| Names | |
|---|---|
| Preferred IUPAC name | butan-1-ol |
| Other names | 1-Butanol Butyl alcohol n-Butyl alcohol Butan-1-ol |
| Pronunciation | /ˈɛnˈbjuː.tə.nɒl/ |
| Identifiers | |
| CAS Number | 71-36-3 |
| Beilstein Reference | 0418737 |
| ChEBI | CHEBI:28885 |
| ChEMBL | CHEMBL527 |
| ChemSpider | 6197 |
| DrugBank | DB02161 |
| ECHA InfoCard | 100.004.307 |
| EC Number | 200-751-6 |
| Gmelin Reference | 1136 |
| KEGG | C00474 |
| MeSH | D001070 |
| PubChem CID | 263 |
| RTECS number | EO1400000 |
| UNII | 3K9D5M2A5U |
| UN number | UN1120 |
| Properties | |
| Chemical formula | C4H10O |
| Molar mass | 74.12 g/mol |
| Appearance | Colorless liquid with a characteristic sweet odor |
| Odor | Alcohol-like; strong; characteristic |
| Density | 0.81 g/cm³ |
| Solubility in water | 73 g/L (20 °C) |
| log P | 0.88 |
| Vapor pressure | 0.56 kPa (at 20 °C) |
| Acidity (pKa) | 16.0 |
| Basicity (pKb) | The pKb of N-butanol is approximately 15.4 |
| Magnetic susceptibility (χ) | -10.6×10⁻⁶ cm³/mol |
| Refractive index (nD) | 1.399 |
| Viscosity | Viscosity: 2.95 mPa·s (at 20 °C) |
| Dipole moment | 1.66 D |
| Thermochemistry | |
| Std molar entropy (S⦵298) | 228.0 J·K⁻¹·mol⁻¹ |
| Std enthalpy of formation (ΔfH⦵298) | -327.8 kJ/mol |
| Std enthalpy of combustion (ΔcH⦵298) | -2673.6 kJ/mol |
| Pharmacology | |
| ATC code | J02AX15 |
| Hazards | |
| GHS labelling | GHS02, GHS07 |
| Pictograms | GHS02, GHS07 |
| Signal word | Warning |
| Hazard statements | H226, H302, H315, H318, H335, H336 |
| Precautionary statements | P210, P261, P271, P280, P301+P312, P303+P361+P353, P305+P351+P338, P312, P337+P313, P370+P378, P403+P233, P501 |
| NFPA 704 (fire diamond) | 2-3-0 |
| Flash point | 35 °C |
| Autoignition temperature | 343°C |
| Explosive limits | 1.4–11.2% |
| Lethal dose or concentration | LD50 oral rat 790 mg/kg |
| LD50 (median dose) | LD50 (median dose) of N-butanol: 790 mg/kg (rat, oral) |
| NIOSH | NT8050000 |
| PEL (Permissible) | PEL (Permissible Exposure Limit) of N-butanol: 100 ppm (300 mg/m³) |
| REL (Recommended) | 100 |
| IDLH (Immediate danger) | 1400 ppm |
| Related compounds | |
| Related compounds | Methanol Ethanol Propanol Isobutanol tert-Butanol |
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name / IUPAC Name |
N-butanol IUPAC: Butan-1-ol |
| Chemical Formula | C4H10O |
| Synonyms & Trade Names | 1-Butanol, n-Butyl alcohol, Butyl alcohol, Butan-1-ol, Propylcarbinol |
| CAS Registry Number | 71-36-3 |
| HS Code & Customs Classification |
2905.13 Customs interpretation tends to align n-butanol with “Saturated acyclic monohydric alcohols” under the Harmonized Tariff system. Final classification will consider the form (neat, aqueous solution, mixture), purity, and intended use case. Trade documentation must specify grade as required by destination. |
Clarity in product naming and correct chemical identification in documentation supports batch traceability and consistent handling through production, storage, and international transport. Routine identification covers both raw material verification and downstream labeling. Customers, regulators, and logistics partners expect alignment not just with IUPAC names but also with market-relevant synonyms. Discrepancy between trade names and chemical registry labeling can cause misinterpretation or customs delays, especially for technical and industrial grade shipments.
The formula C4H10O defines the primary alcohol backbone. Structural distinctions between n-butanol and its isomers (sec-, iso-, tert-) must be controlled during production because certain downstream applications—plastics, coatings, and solvents—react differently to impurities. Control points include feedstock purity and catalytic selectivity to ensure the n-configuration predominates. Some applications further specify the absence of branched isomers or higher alcohols, which can otherwise disrupt product performance.
Customs classification follows the chemical structure and intended use. Manufacturing for export requires detailed cooperation between quality control, documentation, and logistics so the HS code reflects product form and composition. Misclassification can result in customs hold, fines, or regulatory investigation. Blends and formulated products based on n-butanol typically require further code analysis and technical clarification directly on the declaration.
Within production, material movement from synthesis to storage relies on accurate identification at every stage, preventing mixing or cross-contamination with similar alcohols. Grade-specific requirements are reflected in labeling and documentation. Technical, pharmaceutical, and solvent-grade n-butanol differ by intended application; traceability by CAS number and correct trade name maintains compliance, reduces risk of cross-grade delivery, and supports user-side application stability.
N-butanol is typically supplied as a clear, colorless liquid at room temperature. Odor tends to be noticeable, often described as sweet and alcoholic. Color impurities can appear if storage conditions are compromised or residual by-products are not removed during production. Melting and boiling points show minor variance based on purity and trace contaminants; standard industrial samples align with published reference values. Flash point and density may fluctuate within a narrow band depending on grade and the residual moisture or organic impurities. These are routinely monitored in the plant laboratory and can indicate process drift or contamination in storage or transport.
N-butanol remains stable in closed systems and controlled environments but can oxidize or form peroxides with prolonged air exposure. In the presence of acids or strong oxidizers, reactivity increases, requiring segregation in storage and process lines. Batch-to-batch consistency in stability results from elimination of trace metal and acid contaminants through in-process purification.
Solubility in water is grade-dependent and temperature-driven, with higher temperatures and lower purity grades showing more phase mixing or hazing. Laboratory-controlled dilution uses dry solvents for analytical solutions, while bulk solution prep for industrial use respects customer-driven tolerances for haze, color, and phase behavior due to minor impurities or co-solvents introduced upstream.
Technical grade, reagent grade, and low-water grades differ mainly by water content, organic impurities, and color. Commercial shipments define limits according to downstream process need—coatings and pharma require tighter alcohol content and water controls. Typical values depend on grade and application requirements.
Key impurities include isobutanol, methanol, water, and traces of aldehyde or acid. High-end grades show tighter control of isomer content and total acidity. Chromatographic and titrimetric analyses support batch release. Limit values are set by the application and negotiated with industrial users. Where specification tightness varies, documentation specifies limit reagents and test intervals to match supply contracts.
Routine tests employ GC for purity, Karl Fischer for water, colorimetric analysis for color, and acid titration for residual acidity. Reference standards and method validation derive from regionally recognized norms—ASTM, ISO, or customer-provided proprietary methods. Final release standard is subject to internal quality control criteria and customer requirements.
Main feedstocks include propylene (petrochemical cracking route) or renewable starch/cellulosic feedstocks (bioconversion). Selection depends on cost, regional feedstock availability, and customer demand for renewable content. Each source brings distinct impurity risks; for instance, biomass-derived butanol may introduce organic acids or higher water loads, requiring adjusted purification routines.
Primary industrial route deploys oxo synthesis—hydroformylation of propylene to butyraldehyde, followed by catalytic hydrogenation. Process route refers to either high-pressure continuous flow for large plants or batch variants on a smaller scale. Exact catalysts and reaction parameters reflect legacy plant equipment, feedstock impurity profile, and economics.
Critical controls focus on feedstock water content, catalyst performance, reactor temperature and pressure, and by-product separation. Distillation remains baseline for purification. Water, higher and lower alcohols, and aldehydes are removed via staged fractionation columns, with recycle streams for efficiency. Operators monitor color, purity, and water every shift; deviation triggers process adjustments or batch segregation to off-grade.
Samples from each batch undergo multi-step QC: GC analysis for purity, water by Karl Fischer, density and color checks against in-plant tolerance charts, and odor benchmarking for off-profile batches. Documentation tracks all out-of-spec incidents, and only batches within customer agreement or internal limits release to market. Customer-specific certificates reflect all test methods and actual batch data.
N-butanol supports esterification (plasticizer and solvent use), oxidation (butyric acid, butyraldehyde), and etherification (fuel additives). Process needs define permissible trace species—esters require low water and acid, oxidation routes demand low metal residues.
Catalyst, temperature, and solvent vary with reaction. Acid catalysis serves ester formation, with mineral acids as standard, while metal catalysts run hydrogenation or dehydrogenation. Temperature and batch times reflect both raw material quality and desired selectivity. Solvent use links to downstream regulatory or purity need.
N-butanol feeds into butyl acrylate, butyl acetate, glycol ethers, plasticizers, and solvents. Product choice determines customer focus—coating, plastic, or fuel applications emphasize particular impurity and property control points set by those industries.
Storage tanks use mild carbon steel or compatible stainless alloys. Low temperatures discourage peroxide and aldehyde formation, but prevent freezing. Humidity can drive water ingress leading to phase separation or haze; hence, sealed and nitrogen-blanketed tanks are standard where specification demands low water. Light maximizes peroxide risk; opaque containment preferred in sensitive applications.
Steel, specific plastics, and lined drums avoid leaching or reactivity with n-butanol. Compatibility selection connects directly to exposure time (bulk, transit, or interim stores) and quality control program for the grade supplied.
Observed shelf life depends on grade, packaging, and storage conditions. High-purity and pharmaceutical grades require routine re-testing, as prolonged storage may accelerate acid or aldehyde accumulation, discoloration, or odor drift. Degradation detection often uses color markers, odor checks, and off-standard purity screens. Customer contracts may define maximum storage time before mandatory retesting.
N-butanol fits within flammable liquid and acute toxicity classifications under GHS, subject to jurisdictional interpretation. Manufacturer hazard communication and labeling adheres to latest regional harmonization requirements.
Exposure routes and risks include inhalation (CNS effects), oral/dermal uptake (irritation or acute toxicity), and environmental impact if large spills enter waterways. Internal safety programs focus on spill control, fume extraction, and local PPE requirements for handlers.
Acute and chronic toxicity results reflect both animal models and long-term workplace studies; skin and eye contact guidelines reflect regulatory test outcomes for irritation and sensitization. Extended exposure limits and occupational monitoring programs respond to current regulatory science.
Permissible Exposure Limits derive from regulatory frameworks and customer audit requests. Operations maintain closed-system transfer, vapor capture, and monitoring for workplace air concentration. Training programs reinforce correct PPE, spill response, and first-aid measures. Batch history and exposure records form part of internal health and safety documentation and reporting.
Production volumes for n-butanol remain highly sensitive to integration with upstream propylene and syngas units. Large-scale facilities prioritize continuous runs matched to downstream oxo-alcohols and plasticizer demand. Modular plant expansions follow contracted offtake and margin forecasts, with utilization rates adjusted in real time to balance internal consumption versus external sales. Plant turnarounds and unplanned outages periodically affect regional spot access, especially in clusters with tight merchant supply.
Production lead times reflect both campaign scheduling and customer-specific grade requirements. For commodity grades, ex-tank or short lead time shipments are feasible if storage allows. Orders for specialty or high-purity grades may introduce extra processing delay, including additional QA/QC release workflow. Minimum order quantities are dictated by safe packaging, transport regulations, and plant logistics; lower MOQs can occasionally be negotiated for strategic or long-term contracts, but full-container or tank-truck loads are typical for export shipping.
Packaging formats are strongly application driven. Bulk railcars and tank trucks serve high-volume routes across North America, Europe, and major Asian ports. Export shipments generally use ISO tanks; smaller lots may use UN-approved drums or IBC totes, with packaging integrity managed to minimize risk of water ingress or vapor loss over extended shipping times. Flammable liquid classification places strict constraints on both packaging selection and loading.
Shipping terms often default to CIF or FOB major ports depending on trade lane and buyer risk preference. Logistics contracting covers compliance with international dangerous goods rules and temperature controls if necessary. Payment terms range from letter of credit for new buyers to open account for multi-year supply partnerships; early payment or volume-linked discounts may apply based on direct negotiation rather than a fixed policy.
N-butanol relies heavily on upstream olefin availability, with crude oil and natural gas index volatility directly cascading through propylene and carbon monoxide feedstocks. Energy input volatility and cracker reliability exert persistent pressure on conversion costs. Process optimization targets catalyst lifetime and by-product minimization to buffer feedstock swings, but regional price gaps mirror disparities in oil, gas, and utility supply.
Product price varies most steeply by grade specification. High-purity or electronic grades command premiums over general solvent grades or technical grades due to the extra purification, segregation, and certification required. Certification for food additive, pharmaceutical, or cosmetic applications introduces further cost tiering from base industrial output. Custom packaging or regulatory documentation (e.g. REACH, Kosher, Halal, TSCA) introduces additional cost components not present in standard bulk trade.
Grade-related price differences are traced to the extra process controls and impurity management needed for strict end-use compliance. Purity above typical industrial sequences often means additional distillation or adsorption, with sensitive analytics governing batch release. Packaging for food or pharma applications must avoid cross-contact and traceable supply chain practices, further driving differentiation. When certification or regulatory documentation is required, the cost includes both direct testing and batch record management, increasing total delivered price against generic material.
China and the United States anchor the largest production bases, bolstered by integrated feedstock streams and robust downstream oxo markets. European output often tracks regional refinery economics and plant reliability. India’s market remains import-heavy but plans ongoing domestic expansions. Japan sustains tight production aligned with local derivatives and high-performance specialty chemicals. Demand growth correlates with plasticizer expansion in emerging economies and solvent use across paints and coatings.
The US enjoys structural cost advantages from shale gas, supporting high utilization of propylene-to-oxo units. Europe grapples with tighter energy markets and evolving environmental compliance, driving periodic supply constraints and extended lead times. Japan maintains stable, high-purity output but contends with demographic stagnation in traditional downstream segments. China rapidly expands both capacity and internal demand, tightening balances and placing more material inward. India matches growth with project ramp-ups but remains exposed to foreign price volatility until full onshore capacity comes online.
Forward projections for n-butanol foresee a gradual increase in delivered cost, steered by ongoing crude-derived feedstock volatility, utility price escalation, and compliance spending. Raw material bottlenecks, particularly around olefins, risk sharper price swings under geopolitical or logistics disruptions. Differentiation by grade tightens as regulatory and end-market requirements intensify, sustaining or widening grade-based premiums through 2026.
Trend analysis draws on internal production records, public commodity indices for propylene and natural gas, published customs data, and industry association bulletins. Price forecasting leverages statistical models regressed on five-year oil and energy price histories, supply chain reliability metrics, announced capacity expansions, and tracked regulatory cost increases across all major economies.
Major plant outages in Europe and schedule slippage in new Asian capacity have tightened spot markets in early 2024, with distributors extending lead times and strong premiums on certified lots. Process safety upgrades at North American sites have temporarily reduced effective capacity during debottlenecking. Environmental policy in China continues to shift available export quotas and compliance depths, impacting annual contract balance.
Global harmonization of hazard labeling and pharmaceutical/food traceability expands the burden of certification and repeat testing, especially for cross-border shipments. EU REACH updates demand more end-to-end batch record retention; US TSCA changes intensify pre-import dataset submission for new downstream product innovations. Stringent emission limits have pushed investment in abatement, showing up as line items in production and material cost calculations.
Manufacturers adopt predictive downtime management, real-time analytics for feedstock management, and modular packaging investment to adapt to demand and regulatory changes. Expansion in high-purity processing lines targets fast-growing, specification-intensive sectors such as electronics, coatings, and food ingredients. Continuous improvement in logistics software and contract structuring reduces buyer exposure to sudden transport or compliance cost shocks.
N-butanol flows into numerous segments of chemical manufacturing, paint and coatings, plasticizer synthesis, personal care, and extractive processes. In coatings, it functions as a flow agent and co-solvent. In the production of butyl acrylate and butyl acetate, it becomes a major feedstock. Extractive applications, such as pharmaceuticals and food flavors, demand specific attention to residuals and purity. Emulsion polymers, textile auxiliaries, and cleaning agents employ n-butanol both for its solvency profile and as a reactant.
| Application | Preferred Grade | Critical Grade Properties |
|---|---|---|
| Paints & Coatings | Industrial, Technical | Water content, color index, aldehyde content |
| Plasticizers, Butyl Acrylate Synthesis | Industrial, Chemical Synthesis | Total alcohol content, acidity, C3/C5 alcohols |
| Pharmaceutical Synthesis | Pharma or High Purity | GC purity, specific impurity limits, documentation for compliance |
| Food Flavors & Extractive Solvent Uses | Food Grade, USP/EU Compliant | Trace contaminant control, strict migration and extractables profile |
| Emulsion & Polymerization | Industrial, Technical | Water, acidity, peroxides |
| Personal Care | Cosmetic, High Purity | Odor, organoleptic properties, GC-profiled purity |
In our experience, industrial paint formulators watch for water content and color index closely, since minor increases create haze or affect pigment compatibility. For plasticizer and ester synthesis, alcohol content and acidity control conversion rates and downstream yields—impurity profiles here can block or poison catalysts. Pharmaceutical synthesis grades require compliance with pharmacopeial profiles and systematic batch documentation. Personal care and food-grade materials draw inspection on secondary, odorous aldehydes and solvent residue. Each application brings a different threshold for water, acidity, and side-alcohols.
Mapping intended use lays the foundation for grade selection. Downtime and cost in pigment, resin, or drug intermediate plants often result from mismatched solvent properties. For extraction or food contact, regulations point strictly to allowed impurity profiles. Chemical manufacturing appreciates moles of butanol rather than neutral aroma or color, whereas downstream in consumer products, visual and olfactory thresholds cannot be ignored.
Sourcing for pharmaceutical or food-contact runs demands documentation, traceability, and an explicit impurity ceiling. Internal industrial customers need to know about regional classification, for example, according to EU, US, or other local registrations.
If secondary alcohols or trace acids impact yields or safety data sheets reference low-level contaminants, this step can define direction. For instance, industrial users may allow higher water content, but pharma, cosmetic, or extractive processes require tighter controls. Our batch logs and certificates capture typical values for alcohols by GC, water by Karl Fischer, and color by Lovibond or Hazen scale.
Production-scale buyers balance technical fit against cost. Top-grade and specialty lots can introduce unnecessary spend unless process tolerance demands the cleanest cuts or tightest batch documentation. For larger runs, our supply chain assures volume consistency and secure raw material origin.
Industrial customers benefit from in-plant trials. Requesting a sample enables technical staff to benchmark solvent performance against real process requirements. We send samples indexed to production lots, backed by in-house QC results using standardized testing methods. Process engineers and QC managers compare results in actual formulations, supporting real-world decision making.
Our manufacturing facility operates under a structured quality management system in line with recognized international standards. This includes regular third-party audits, internal process evaluations, and corrective action systems. Documentation runs through incoming raw material verification, in-process analytical checks, and final batch certification. Every lot of N-butanol receives an individual quality release assessment, which reflects real-world production data and reference standards for the relevant grade and application.
Certifications and analytical data packages align with the requirements stated by market sector and downstream regulatory expectations. For general industrial grades, typical compliance focuses on purity and key impurity controls, such as aldehydes, isobutanol, and water content. For specialty sectors, such as pharmaceuticals or food-contact applications, the release criteria narrow further, and supporting documentation may include trace analysis by GC, residual solvent profiling, or compliance letters. Supply to these sectors is grade-dependent and subject to additional process segregation and audit demands.
We maintain full lot traceability for every production run. Each shipment includes access to comprehensive Certificates of Analysis, describing grade-specific parameters tested on a batch basis. Extended documentation—including detailed impurity breakdowns, compliance declarations, or third-party inspection reports—can be compiled according to individual customer or regulatory requirements. Supporting studies, such as shelf-life data or material stability records, can be provided when applicable to the grade and destination market.
Our N-butanol unit integrates core process controls, starting from raw material sourcing and extending through continuous or batch production. Key raw materials are secured under long-term contracts, with logistical redundancy across plant lines. For buyers, this approach limits unexpected disruptions and supports scheduling certainty for both spot and term contracts. Minimum supply guarantees are negotiated according to volume tier and regional distribution strategy.
Supply agreements depend on customer demand profile, anticipated fluctuation, and contract duration. Options include scheduled call-off, rolling forecast commitments, or just-in-time delivery models with buffer stock at regional locations. Flexible warehousing and packaging solutions can support various shipment sizes and handling requirements, reflecting the realities of downstream processing or blending at customer facilities.
Sample provision follows a traceable protocol, mirroring the actual industrial production route and analytical release for the target grade. Prospective buyers may request technical documentation before receipt, including lot-specific analytical results. Pre-shipment review ensures the sample aligns with intended end use, whether formulation, scale trial, or regulatory filing.
The cooperation model adjusts to customer operational needs and market volatility. For buyers with variable raw material requirements, the supply team can discuss buffer inventory, adaptive production windows, and escalated technical support during transition periods. Collaboration covers tailored logistics, on-site technical training, and periodic review of release standards to match formula specifications or evolving regulatory conditions. This flexibility stems directly from our production control systems and established cross-functional communication pathways between manufacturing, quality, and supply chain teams.
In recent years, R&D in N-butanol has centered on refining process yields, minimizing byproducts, and improving recovery efficiency. Efforts continue in catalysis to boost selectivity in the oxo process and alternative biotechnological pathways. Process engineers monitor the impact of catalyst aging, feedstock variability, and technology integration on final product purity.
Downstream demand for N-butanol now increasingly reflects activity in waterborne coatings, automotive paints, and specialty esters manufacturing. Interest grows in its function as a precursor for butyl acrylate, glycol ethers, and new-generation plasticizers. Industrial users in electronics and high-purity solvents explore grade-tuning for trace metal and impurity content.
Common technical challenges relate to effective removal of aldehydes and higher alcohols during fractionation. Variability in feedstock quality or process load impacts product batch consistency and impurity carryover. Advances in continuous operation controls and on-line monitoring recently improved batch traceability. Bio-based route development brings new constraints on fermentation feedstock conditioning and off-gas management, often requiring rethinking existing purification steps.
Market demand in Asia and Eastern Europe shows year-on-year increases tied to construction and infrastructure coatings. Customer requirements for higher-purity, low-odor grades are becoming more specific. Demand cycles increasingly align with downstream chemical economics, particularly for acrylate and plasticizer manufacturing. Intensive price and margin pressure persists, pushing for process innovation and feedstock diversification.
Manufacturing facilities pursue modularization and digital process controls to maintain batch-to-batch reproducibility. Customers with sensitive esterification or hydrogenation steps require tighter specifications, driving tighter controls in distillation, impurity strip-out, and storage. Sustainability drives consideration of alternative feedstocks and energy recovery, emphasizing end-of-pipe emissions reduction and total plant integration.
Regulatory frameworks for VOCs and carbon emissions push for closed-loop recovery systems and green process audits. Customers in Europe and North America have led requests for feedstock traceability and lifecycle-based carbon footprint documentation. Investment continues in bio-based N-butanol process pilots. The technical emphasis remains on consistent product quality, batch release, and minimizing trace contaminants even using bio or recycled feed sources.
Plant technical managers, formulation chemists, and regulatory liaisons provide direct support covering impurity analysis, process troubleshooting, and grade matching. Requests for product requalification, new application evaluation, and impurity profile documentation generally draw on batch archives and QC cycle records. Process route and batch ID documentation remain available for traceability requests subject to customer and regulatory requirements.
End users facing challenges in solvent blending, esterification, or process yield optimization receive direct support from process chemists and applications engineers. Optimization recommendations factor in grade-specific volatility, solubility, trace impurity sensitivity, and possible interaction with customer-side additives or catalysts. Practical outcomes include adjustment of storage, transfer, or blending parameters and real-time impurity monitoring proposals.
Technical service includes provision of extended batch records, ongoing access to product change notifications, and root cause investigation of application-related inconsistencies. Corrective action plans typically involve cooperation between production, QA, and regulatory departments. Typical values, limits, and release standards are defined jointly with customers and reviewed according to actual batch data and application-specific requirements.
Direct oversight at every stage defines our N-butanol production. Our dedicated synthesis facilities handle all raw material processing, reaction control, distillation, and finishing in-house, ensuring clarity from batch to batch. We monitor each run for water content, color index, and assay using calibrated analytical methods, keeping every metric anchored within tight industrial specifications. Teams maintain audit trails at each step, allowing traceability and root cause analysis if deviations emerge during production.
Markets rely on N-butanol across a broad industrial spectrum. In coatings and paints, formulators require high-purity intermediates to maintain gloss and drying balance. The plastics sector integrates N-butanol into plasticizers and polymers, where uncontrolled impurities or excess water cause processing risks and off-spec product. Adhesive and ink producers use N-butanol for solubility and evaporation control, where final performance links directly to the backbone of the raw material. Chemical plants needing butyl acrylate, glycol ethers, or esters initiate synthesis with refined N-butanol, relying on predictable input grades.
Consistency supports every industrial partnership. N-butanol leaving our filling lines undergoes tight lot testing against agreed specifications. Gas chromatography, moisture tests, and in-line process controls reduce batch-to-batch variation. QA managers document and archive every certification, building a defensible record for downstream audits. Routine instrument calibration and method cross-validation sharpen reproducibility, helping industrial buyers eliminate guesswork and unexpected reformulation caused by supply variability.
Shipping N-butanol safely and efficiently matches the needs of business scale. We fill drums, IBCs, or bulk tankers directly from stainless steel storage under nitrogen blanketing, controlling for air and moisture ingress throughout the transfer. Loading teams check weights and closures before dispatch, reducing the risk of leaks or contamination during transit. Scheduled dispatch supports project planning and plant maintenance cycles. Warehousing and logistics teams coordinate delivery windows to manufacturing hubs, blending plants, and downstream converters.
Product stewardship extends past shipment date. Our technical specialists collaborate with R&D and production teams within customer facilities, reviewing specifications, addressing compatibility concerns, and supporting trial runs. Whether scaling up new formulations or resolving process bottlenecks, onsite consultation and laboratory analysis help anticipate challenges and minimize downtime. We share long-term data on product stability and reactivity in industrial conditions, supporting sustainable processing and cost control.
Reliability in raw materials underpins operational efficiency and brand reputation for manufacturing partners. Direct material flow from producer to plant streamlines inventory, reduces handling steps, and simplifies compliance reporting. Procurement teams gain value from stable supply agreements anchored in transparent documentation and timely deliveries. Distributors serving time-sensitive markets benefit from rapid cycle times and clear specification history, allowing efficient planning for their clients. The production floor, technical lab, and executive office each depend on real-time data and honest communication — we provide this at every interface.
As a direct manufacturer of N-butanol, we pay close attention to the required purity standards sourced from consistent experience in the field and constant feedback from users in coatings, plastics, adhesives, and textile chemicals. Purity isn’t an academic concept here—it’s the foundation for predictable results at scale. Whether customers work in synthesis or formulate downstream products, purity becomes the difference between efficiency and complications costing time and resources.
Over many years of scaling capacity and modernizing our facilities, we have set our typical industrial specification for N-butanol at ≥99.5% by weight. Several sectors require this threshold because trace contaminants in the feedstock disrupt catalysts, discolor coatings, or interfere with downstream reactions. Tight quality control helps minimize moisture, aldehydes, and peroxides, but a target of 99.5% meets most industrial manufacturing demands, keeping impurities below 0.5%.
We push for rigorous testing not because regulators ask—customers have communicated how even fractions of a percent can alter reaction times, shelf stability, or cause unexpected side-products. Standard practice at our site involves gas chromatography and water content measured by Karl Fischer titration, confirmed on every batch.
The choice to produce at or above a 99.5% benchmark didn't come from a textbook—it comes from process engineers and technical managers reporting back from the floor. For instance, paint resins exposed to higher aldehyde residues may yellow or gel. Surfactant formulators have cited off-odors or emulsification issues caused by certain impurities. Pharmaceuticals and food contact polymers require even tighter impurity profiles, often higher than 99.5%, and in such cases we implement further purification or supply analytical breakdowns.
On the process side, the consistency in this grade supports large-scale continuity. Pipework, pumps, and downstream storage tanks demand operational confidence. Build-up of water or reactive byproducts like acetic acid accelerates corrosion or fouls equipment—something we look to minimize at the source with robust distillation and dehydration steps.
Users approach us for guidance on downstream handling, so our technical team keeps procedures transparent. We provide detailed certificates of analysis and breakdowns on typical impurity profiles. If batches are used in regulated markets, we work closely to document not just purity but volatile compound traces, heavy metal screening, or compliance to specific sector requirements. Special projects sometimes call for purification well above standard 99.5%, and we discuss custom solutions directly.
High-purity N-butanol reduces surprises during scale-up. Technical conversations with users let us trace root causes of product variability or reactivity, which in turn feeds back to tighter onsite quality controls. The result: less unscheduled downtime and smoother operation for industrial partners.
Every production cycle gives us data—whether that comes from yield, downstream customer survey, or analytical reports. Connecting directly with users, rather than routing feedback through intermediaries, keeps our standards relevant. If a sector shows a need for tighter control on specific contaminants, we invest in new distillation or advanced purification equipment.
Attention to purity isn’t just a laboratory concern—it affects our whole workflow, from sourcing raw materials to packaging and shipment. By openly discussing these standards and inviting long-term collaboration, we keep our product at the performance levels expected by industrial users.
N-butanol stands as an essential intermediate in coatings, resins, and a wide range of downstream manufacturing. Drawing from several decades running large-scale production, we see recurring questions from new customers focused on minimum order quantities and lead time. Accurate, upfront answers help customers avoid costly surprises and keep operations on track, so it’s an area we address with clear expectations and factory-direct insights.
In our process, establishing a minimum order quantity never results from arbitrary metrics. N-butanol is classified as a flammable liquid and handled in bulk, so both production and shipping carry fixed costs. Our plant’s product moves by ISO tank, drum, IBC, or flexitank, but factory loading and bulk chemical logistics are most efficient in full-container or isotainer lots.
Because of this, our standard minimum order sits at one full container load or around 16 metric tons when packed in drums. Bulk isotainer shipments usually start at 20 metric tons. These thresholds balance safe handling, certified packaging, material yield, and freight efficiency. We encounter requests for smaller volumes, but reducing below these working minimums generally leads to higher per-unit costs from extra handling, repacking, and partial load surcharges imposed by carriers. Decades of shipment records show full-container quantities consistently result in smoother transit, fewer incidents, and the lowest delivered costs for the customer.
Our integrated production line operates on continuous batch cycles. This enables us to offer rapid turnaround for stock grades of N-butanol. Typical lead time for standard items runs one to two weeks from order confirmation to shipment readiness. This covers in-plant loading, routine QC, and completion of regulatory documentation. For example, in our peak operating months, almost all export drums or tanks leave our factory gate within 10 business days of scheduled order start.
We observe the biggest variables in lead time come from two sources: logistics capacity and special product requests. When global bulk freight tightens or local port congestion strikes, delivery windows can shift by several days, especially on long-haul lanes. Requests for custom drum sizes or additional third-party inspection add several working days. To keep customers informed, our logistics team sends regular updates and flags any anticipated slowdowns before they impact ship dates. This level of transparency requires direct control over our schedules and direct factory involvement in logistics, which sets manufacturers apart from non-integrated intermediaries.
Transparency around minimum quantity and realistic delivery timelines plays a critical role in plant planning, scheduling, and procurement efficiency. We recommend placing N-butanol orders slightly ahead of projected inventory needs, particularly ahead of major local or international holidays when shipments tend to bottleneck. For any large consumption surges or special requests, providing early forecast updates enables us to allocate raw materials and plant time without interruption to routine production. In peak cycles, the difference between a well-planned and a last-minute order can be several days in lead time.
Our experience as a direct producer, with in-house bulk logistics and storage, means we maintain reliability through every market cycle. Customers avoid third-party bottlenecks and get direct answers about realistic minimums, shipment windows, and factory capacity constraints. Our technical and logistics teams remain available to discuss specific packaging or regulatory documentation, and we prioritize building long-term relationships based on reliability and trust, not just spot sales or volume tiers. This approach has kept our N-butanol program stable and scalable through both high and low demand periods.
N-butanol, a key solvent and intermediate, attracts serious attention from shipping regulators due to its flammability and its role in various industrial applications. From our own experience as direct manufacturers, every consignment crossing borders passes through multiple layers of legal, safety, and environmental scrutiny. Compliance isn’t just a box-ticking exercise — failure means delayed shipments, heavy fines, and permanent reputational damage.
We package N-butanol in tightly sealed drums, usually steel, to prevent leaks and vapor emissions. Each drum carries UN-specific hazard labeling with the correct UN number (1120 for n-butanol), clearly communicating the hazard class for flammable liquids. Labels must match the requirements set out in the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code and IATA for air freight. On pallets or in containers, drums are always shrink-wrapped and banded to avoid shifting and potential rupture during shipment. We do not compromise on drum integrity — after long-term experience, even minor corrosion or denting leads us to disqualify a container for export.
Our exported batches move only with fully documented Safety Data Sheets compliant with GHS standards. Carriers, whether maritime or air, require a Dangerous Goods Declaration and a packing certificate as part of each shipment file. National export control checklists in both the origin and destination countries remain ever-changing, but our compliance team follows updates from the IMDG, ADR, U.S. Department of Transportation, and other agencies. Training our logistics staff goes beyond formal certifications: regular drills and internal audits keep our team ready for inspections and emergency response scenarios involving solvent leakage or spillage.
The baseline for international shipments rests on the UN Model Regulations, but each region, including the EU and Asia-Pacific, adapts these in their own way. China demands Chinese-language labeling, and most ports require pre-arrival notification of hazardous cargo. Cross-border delays are common when documentation or markings fall short of local standards. Our export coordinators monitor these evolving conditions closely, working with local officials and customs authorities to avoid cargo stops, especially for first-time shipments to new markets.
N-butanol holds a flammable liquid classification, which brings obligations for spill containment, emergency eye-wash stations in storage areas, and ground-level vapor detection at loading points. Before shipment, we verify that all containers seal properly under vacuum and pressure tests, ensuring that product loss or atmospheric release does not occur in transit. For full container loads, secondary containment measures like spill pallets and vapor barriers reduce risk. Our technical team consults the latest amendments to the IMDG and ADR guidelines to stay compliant — regulatory changes roll out with little warning.
We remain committed to global safe handling and ethical shipping practices because regulatory compliance protects both our customers’ business and our own. Failure to respect packaging, transportation, and hazardous materials regulations doesn’t just threaten shipments; it puts workers, shippers, and the public at risk. Our experienced staff, regular investment in training, and constant process review keep our shipments moving safely, legally, and on time.
For product inquiries, sample requests, quotations or after-sales support, please feel free to contact me directly via sales3@ascent-chem.com, +8615365186327 or WhatsApp: +8615365186327
