Greta Jimenez
Butyl acrylate, also known as n-butyl acrylate, is a clear, colourless liquid with a strong, fruity odour. It is a highly reactive chemical with a variety of industrial applications. Due to its widespread use, butyl acrylate can be released into the environment during its production and use, potentially impacting both human health and the environment. This raises the question: Is butyl acrylate a primary or secondary pollutant? To answer this, it is essential to understand the sources and transformation of this substance in the environment and its potential impacts.
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What You'll Learn
- n-Butyl acrylate is used in the production of polymers and resins
- It has been detected in air, groundwater and drinking water samples
- No international guideline for n-Butyl acrylate in drinking water has been set
- It is very slightly soluble in water, but soluble in ethanol, diethyl ether and acetone
- It is a clear, colourless liquid with a strong, fruity odour
n-Butyl acrylate is used in the production of polymers and resins
N-Butyl acrylate (BA) is a highly reactive ester of acrylic acid and is used as a raw material in the production of polymers and resins. It is the largest-volume acrylate ester used in the production of all-acrylic, vinyl acrylic, and styrene acrylic copolymers. BA accounts for about 60% of the global acrylic ester monomer demand, with a consumption volume of over 2,000 kilotons.
BA is used in the production of organic glass and as a comonomer in the synthesis of acrylic dispersions. It is a useful feedstock for chemical syntheses because it readily undergoes addition reactions with a wide variety of organic and inorganic compounds. For instance, copolymers of BA and MMA are the preferred combination for weather-resistant compositions in the paint and coatings sector.
BA is also used as a polymeric plasticizer for harder resins, where it can balance properties such as hardness, softness, tackiness, low-temperature flexibility, strength, and durability. In the adhesives and sealants industry, BA is used to vary the adhesive and cohesive strengths of acrylic copolymers.
Thermoplastic polymers of ethylene and butyl acrylate (EBA) are thermoplastic resins that can be easily processed on conventional blown-and-cast film and sheet-forming equipment. EBA copolymers are used as impact modifiers to improve the low-temperature toughness of polymer blends. They exhibit good adhesion to various polar and non-polar substrates and are used in applications such as extrusion coating, lamination, coextruded films for packaging, masterbatch compounds, and hot-melt adhesives.
Occupational exposure to BA may occur during its manufacture and use in the production of polymers and resins, including emulsion polymers for paints. BA has been detected at low levels in ambient air and water. To prevent polymerization during storage, BA must be stored under air, with oxygen present, and the temperature must not exceed 35°C.
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It has been detected in air, groundwater and drinking water samples
N-Butyl acrylate is a chemical compound used in the production of polymers and resins for textile and leather finishes, solvent coatings, adhesives, paints, binders, and emulsifiers. It is also used in the manufacture of other chemical products. n-Butyl acrylate is very slightly soluble in water (0.14% at 20°C) but is soluble in other substances like ethanol, diethyl ether, and acetone. Due to its use in various industrial processes, n-butyl acrylate may be released into the environment through fugitive and stack emissions or wastewater during its production and use.
Indeed, n-butyl acrylate has been detected in air, groundwater, and drinking water samples. In ambient and urban air, as well as in water, it has been found at low levels. The United States National Library of Medicine reported these findings in 1997. The American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) has set a recommended threshold limit for occupational exposure to n-butyl acrylate in workplace air, suggesting an 8-hour time-weighted average of 52 mg/m3. This limit is based on potential health risks associated with exposure to the chemical.
Various countries and organizations have established guidelines to limit exposure to n-butyl acrylate. For instance, Germany reduced its 8-hour time-weighted average MAK value to 11 mg/m3, as reported by Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft in 1998. These guidelines are crucial in protecting workers and the general public from potential health hazards associated with exposure to this chemical compound. While there are guidelines for air exposure, no international guideline for n-butyl acrylate in drinking water has been established.
The detection of n-butyl acrylate in air and water samples underscores the importance of monitoring and regulating its release into the environment. While it has been found at low levels, chronic exposure or exposure to high concentrations could potentially pose health risks. Studies have shown that exposure to n-butyl acrylate vapours can lead to hyperplasia of the nasal mucosa in rats, indicating potential respiratory effects. However, other studies in rats and mice have not found conclusive evidence of carcinogenic effects, and there is a lack of epidemiological data to support this concern. Nonetheless, the presence of n-butyl acrylate in the environment, especially in drinking water sources, warrants further investigation and the implementation of appropriate measures to mitigate its release and potential impact on human health and ecosystems.
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No international guideline for n-Butyl acrylate in drinking water has been set
N-Butyl acrylate is a clear, colourless liquid with a strong, fruity odour. It is highly reactive and may contain an inhibitor to prevent spontaneous polymerization. It is a Class II Combustible Liquid with a flash point of 103°F and an auto-ignition temperature of 446°F. The vapour is irritating when inhaled at high concentrations and can cause skin irritation and eye burning upon contact. Butyl acrylate is very slightly soluble in water (0.14% at 20°C) but soluble in ethanol, diethyl ether, and acetone. It has a vapour pressure of 532 Pa at 20°C and a relative vapour density of 4.42. The production of butyl acrylate in the United States in 1993 was reported to be 340,035 tonnes.
N-Butyl acrylate is released into the environment during its production and use, particularly in fugitive and stack emissions or wastewater. It has been detected at low levels in ambient and urban air, groundwater, and drinking water samples. While the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) has recommended guidelines for occupational exposures to n-butyl acrylate in workplace air, there is no international guideline for n-butyl acrylate in drinking water. The World Health Organization (WHO) has not established any guidelines for n-butyl acrylate in drinking water, as of 1993.
The lack of an international guideline for n-butyl acrylate in drinking water could be due to several reasons. Firstly, n-butyl acrylate may be a relatively rare compound compared to other pollutants, and its presence in drinking water could vary depending on geographic location and industrial activities in the area. Secondly, the potential health effects of n-butyl acrylate exposure through drinking water may not have been extensively studied, and more research is needed to establish safe guidelines. Additionally, the detection and measurement of n-butyl acrylate in water can be challenging, and standard methods for monitoring its presence may not be widely available.
Furthermore, the regulation of drinking water quality falls under the purview of individual countries or regional authorities, and they may have their own specific guidelines or standards for n-butyl acrylate that are not internationally harmonized. These guidelines may take into account local conditions, such as industrial activities, water treatment processes, and the availability of alternative water sources. In the absence of an international guideline, it is essential for local and national authorities to regularly review and update their standards based on the latest scientific evidence and risk assessments to ensure the protection of public health and the environment.
While there is no international guideline for n-butyl acrylate in drinking water, several countries have established their own standards or guidelines for occupational exposures to n-butyl acrylate in workplace air. For example, Germany has set a more stringent 8-hour time-weighted average MAK value of 11 mg/m3. These guidelines aim to protect workers from the potential health risks associated with n-butyl acrylate exposure, including respiratory and skin irritation. It is important for countries to continuously evaluate and update their guidelines based on new scientific evidence and health risk assessments to ensure the well-being of their citizens.
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It is very slightly soluble in water, but soluble in ethanol, diethyl ether and acetone
Butyl acrylate is an organic compound with the formula C4H9O2CCH=CH2. It is a clear, colourless liquid with a strong, fruity odour. Butyl acrylate is slightly soluble in water but is more soluble in other substances, including ethanol, diethyl ether, and acetone. This compound is the butyl ester of acrylic acid and can be produced through the acid-catalysed esterification of acrylic acid with butanol. Commercially, it is used as a precursor to poly(butyl acrylate), particularly in copolymers, which are employed in paints, sealants, coatings, adhesives, fuel, textiles, plastics, and caulk.
The solubility of a substance refers to its ability to dissolve in a given solvent. Solubility can vary depending on the nature of the solute (the substance being dissolved) and the solvent (the substance doing the dissolving). In the case of butyl acrylate, its solubility is relatively low in water, but it exhibits higher solubility in certain organic solvents.
Ethanol, also known as ethyl alcohol, is a common organic solvent with a polar nature. It has a hydroxyl (OH) group, which can form hydrogen bonds with other compounds. This characteristic contributes to its ability to dissolve substances like butyl acrylate, which also has functional groups that can interact with ethanol molecules.
Diethyl ether, often referred to simply as ether, is another organic solvent with a more non-polar nature compared to ethanol. It consists of two ethyl groups attached to an oxygen atom. Due to its chemical structure, diethyl ether can effectively dissolve non-polar substances. Its non-polar nature aligns with the non-polar regions of butyl acrylate, facilitating its solubility.
Acetone, the simplest form of ketone, is a highly versatile organic solvent. It possesses both polar and non-polar characteristics, making it effective at dissolving a wide range of substances. Acetone's molecular structure allows it to form hydrogen bonds and interact with non-polar regions of solutes. This dual nature enhances its solubilizing power for compounds like butyl acrylate.
The solubility characteristics of butyl acrylate in these solvents are essential considerations in various applications. For instance, in the formulation of coatings, adhesives, or fuels, understanding the solubility behaviour of butyl acrylate helps in selecting the appropriate solvents and ensuring the desired product performance.
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It is a clear, colourless liquid with a strong, fruity odour
N-Butyl acrylate, also known as butyl ester of acrylic acid, is a clear, colourless liquid with a strong, fruity odour. It is a highly reactive chemical with a molecular weight of 128.2 and a boiling point of 293°F. Its freezing point is -83°F, and it has a solubility of 0.1% in water at 20°C. However, it is more soluble in solvents like ethanol, diethyl ether, and acetone.
This chemical is used in various industrial processes, particularly in the production of polymers and resins for textiles, leather finishes, paints, adhesives, and coatings. Due to its widespread use, it has the potential to be released into the environment through fugitive and stack emissions or wastewater during its production and application. As a result, it has been detected in ambient and urban air, groundwater, and drinking water samples, which raises concerns about its impact on human health and the environment.
To ensure the safe handling of n-butyl acrylate, it is crucial to prevent skin and eye contact. Workers handling this chemical should wear appropriate personal protective equipment, including eye protection, to minimise direct exposure. In the event of skin contamination, immediate washing is recommended, and wet or significantly contaminated work clothing should be removed and replaced.
While n-butyl acrylate has been studied for its potential health effects, the available data suggests that it does not exhibit carcinogenic properties. In one study, male mice did not develop treatment-related tumours when n-butyl acrylate was applied to the skin. Similarly, an inhalation study in male and female rats over two years did not show any neoplastic effects. However, exposure to this chemical should still be carefully managed due to its potential health risks.
Overall, while n-butyl acrylate is a useful compound in various industrial applications, its safe handling and potential impact on the environment and human health are essential considerations. Its clear, colourless liquid state with a strong, fruity odour should not be overlooked, as it can be highly reactive and requires proper protective measures to prevent skin and eye contact during use and exposure.
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Frequently asked questions
Butyl acrylate is a clear, colourless liquid with a strong, fruity odour. Its chemical formula is CH₂=CHCOOC₄H₉.
Butyl acrylate is a primary pollutant. It is released into the environment during its production and use, and has been detected in ambient and urban air, groundwater, and drinking-water samples.
Butyl acrylate is highly reactive and may contain an inhibitor to prevent spontaneous polymerization. It is hazardous upon skin and eye contact and has a flash point of 103°F, making it a Class II Combustible Liquid.
It is recommended to wear appropriate personal protective clothing, including eye protection, to avoid skin and eye contact with butyl acrylate. Eyewash fountains and quick drench facilities should be provided in the immediate work area for emergency use.
Yes, butyl acrylate has undergone testing for potential carcinogenic effects. In one study, male and female rats were exposed to butyl acrylate by inhalation for two years, but no neoplastic effects or treatment-related tumours were observed.
