Sec-butyl acetate stands out as a clear, colorless liquid offering a fruity, slightly sweet odor that many in the lab or factory floor may recognize right away. Found under the HS Code 2915.39, it is a favorite for industries where a versatile solvent is needed. The chemical’s molecular formula, C6H12O2, shows the blend of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, and the structure links a sec-butyl group to an acetate group, giving this solvent its sought-after balance between solvency and evaporation. This material shows up as a liquid in most commercial applications—crystals, flakes, pearls, powders, or solids rarely appear in shelves or tanks, because its boiling point and stability keep it in liquid form under most conditions.
A closer look at sec-butyl acetate brings up a molecular weight of about 116.16 g/mol and a specific gravity near 0.87 at 20°C. Pouring it into a liter flask makes its light character obvious, and compared to water, this solvent floats and spreads, mixing with other organics with ease but refusing water almost completely. Its vapor pressure reaches roughly 16 mmHg at room temperature, so it evaporates slower than ethyl acetate but faster than butyl acetate, offering a spot in coatings and inks where drying time matters. In terms of density, a liter of sec-butyl acetate weighs in a bit less than 900 grams—helpful for scaling raw material costs and mixing calculations.
The backbone of sec-butyl acetate holds four carbons along the sec-butyl group, attached through an oxygen to a classic acetyl group—the arrangement sits as CH3COOCH(CH3)CH2CH3. This type of ester structure lends sec-butyl acetate its stability against acids and fair resistance to bases, but breaks down with strong alkali or acids given time and temperature, turning back to its simpler raw materials, which include acetic acid and sec-butyl alcohol. On the shelf or in a sealed drum, it stays clear and unreactive, but spills and splashes spread a strong, fruity odor through the air that reminds most users to review ventilation and PPE quickly.
In paints, lacquers, coatings, and inks, sec-butyl acetate’s lower reactivity and pleasant odor improve both the working environment and the finish on metals, plastics, and papers. Printers and painters appreciate how its evaporation rate can be tailored for sharp, crisp dries without the blushing or defects common to faster solvents. Industrial cleaning also benefits from its ability to dissolve resins, oils, and some greases, giving maintenance crews a better shot at restoring equipment without heavy residues. Most of us seldom see this chemical in solid or crystalline form, but its liquid phase gets transferred in steel drums, plastic totes, or smaller metal cans, marked with flammable hazard labels for good reason.
Using sec-butyl acetate means respecting both its flash point—near 28°C—and its flammability, since even a small spark can kick off dangerous fires. Its vapor travels low to the ground, so leaks or open containers in enclosed spaces can pose unexpected risks. Inhalation of vapors brings headache, nausea, dizziness; eye and skin contact may burn or irritate sensitive individuals, making proper gloves, goggles, and good ventilation a necessity. Spill response teams follow standard protocols for organics—absorb with inert material, ventilate the area, eliminate sources of ignition. Because its odor threshold sits near the safe exposure limit, those working with sec-butyl acetate quickly learn to trust their noses and respect safety data sheets.
Each molecule of sec-butyl acetate contains the building blocks many chemical processes depend on—a methyl group for reactivity, an ester link for solubility, and a moderate carbon chain for volatility. Raw manufacturing usually starts from acetic acid and sec-butyl alcohol, both reacting under acid catalysis—something most chemists work with in larger scale equipment as opposed to the classroom flask. The end result is a liquid that can carry pigments, dissolve adhesives, and form part of cleaning blends. For commercial users, knowing the purity, water content, and acidity matters for every tank or drum bought, because line blockages, paint defects, or slower drying can trace straight back to off-spec shipments. Material data sheets will give the flash point, boiling point, water miscibility, and acidity, preparing users not just for safe storage, but for every part of their process where this liquid touches.
Sec-butyl acetate, like many volatile organics, faces environmental and workplace regulations in most countries, and emissions can trigger Environmental Protection Agency or local air board scrutiny. The Product’s safety lies in how it's used and disposed of; burning, collecting vapors, and controlling spills keeps both staff and neighbors safe. In my experience, industries using this chemical invest in closed-process equipment, vapor-recovery systems, and regular training for staff. Waste collection follows hazardous waste guidelines, with empty drums and spill residues managed through licensed handlers so as not to breach regulations or endanger water supplies nearby.
Sec-butyl acetate’s specific liquid properties, moderate density, and stability make it a go-to chemical in industries where control, efficiency, and safety must balance against performance and cost. The right knowledge of its molecular makeup, handling precautions, and what to expect from raw material purity can keep production lines running smooth and staff working with fewer risks. Some will work with this chemical their whole careers, seeing both its strengths and drawbacks through the lens of real-world process needs and regulatory demands. Every liter, every shipment, carries both opportunity and responsibility for safe, smart use.
