Industrial Chemicals
Jan. 26, 2025
Butyl acrylate is an important acrylic monomer widely used in coatings, adhesives, textiles, sealants, and polymer manufacturing. For readers searching what is butyl acrylate used for, the key lies in its excellent flexibility and compatibility with many resin systems. Before exploring detailed application examples, this page provides a clear explanation of butyl acrylate, its main properties, and the industries that rely on it.
Butyl Acrylate, identified by its chemical formula CAS 141-32-2, stands as a pivotal compound in the realm of industrial chemistry. As a leading supplier of industrial chemicals, TJCY ensures the provision of high-quality Butyl Acrylate to fulfill diverse industrial requirements.

| Property | Description |
| Chemical Formula | C7H12O2 |
| Molecular Weight | 128.17 g/mol |
| Appearance | Colorless liquid |
| Odor | Fruity, pungent odor |
| Density | 0.89 g/cm³ at 20°C |
| Boiling Point | 145°C (293°F) |
| Melting Point | -64°C (-83.2°F) |
| Flash Point | 40°C (104°F) - Closed cup |
| Solubility in Water | Slightly soluble (0.14 g/100 mL at 20°C) |
| Vapor Pressure | 4.53 mmHg at 25°C |
| Refractive Index | 1.4195 at 20°C |
| Viscosity | 0.66 mPa·s at 20°C |
| Autoignition Temperature | 272°C (521.6°F) |
| Explosive Limits | 1.2% (lower) - 8.0% (upper) |
| Log P (Partition Coefficient) | 2.38 |
| Hazard Classification | Flammable liquid, skin and eye irritant |
Butyl Acrylate, a clear, colorless liquid with a distinctive pungent odor, belongs to the family of acrylate esters. Synthesized through the reaction between acrylic acid and butanol, Butyl Acrylate emerges as a versatile compound with a wide array of applications across industries. Its molecular structure, characterized by an acrylic moiety coupled with a butyl group, imparts unique chemical properties conducive to various industrial processes.
Butyl acrylate, commonly referring to n-butyl acrylate, is an acrylate ester produced from acrylic acid and n-butanol. Its molecular formula is C7H12O2, and its CAS number is 141-32-2. It is generally a clear, colorless liquid with a characteristic odor.
The molecule contains a reactive carbon–carbon double bond, allowing it to polymerize with acrylic acid, methyl methacrylate, styrene and other monomers. Commercial butyl acrylate normally contains an inhibitor to help control unintended polymerization during transportation and storage.
Chemical name: n-Butyl Acrylate (BA)
Function: Key monomer for acrylic polymers
Characteristics: Excellent flexibility, good weather resistance, low Tg
Industries: Coatings, pressure-sensitive adhesives, sealants, textiles, plastics
Common questions: What is butyl acrylate used for? Paints, emulsions, construction materials, and dispersion polymers.
You can learn more about the material specifications in our Butyl Acrylate product page
Because butyl acrylate provides flexibility and enhances film-forming ability, it is widely used in acrylic emulsions and polymer synthesis. These characteristics explain many answers to the question “what is butyl acrylate used for?”.
Adhesives and Sealants: Butyl Acrylate serves as a fundamental constituent in the formulation of adhesives and sealants owing to its exceptional adhesive properties and compatibility with diverse substrates. Its incorporation facilitates the development of robust and high-performance adhesive products utilized in construction, automotive assembly, and packaging industries. From bonding materials in building construction to sealing joints in automotive assembly, Butyl Acrylate-based adhesives and sealants ensure durable and reliable bonds.
Coatings and Paints: Butyl Acrylate finds extensive application in the production of coatings and paints as a primary monomer. Renowned for its rapid drying characteristics, along with superior weather resistance and adhesion properties, Butyl Acrylate is a preferred choice for formulating exterior and interior coatings. These coatings encompass a broad spectrum, including architectural paints, industrial coatings, and automotive finishes, contributing to enhanced aesthetic appeal and long-term protection against environmental factors.
The main butyl acrylate uses are based on its ability to form soft, flexible acrylic polymers. It is frequently copolymerized with harder monomers to balance flexibility, strength, adhesion, durability and film-forming performance.

Polymer Production: Butyl Acrylate plays a pivotal role as a foundational unit in the synthesis of various polymers, encompassing acrylic polymers and copolymers. These polymers exhibit desirable attributes such as flexibility, toughness, and UV resistance, rendering them suitable for diverse applications in textiles, plastics, and adhesives. Whether imparting flexibility to plastic materials or enhancing the resilience of adhesive formulations, Butyl Acrylate-derived polymers contribute to the development of innovative and high-performance products across industries.
For formulators working with acrylic systems, our Acrylic Acid and Texanol pages may also be helpful.
Textile and Paper Coatings: Butyl Acrylate finds utilization in formulating coatings for textiles and paper products, imparting essential properties such as water repellency, stain resistance, and durability. These coatings serve to enhance the performance and longevity of textiles, papers, and cardboard packaging materials, ensuring resilience against environmental factors and prolonging the lifespan of end products.
Emulsion Polymers: Butyl Acrylate is commonly employed in the production of emulsion polymers, which find widespread application in coatings, adhesives, and textiles. These polymers, characterized by low viscosity, excellent film-forming properties, and strong adhesion to substrates, offer versatile solutions across diverse industrial sectors. Whether enhancing the durability of coatings, improving the bonding strength of adhesives, or imparting functional properties to textile materials, Butyl Acrylate-derived emulsion polymers contribute to the advancement of innovative and sustainable products.
Butyl Acrylate is also known by the alias Iso Butyl Acrylate (IBA). This alternate nomenclature stems from the structural isomerism exhibited by the butyl group within the compound. Despite the interchangeable usage of these terms, both refer to the same chemical entity, encapsulating its versatile applications and properties.
Temperature: Store in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area, away from heat sources and direct sunlight.
Containers: Keep in tightly closed containers, preferably in stainless steel, aluminum, or lined containers to prevent contamination.
Inert Atmosphere: Use nitrogen or another inert gas to blanket the storage tank, preventing polymerization.
Fire Precautions: Store away from open flames, sparks, and other ignition sources due to its flammability.
Personal Protection: Use protective gloves, safety goggles, and appropriate clothing to avoid skin and eye contact.
Ventilation: Work in well-ventilated areas to avoid inhalation of vapors.
Spill Management: In case of a spill, use non-sparking tools to clean up and contain the spill. Absorb with inert material and dispose of according to local regulations.
Prevent Polymerization: Avoid contamination with catalysts, such as peroxides or strong acids, as they can initiate polymerization.
TJCY, as a reputable provider of industrial chemical solutions, offers premium-grade Butyl Acrylate tailored to meet the specific demands of diverse industries. Our Butyl Acrylate products undergo rigorous quality control measures to ensure consistent performance and customer satisfaction.
For inquiries regarding Butyl Acrylate specifications, pricing, and availability, please engage with TJCY's dedicated sales team. Equipped with comprehensive technical expertise and a customer-centric approach, we strive to provide tailored solutions that optimize industrial processes and foster operational excellence.
What is butyl acrylate mainly used for?
Butyl acrylate is mainly used to manufacture acrylic polymers for adhesives, paints, coatings, sealants, textiles, paper and leather finishing products.
Is butyl acrylate a polymer?
No. Butyl acrylate is a monomer. It is polymerized alone or with other monomers to produce acrylic polymers and copolymers.
What properties does butyl acrylate provide to a polymer?
Butyl acrylate generally improves flexibility, adhesion, tack, film formation and low-temperature performance.
What is the difference between butyl acrylate and acrylic acid?
Acrylic acid is a carboxylic acid, while butyl acrylate is an ester produced from acrylic acid and n-butanol. They provide different properties when used in polymer formulations.
Why does commercial butyl acrylate contain an inhibitor?
The inhibitor helps control unintended polymerization during properly managed storage and transportation. Required storage and handling conditions must still be followed.
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