty | Moisture, aldehydes, low-boiling impurities, consistency |
| Pharmaceutical Synthesis | Pharma, High-Purity | Individual impurity profile, trace metals, peroxides, route-specific residues |
| Flavors & Fragrances | Food Grade, High-Purity | Aldehydes, total esters, aroma profile, specific organoleptics |
| Plasticizers | Technical, Industrial | Alcohol content, absence of side-chain iso-alcohols, batch homogeneity |
| Extractive & Solvent Use | Industrial | Volatility range, non-volatile residue, solvent recovery rate |
Paint formulation experience shows colorability hinges on residual metal ions, which may leach from process equipment. Pharmaceutical users demand batch-to-batch impurity mapping since regulatory files often reference specific synthetic origins. Sensory applications highlight the impact of aldehyde carryover above a perception threshold. By-product regulation is stricter in food chain applications than in bulk technical ones. Producers track these split requirements by referencing customer-centric internal release standards.
Begin with a clear process use—formulation, synthesis, extraction, or as a direct ingredient. Internal use cases require collaboration between technical and procurement teams to prioritize downstream risk. Custom coalescents or antioxidants may require separate compatibility checks with raw n-butyl alcohol lots.
Local or export laws directly bind allowable impurity and additive levels. For pharmaceuticals and flavors, internal batch QC must align with pharmacopeial or food contact standards from the intended region of use. Documentation trails often drive grade selection more than technical suitability.
Determine if a standard industrial grade covers the risk profile for end-use or if reduced aldehydes, limited trace elements, or route-specific profiles are mandatory. Close review of downstream specs—viscosity, boiling point, odorous volatiles—guides the narrowing of candidate grades. QC teams rely on batch analysis history to verify consistency before scaling purchase decisions.
Contract volumes influence batch vs. continuous process selection, which can introduce variability—for example, smaller pharma lots benefit from single-batch traceability, while coatings producers seek lowest delivered cost per metric ton. Allocation of higher-cost, purified feedstocks often links to both order size and risk appetite.
Before long-term adoption, technical teams run pilot runs or bench tests with retained samples. Confirmation of performance in formulation or synthesis decides final approval. Detailed COA (certificate of analysis) from the actual batch, not average values, enables risk assessment by the quality team.
In industrial N-Butyl Alcohol production, independent third-party audits periodically assess our quality management systems. Certifications such as ISO 9001 remain foundational for controlling production consistency and documentation, and their renewal depends on demonstration of systematic oversight and procedural discipline. Both process deviations and corrective actions feed into management review cycles, not only for regulatory needs, but to continually filter out sources of batch variability. Internal audits verify real-time traceability for every production lot, spanning raw material intake to finished product shipment.
N-Butyl Alcohol produced for regions with defined regulatory frameworks—such as REACH in the EU or TSCA in the US—requires product-level registration and notification. Documentation tracks all relevant compliance, and grades intended for food-contact or pharmaceutical synthesis often demand additional clearance based on purity and residuals profile, verified through certified testing protocols. Industrial and technical grades do not follow a single, global certification route, and buyers specify their own third-party analytic requirements during the initial technical agreement stage.
Full batch documentation, including certificates of analysis, production batch histories, and shipment tracking records, accompanies each delivery. Analysis reports reflect the actual release testing for the lot supplied, not generic specifications, aligning with customer quality agreements. Where necessary for hazardous cargo, transport documents conform to class-specific regulations and include certified copies for customs or downstream safety audits. Ongoing reporting obligations vary by shipment destination and sector served.
We maintain core production units with proven nameplate capacity, routinely validated through operational benchmarking. Unplanned capacity restrictions in N-Butyl Alcohol output most often result from upstream feedstock volatility or scheduled plant turnarounds. To buffer customer demand, production scheduling cycles leverage both forward contracts and contingency reserve systems, built around forecast volume signals from priority accounts. Cooperation agreements may be structured to allow firm, semi-firm, or floating volume commitments, and regular reviews ensure alignment between supply realities and customer consumption trends.
Diverse feedstock sourcing strategies and qualified alternate process lines support risk mitigation in case of single-site disruptions. Technical support teams continuously monitor key operational parameters—reaction completeness, phase separations, purification stages—and feedback from in-process controls ensures lot-to-lot consistency. Direct communication channels with buyers help flag shifts in off-spec trends or bulk delivery scheduling, which protects the integrity of core supply contracts and supports long-term downstream planning.
Buyers seeking to qualify N-Butyl Alcohol for new product lines or formulations typically request production samples representative of final commercial quality. Technical documentation packages include detailed batch analysis as well as reference histories on recent comparable lots. Priority is assigned to applications providing clear test criteria and feedback timelines. Sample size, packaging, and shipping method are adapted to customer site constraints, and producers require full end-use disclosure to ensure regulatory and export compliance throughout the sampling process.
Some customers operate under variable monthly or seasonal demand, which makes fixed annual contracts less practical. In such cases, supply arrangements can utilize flexible delivery slots, rolling forecast declarations, or price adjustment mechanisms indexed to market reference values. Multi-modal shipping support—rail, tanker, ISO container—is coordinated with inventory buffers to maintain responsiveness, and regular joint demand reviews identify potential inventory or production adjustments ahead of time. Technical account managers support incident troubleshooting, demand swings, or custom specification requests, creating a transparent structure for both routine deliveries and exceptional circumstances.
N-Butyl Alcohol finds strong interest in research laboratories and commercial innovation alike. Solvent optimization in coatings and inks continues to drive formulation studies, as production lines seek balanced evaporation rates and reduced VOC impacts. In plasticizer manufacturing, efforts converge on minimizing by-products during esterification and increasing yield stability across batch and continuous processes. Grade differentiation — from industrial to high-purity — further steers analytical method development, aiming at sharper impurity fingerprinting and batch consistency measurement.
Demands from surface disinfectants and electronic cleaning industries underscore requirements for tighter impurity controls and reduced odor profile. Battery component developers investigate n-butyl alcohol for new electrolyte formulations, requiring a clearer understanding of how water and trace metal content affect electrochemical behavior. Green chemistry sectors are testing renewable routes to butanol, pressing for process adaptability and flexibility in catalyst choice.
Process-side, one ongoing challenge is acetaldehyde management during oxo synthesis — stray by-products risk trace contamination, making efficient downstream separation steps critical, particularly for electronics and pharmaceutical grades. Efficient dehydration and residual ester removal dictate the choice of purification scheme and in-process monitoring technology. Recent breakthroughs include continuous column refinement with real-time compositional analytics, allowing tighter process drift correction, and membrane-assisted dehydration, which reduces energy usage and improves selectivity for high-purity requirements.
Consumption in the coatings, plastics, and solvent synthesis sectors is expected to show gradual growth, with regional shifts in demand led by regulatory changes and investment in specialty chemicals. Markets for low-odor, high-purity variants will increase as electronics and pharmaceutical intermediates gain traction. Upstream volatility in propylene pricing and energy inputs remains the main uncertainty impacting cost structure and competitiveness.
Process intensification and digitalized quality control can be expected to sharpen yield and batch reproducibility, especially in hybrid synthesis plants. Data acquisition during distillation and dehydration enables finer endpoint control, reducing rework and waste. Biobased n-butyl alcohol production will become more feasible as fermentation and downstream upgrade steps mature, though scale and impurity profiles will remain under scrutiny.
Producers evaluate energy integration between sections of butanol plants — for instance, using waste heat from exothermic steps to drive separation needs. Green chemistry research pushes for catalytic systems minimizing side reactions, and renewable feedstocks are being piloted, with particular attention paid to the compatibility of biogenic impurities with established applications. Wastewater treatment, air emissions capture, and closed-loop recycling of process auxiliaries shape compliance strategies and operational investments.
Our technical support team provides both pre-sales and post-delivery product use advice. Guidance covers selection of product grades for solvent, intermediate, or direct formulation use, and on-site troubleshooting when downstream process sensitives are identified — including those linked to water content, volatiles, or interaction with other raw materials. Manufacturer-issued batch documentation details the tested properties and actual analytical methods applied.
Production engineering and R&D collaborate with customer technical teams in adapting n-butyl alcohol grades for changing application needs. Optimization focuses on reducing formation of incompatible esters or aldehydes in end-use systems, tuning liquid delivery for automatic batch systems, and refining solvent performance in coatings or plasticizers. Recommendations are always tailored to the specific production realities and process set-up at the customer’s facility.
Support covers feedback-based quality audits, shipping and packaging adaptation for special storage conditions, and extended root-cause analysis in rare cases of downstream deviation traced to raw material supply. Batch consistency and traceability systems underpin all after-sales activities: all technical claims on product delivered are reviewed against production and laboratory control records, ensuring traceability for compliance and process improvement needs.
As a direct producer of N-Butyl Alcohol, we maintain every step from raw material selection through final delivery. In industrial environments, consistent supply and product uniformity support plant uptime and finished product quality. We run tightly integrated operations, ensuring each batch of N-Butyl Alcohol matches process specifications and downstream application needs.
N-Butyl Alcohol plays a central role in coatings, resins, plastics, and chemical synthesis. It serves as both a solvent and an intermediate for manufacturing butyl acrylate, butyl acetate, and glycol ethers. Manufacturers rely on its performance in producing lacquers, surface coatings, adhesives, and plasticizers. Each segment values reliable purity and clarity to maintain end-use consistency.
We operate full process control systems, monitoring throughout distillation and purification. Each lot passes analytical verification for purity, moisture, acidity, and residue. By controlling all handling and packaging on-site, contamination risk stays minimized. This approach supports continuous batch performance for scale-up, specialty, and routine production requirements.
Bulk and smaller quantity buyers benefit from our in-house filling and loading infrastructure. We provide N-Butyl Alcohol in ISO tanks, bulk road tankers, steel drums, and IBCs, sealed to meet both domestic and export requirements. Feedback from longtime customers informs improvements in drum integrity, palletization, and transport scheduling to help align with plant inventory needs and delivery windows.
Manufacturing partners regularly consult our technical team for compatibility advice, solvent swap-out planning, and process troubleshooting. We review both standard and custom use cases, including solvent blends and synthesis optimization. Many buyers return for our insight on storage, pre-delivery tank cleaning, and best practices in handling flammable liquids.
Businesses choose us for the stability that comes with primary production. Factory direct supply translates into clear scheduling, traceable quality records, and fewer disruptions in sourcing. Distributors and procurement teams value our ability to manage secure, high-volume supply arrangements that withstand market fluctuations and logistical bottlenecks.
With each delivery, we work to ensure N-Butyl Alcohol continues to serve modern industry where process reliability, tight specifications, and long-term partnerships matter most.
We manufacture N-Butyl Alcohol with consistently high quality and controlled specifications. This organic alcohol with four carbon atoms, also known as 1-butanol, offers clear benefits in multiple sectors. Our production focuses on purity, minimal moisture, and colorless appearance to match strict industrial expectations.
Our N-Butyl Alcohol offers a moderate boiling point and excellent solvency. The chemical nature ensures moderate volatility and a lower freezing point. This alcohol blends smoothly with a range of common organic solvents. Water solubility remains manageable, making separation and recovery practical in mixed systems. The straight-chain structure offers predictable reactivity, which supports its use in complex syntheses and formulations. Compared to isobutanol or tert-butanol, the normal butyl structure delivers a less branched profile—essential in applications where steric hindrance affects performance.
The coatings industry depends on our product as a solvent and flow modifier. In nitrocellulose lacquers and high-quality enamels, N-Butyl Alcohol balances evaporation, improves brushability, and limits cratering. Paint formulations use it for its ability to keep pigments evenly dispersed, which preserves gloss and finish. Our technical team collaborates with both large and specialty coatings manufacturers for tailored blends.
In plasticizer synthesis, this alcohol stands out as a key raw material. When reacted with phthalic anhydride, N-Butyl Alcohol helps produce butyl phthalates such as dibutyl phthalate. These compounds remain vital in flexible PVC products—from cable sheathing to automotive upholstery. Reliable feedstock quality ensures optimal yields, so we run routine purity analyses as part of the production process.
Pharmaceutical-grade intermediates also rely on this compound. Its balanced polarity supports esters and butyrates important in medical and flavor industries. Perfume manufacturers value the mild odor as a carrier for active aroma chemicals. In our experience, the consistency of our batches can solve common downstream batch failure problems related to trace contaminants.
In the extraction industry, N-Butyl Alcohol enables separation of antibiotics, vitamins, and natural extracts. Its lower miscibility with water compared to ethanol helps with phase separations, reducing purification steps. Customers processing plant-based bio-products have told us that precise handling of N-Butyl Alcohol dramatically reduces product loss during extraction and crystallization phases.
As a direct manufacturer, we keep large-scale operations in mind—bulk supply chains, storage safety, and regulatory compliance shape our daily workflow. We address flammability risks with certified drum and IBC packaging, plus bulk tanker options with vapor recovery for higher volumes. Our teams run regular safety audits and have response plans built into logistics for peace of mind.
Our approach extends beyond simple product delivery. We offer application insights and help troubleshoot process bottlenecks. In regulatory shifts such as REACH or TSCA amendments, we adapt documentation swiftly and support our partners with full traceability.
We recognize that reliability often matters more than a slight cost saving on solvent. That is why each batch comes with full quality documentation and after-sales technical assistance—so downtime stays minimal and plant operation runs smoothly.
Our commitment is to supply N-Butyl Alcohol that meets strict physical, chemical, and handling expectations within each core market, allowing end users to build consistency into every stage of their manufacturing line.
As a chemical producer, our daily focus centers on real-world handling, logistics, and the honest needs of bulk buyers. Partners want clear answers on packaging, minimum order quantities (MOQ), and realistic lead times for N-Butyl Alcohol. Here’s what experience has taught us on these basic, but crucial, points.
We pack N-Butyl Alcohol in volumes that match the most frequent industrial uses. The most typical size leaving our facility is the tight-head steel drum, 165 kilograms net per drum, palletized and stretch wrapped to support fork-truck handling and safe stacking in warehouses. For higher volume delivery, our standard option is the intermediate bulk container (IBC), 800 kilograms net content, UN-certified for flammable liquids, and suited for companies looking to charge their own tank farms or produce large batch quantities without extra repackaging.
Bulk liquid trucks form another part of our day-to-day logistics. When customers have on-site tank capacities, we can supply full truckloads direct from our production line, following all safe loading and transport rules. This method keeps handling to a minimum and is the most cost-effective for larger plants buying above 15 metric tons per shipment. On the smaller end, some specialty users in research and formulation request 20-liter cans, and we keep these available—not just as a favor, but because maintaining responsible stewardship includes listening to every scale of client.
In real terms, our minimum order policy acts as a practical safeguard for both product quality and cost-efficiency. For N-Butyl Alcohol, we set an MOQ at one full pallet—either four IBCs (about 3.2 metric tons) or eight drums (about 1.32 metric tons). Anything less leads to disproportionate handling time, higher risk of contamination, and increased transportation costs, which don’t serve manufacturers or their customers. We review MOQ annually to ensure it stays in sync with freight trends and raw material sourcing, never arbitrarily raising the threshold without solid cause or market justification.
We keep large volumes in dedicated storage tanks established at the plant, giving us flexibility to respond quickly to confirmed orders. Our stated lead time in normal market conditions is 7 working days from order confirmation for drum and IBC shipments, and up to 14 days for full-tanker loads when destination-specific or cross-border compliance paperwork is needed. During market volatility—raw material disruptions, seasonal peaks, or regulatory changes on flammable liquids—the lead time may occasionally stretch to 21 days, but transparent communication is the rule. Our production planning team works tightly with purchasing and logistics to close gaps, keep production lines running, and share updates early when changes do occur.
Decisions about packaging size, MOQ, and lead times are not ceremonial—they tie directly to safe operations, finished product traceability, and business continuity for our customers. We review these factors constantly, aiming to combine operational reliability with flexibility for genuine industry needs.
As producers of N-Butyl Alcohol on an industrial scale, meticulous attention to storage, shipment, and compliance stands as routine practice across our facilities. N-Butyl Alcohol serves diverse markets in coatings, resins, and chemical synthesis, and its international movement faces scrutiny from global regulators. Years of batch processing, bulk freight, and direct export shape how we address the demands of safe logistics and lawful distribution.
Our team stores N-Butyl Alcohol only in containers rated for flammable liquids. The material’s flash point and vapor pressure drive our use of closed steel drums, intermediate bulk containers (IBCs), or ISO tanks cleaned and tested for compatibility. All drums and tanks get placed in cool, well-ventilated storage bays, far from ignition sources or direct sunlight. We isolate chemical stocks from oxidizers, acids, and food ingredients. An on-site fire protection system and spill containment safeguard both personnel and product integrity. Our logistics crew inspects container closures regularly and monitors storage atmospheres for vapors, using portable detection devices to ensure occupational safety limits remain in check at every stage.
N-Butyl Alcohol counts as a dangerous good in most jurisdictions. Over many shipments, we see little variation globally regarding its classification—UN 1120, Class 3 (Flammable Liquids), Packing Group III. Our logistics department prepares each consignment in accordance with the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code for sea freight, or International Air Transport Association (IATA) regulations for air. Every label, placard, and accompanying document cites the assigned UN number and hazard class, and we maintain package integrity using durable UN-approved drums and closures. Our drivers and export staff receive continual training under the ADR (European road) and DOT (US road) frameworks, which direct routing, segregation, and reporting in the event of spillage or accident. Before each international shipment, we verify conformity against the receiving country’s customs and port authority requirements, which can include independent inspection, pre-shipment analysis, or emergency response plan (ERP) documentation.
Customs authorities and major multinationals request documented evidence of safety, quality management, and legal traceability. We operate an ISO 9001-certified quality system, focused on traceability from raw material intake through finished goods dispatch. Regular site audits and standard operating procedures maintain product consistency and compliance with local safety and health legislation. For international trade, a full Safety Data Sheet (SDS) and Certificate of Analysis (COA) accompany each shipment, summarizing both physical properties and analytical results batch by batch. Many regions, especially Europe, demand REACH registration status, so our technical staff track each compliance dossier and keep notification records up to date. Some clients specify additional documentation, such as statements on purity or contaminant limits, and our laboratory provides such reports directly, using validated analytical methods.
Over time, customs clearance delays and inspection holdups have prompted us to automate paperwork, maintain real-time shipping status, and assemble all regulatory certificates ahead of booking. Collaboration with certified carriers and forwarders smooths international hand-offs. On request, our technical team can host pre-shipment inspections or assist with documents for regulatory authorities. This hands-on, end-to-end management has reduced shipment incidents and improved delivery predictability for our partners worldwide. As manufacturers, we see early engagement on regulations and compliance requests as the proven route to stable, responsible cross-border trade in N-Butyl Alcohol.
For product inquiries, sample requests, quotations or after-sales support, please feel free to contact me directly via sales9@bouling-chem.com, +8615651039172 or WhatsApp: +8615651039172
