SEC BUTYL ALCOHOL
Sec-Butyl Alcohol
DESCRIPTION
SEC BUTYL ALCOHOL is a clear liquid with characteristic odor, partially soluble in water and
completely miscible with most organic solvents, such as esters and other alcohols. Its
evaporation is moderate at room temperature.
Other denominations: sec-butyl alcohol, 2-butanol and sec-butanol.
CAS1 number: 78-92-2.
SEC BUTYL ALCOHOL has the following advantages:
• It is not listed as a HAP2 product;
• Low VOC (volatile organic compound) emission due to low photochemical reactivity, according to
the MIR3 scale;
• Low toxicological potential;
• Biodegradable;
• Low retention in flexible films (polyethylene and polypropylene), reducing blocking after
painting, with better organoleptic advantages than that of n-butanol and isobutanol;
• Enables better solubilization of resins, allowing less viscous formulas and/or with less active
solvents;
• With regard to the dilution rate (toluene), it helps the active solvent in accepting diluent.
Regarded as a linking agent, it has better performance compared to n-butanol and isobutanol
(60% soluble in water);
• Low retention in flexible packages (application of flexographic inks).
1. CAS: Chemical Abstracts Service
2. HAP: Hazardous Air Pollutants
3. MIR: Maximum Incremental Reactivity values for quantifying relative ground-level ozone impacts of volatile organic compound (VOC).
APPLICATIONS
Resins
SEC BUTYL ALCOHOL can be used as co-solvent of moderate evaporation in thinners, printing inks
for rotogravure and flexography, industrial, automotive refinishing and automotive original paints. It
is a linking agent in formulas of alkyd, polyester, acrylic-based water-soluble coating resins and
hybrid systems. It can be used alone or in combination with glycol ethers, such as butyl glycol. It is
used as a solvent in the remover, varnish and paint industry. Its addition into paints, in small
quantities, reduces viscosity and retards the formation of oil residues (know as blush) on the surface.
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SEC BUTYL ALCOHOL
Sec-Butyl Alcohol
INFORMATIVE PROPERTIES(*)
Appearance at 25ºC
Clear liquid
Suspended solids
Substantially free
Pt-Co Color
15 max.
Density, 20/20 °C.
0.807 - 0.809
Water (%wt.)
0.2 max.
Distillation range at 760 mm Hg (°C)
• PIE, min.
• PS, max.
Acidity as acetic acid (ppm)
98
101
30 max.
Purity (%wt.)
99 min.
Non-volatile material (mg/100ml)
5 max.
Evaporation rate (butyl acetate = 100)
89.7
Boiling point at 760 mm Hg (ºC)
99.5
Solubility at 20ºC (%wt.)
• in water
• water in
60
22.5
Self-ignition temperature (ºC)
406
Surface tension at 20 °C (dynes/cm)
23.0
Vapor pressure at 20 °C (mm Hg)
12
Freezing point (ºC)
-114.7
Flammability limit in air at 100ºC (% volume)
• Lower
• Upper
Flash point (°C)
• Open cup
• Closed cup
MIR3
1.5
9.0
24
23
1.36
NOTES: (*)The characteristics described above are merely informative and may be changed without prior notice. If necessary, consult
the specification in effect of the product or contact OXITENO.
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SEC BUTYL ALCOHOL
Sec-Butyl Alcohol
REGULATORY ASPECTS
Directive 67/548/EEC
SEC BUTYL ALCOHOL complies with Directive 67/548/EEC related to the danger symbols and
indications: Xi (irritating).
Dangerous Goods Regulations
SEC BUTYL ALCOHOL is classified in the 50th edition of this regulation, which is related to the
International Air Transport Association – IATA.
IMDG Code
SEC BUTYL ALCOHOL is classified in the 2008 Edition of this directive, which is related to the
International Maritime Organization – IMO.
Resolution 420/2004
SEC BUTYL ALCOHOL complies with Resolution 420/2004 related to the Ministry of Transport.
Occupational Exposure Limit
TLV/TWA4 (ACGIH5): 100 ppm; PEL/TWA6 (OSHA7): 150 ppm.
1. TLV/TWA: Tolerance Limit - Weighted Mean in Time;
2. ACGIH: American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists;
3. PEL/TWA: Exposure Limit Allowed - Weighted Mean in Time
4. OSHA: Occupational Safety and Health Administration
HANDLING & STORAGE
Due to being highly flammable, SEC BUTYL ALCOHOL must be protected from any sources of
ignition, such as open flames, hot surfaces and electric discharges. It is not corrosive, therefore, it
can be stored in grounded, common carbon steel tanks. It is advisable to handle the product in
ventilated places or places with exhaust.
The use of personal protection equipment, such as PVC gloves, coat and safety goggles, is
recommended during handling. In case of prolonged exposure, use masks appropriate for organic
vapors.
The extinguishing agents are dry chemical powder, carbon dioxide and foam for polar solvents.
The shelf life of SEC BUTYL ALCOHOL is 24 months as of the manufacturing date, provided it is kept
in the original pack and in suitable storage conditions.
Note: For further information, consult the Emergency Sheet and the Material Safety Datasheet
(MSDS)
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SEC BUTYL ALCOHOL
Sec-Butyl Alcohol
PACKAGING
SEC BUTYL ALCOHOL is supplied in metallic drums with capacity for 208 liters and in bulk.
® Oxiteno’s registered trademark.
DISCLAIMER
This bulletin contains information given in good faith, based on Oxiteno’s current knowledge on
the subject, and is purely indicative. Any information, including suggestions for using the
products, should not preclude experimental testing and verification, which are essential to
ensure the suitability of the products to each specific application. All users shall also abide by
local laws and obtain all necessary permits. When handling the product, consult the safety data
sheet. In case of questions or additional needs, please contact Oxiteno through our customer
service channels.
052012
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