n-Butyric Acid

Model NO.: HQ-11

Quantity:

Product Description

n-Butyric Acid (C₄H₈O₂) Product Introduction

1. Product Overview

n-Butyric acid (CH₃CH₂CH₂COOH), also known as butanoic acid or propylformic acid, is a four-carbon saturated fatty acid with the molecular formula C₄H₈O₂. It is a colorless, oily liquid with a pungent, unpleasant odor similar to rancid butter at high concentrations, while at low concentrations it exhibits a pleasant, buttery aroma.

As a versatile organic acid, n-butyric acid plays a critical role in various industries including food flavoring, animal nutrition, chemical synthesis, and pharmaceuticals. With a molecular weight of 88.11 g/mol and a density of 0.96 g/cm³ at 20°C, n-butyric acid is slightly soluble in water but miscible with most organic solvents.

2. Physical and Chemical Properties

Property	Value
Chemical Formula	CH₃CH₂CH₂COOH
Molecular Weight	88.11 g/mol
Purity	≥99.0% (industrial grade); ≥99.5% (food grade)
Appearance	Colorless liquid with pungent odor
Density	0.96 g/cm³ at 20°C
Boiling Point	163.5°C
Melting Point	-7.9°C
Flash Point	69°C (closed cup)
Solubility	Slightly soluble in water (60 g/L at 20°C); miscible with ethanol and ether
pH Value	~3.0 (10 g/L aqueous solution)
Hazard Class	UN 2820, Class 8 (Corrosive), Packing Group III

3. Key Chemical Characteristics

Unique Properties

n-Butyric acid is a naturally occurring fatty acid found in butter, cheese, and fermented foods. It has a pKa of 4.82, making it a weaker acid than propionic acid but stronger than acetic acid.

Reactivity

Acidic Properties: Exhibits typical carboxylic acid behavior, reacting with bases to form butyrate salts
Esterification: Reacts with alcohols to form butyrate esters (e.g., butyl butyrate, with fruity aromas)
Redox Properties: Can be oxidized to butyraldehyde or further decomposed to carbon dioxide and water
Antimicrobial Properties: Inhibits mold and bacterial growth in animal feed

Hazardous Properties

Flammability: Combustible liquid with a flash point of 69°C
Corrosiveness: Corrosive to skin, eyes, and respiratory tract
Toxicity: LD50 2940 mg/kg (rat, oral)

4. Applications

Food Industry

Flavor Enhancer: Used as a food additive (E280) to provide butter-like flavor in baked goods, cheese, and processed foods
Fragrance Component: Butyrate esters are used in fruit flavorings for beverages, candies, and desserts
Cheese Production: Naturally produced during cheese fermentation

Agriculture and Animal Feed

Feed Additive: Added to animal feed to improve digestion and nutrient absorption
Preservative: Inhibits mold and bacterial growth in silage and stored grains
Gut Health: Promotes beneficial bacteria growth in animal digestive systems

Pharmaceutical Industry

Intermediate: Used in the synthesis of various drugs and pharmaceutical products
Anti-inflammatory: Studies show potential anti-inflammatory effects in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease
Cancer Research: Investigated for its ability to inhibit histone deacetylases (HDACs) in cancer cells

Chemical Synthesis

Butyrate Salts: Precursor for producing sodium butyrate and calcium butyrate
Plastic Production: Used in the synthesis of cellulose butyrate for plastics and coatings
Fragrance Production: Intermediate for manufacturing various perfumes and fragrances

Other Applications

Leather Tanning: Used in leather processing as a pH regulator
Textile Industry: Used in dyeing processes
Research: Used in biochemical and medical research

5. Safety and Handling

Exposure Limits

TLV-TWA: 5 ppm (ACGIH)
IDLH: 100 ppm (NIOSH)
STEL: 10 ppm (ACGIH)

Personal Protective Equipment

Respiratory Protection: Use NIOSH-approved respirator in areas with potential exposure
Eye Protection: Wear chemical splash goggles or face shield
Skin Protection: Wear chemical-resistant gloves and protective clothing
Foot Protection: Wear safety shoes with non-slip soles

Emergency Procedures

Inhalation: Move to fresh air immediately. If breathing stops, perform CPR
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing and rinse with water for at least 15 minutes
Eye Contact: Rinse eyes with water for at least 20 minutes and seek medical attention
Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting. Seek medical attention immediately

6. Quality Standards

Industrial Grade (GB/T 17629-2018)

Butyric Acid Content: ≥99.0% (一等品), ≥98.0% (合格品)
Water Content: ≤0.3% (一等品), ≤0.5% (合格品)
Acid Value: 620-630 mg KOH/g

Food Grade (FCC IV)

Purity: ≥99.5%
Heavy Metals: ≤10 ppm
Arsenic: ≤3 ppm

7. Packaging and Storage

Packaging Options

Plastic Drums: 25kg, 200kg
IBC Containers: 1000kg
Bulk Tankers: For large volume shipments

Storage Conditions

Store in a cool, well-ventilated area away from heat sources
Maintain storage temperature between 15-25°C
Keep containers tightly sealed to prevent evaporation
Separate from strong oxidizers, bases, and food products

8. Transportation

Hazard Class: 8 (Corrosive)
UN Number: 2820
Packing Group: III
Special Precautions: Ensure proper labeling and documentation for transport

9. Environmental Impact

Biodegradability

n-Butyric acid is readily biodegradable in aquatic environments
Does not bioaccumulate in living organisms

Air Quality

Contributes to acid rain when released into the atmosphere
Can react with hydroxyl radicals in the atmosphere

Water Quality

Low concentrations are not harmful to aquatic life
High concentrations can cause pH changes in water bodies

10. Quality Assurance

Our n-butyric acid products are manufactured to meet the highest quality standards:

Stringent Quality Control: Multiple testing stages throughout production
Traceability: Complete batch tracking and documentation
Compliance: Meets international standards and regulatory requirements
Technical Support: Professional team available for product application guidance