The chemical compound isobutyl acetate, also known as 2-methylpropyl ethanoate (IUPAC name) or β-methylpropyl acetate, is a common solvent. It is produced from the esterification of isobutanol with acetic acid. It is used as a solvent for lacquer and nitrocellulose. Like many esters it has a fruity or floral smell at low concentrations and occurs naturally in raspberries, pears and other plants. At higher concentrations the odor can be unpleasant and may cause symptoms of central nervous system depression such as nausea, dizziness and headache.
| Isobutyl acetate | |
| Names | |
|---|---|
| IUPAC name
2-methylpropyl acetate
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| Other names
acetic acid, isobutyl ester
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| Identifiers | |
3D model (JSmol)
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| ECHA InfoCard | 100.003.406 |
CompTox Dashboard (EPA)
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| Properties | |
| C6H12O2 | |
| Molar mass | 116.16 g/mol |
| Appearance | Colourless liquid |
| Density | 0.875 g/cm3, liquid |
| Melting point | −99 °C (−146 °F; 174 K) |
| Boiling point | 118 °C (244 °F; 391 K) |
| Slightly soluble 0.63-0.7g/100g at 20°C | |
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
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A common method for preparing isobutyl acetate is Fischer esterification, where precursors isobutyl alcohol and acetic acid are heated in the presence of a strong acid.
Isobutyl acetate has three isomers: n-butyl acetate, tert-butyl acetate, and sec-butyl acetate, which are also common solvents.
References
- ^ Isobutyl acetate Chemical Profile, Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety
- ^ Isobutyl acetate at chemicalland21.com