Description
Ethyl butyrate (also known as Ethyl butanoate) is a simple, naturally occurring ester with a sweet, fruity aroma. It is widely used across several industries, including food and beverages, fragrances, and industrial manufacturing.
Applications of Ethyl Butyrate
Food and Beverage Industry
- Soft Drinks: Enhances citrus-based flavors like orange, pineapple, and mango.
- Candies: Adds a sweet and fruity flavor to hard and soft candies.
- Baked Goods: Used in cakes, pastries, and cookies for its fruity essence.
- Ice Creams and Desserts: Enhances the flavor profile of tropical-themed products.
- Alcoholic Beverages: Provides a fruity note to cocktails, liqueurs, and craft beers.
Fragrance Industry
- Perfumes and Colognes: Used in floral, fruity, and tropical-themed scents.
- Personal Care Products: Found in shampoos, lotions, and body washes for a refreshing aroma.
- Air Fresheners: Commonly used in home and car fresheners for a clean, fruity scent.
Industrial Applications
- Solvent: Used in coatings, adhesives, and paints due to its ability to dissolve organic compounds effectively.
- Plasticizer: Incorporated in plastics to improve flexibility and durability.
- Resins and Polymers: Aids in the formulation of certain synthetic materials.
Natural Product Enhancement
- Fruit Ripening and Preservation: Used to mimic natural fruit aromas in artificial ripening processes.
- Artificial Flavors: Enhances the natural taste of processed fruits, particularly in jams and canned goods.
Pharmaceutical Industry
- Used as a flavor masking agent in medicines and supplements to improve palatability, especially in chewables and syrups.
- Employed as an excipent in formulations for drug delivery systems.
Agriculture
- Used in insect attractants for monitoring and controlling pest populations.
- Applied in the formulation of biopesticides.
Cosmetics
- Incorporated in lip balms, flavored glosses, and beauty products for its sweet and appealing aroma.
Research and Development
- Extensively used in chemical research for studying esterification reactions and solvent applications.
Storage Guidelines
- Temperature:
- Store in a cool, dry place, ideally between 15°C and 25°C (59°F to 77°F). Avoid exposure to high temperatures or direct sunlight.
- Container:
- Keep in tightly sealed, corrosion-resistant containers (such as HDPE, stainless steel, or glass) to prevent leaks and contamination.
- Ensure containers are labeled correctly to avoid misuse.
- Ventilation:
- Store in a well-ventilated area to minimize the accumulation of vapors, which can be flammable.
- Segregation:
- Keep away from incompatible substances like strong acids, bases, oxidizing agents, and sources of ignition (e.g., flames, sparks, static electricity).
- Spill Containment:
- Use secondary containment (such as a spill tray) to manage accidental leaks or spills.
Handling Guidelines
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
- Wear appropriate PPE, including:
- Chemical-resistant gloves (e.g., nitrile or neoprene)
- Safety goggles or face shield
- Long-sleeved lab coat or protective clothing
- Respiratory protection if handling in poorly ventilated areas
- Work Area:
- Handle in a fume hood or a well-ventilated space to prevent vapor accumulation.
- Avoid inhalation, skin contact, and eye contact.
- Preventive Measures:
- Ground and bond containers when transferring Ethyl butyrate to prevent static discharge.
- Use tools and equipment rated for use with flammable substances.
- First Aid Measures:
- Inhalation: Move to fresh air immediately. Seek medical attention if symptoms persist.
- Skin Contact: Wash thoroughly with soap and water. Remove contaminated clothing.
- Eye Contact: Rinse eyes cautiously with water for several minutes. Seek medical help if irritation persists.
- Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting. Rinse mouth with water and seek medical attention.