Isobutanol (IBA)

A branched low-carbon primary alcohol with a moderate evaporation rate and distinctive esterification behaviour, serving as both an eco-friendly industrial solvent and a core intermediate for isobutyl esters across eco-friendly coatings and inks, pharmaceutical fine synthesis, agrochemical emulsifiable concentrates, flavours and fragrances, fuel and oilfield additives, and plastics additives.

At a Glance

CAS No.	78-83-1
Chemical Name	2-Methylpropan-1-ol (isobutyl alcohol, isobutanol, IBA)
Molecular Formula	C4H10O
Purity	≥99.5%
Origin	China
Packaging	165 kg per drum (210 L steel drum) / IBC / ISO tank / small drum
Lead Time	About 60 working days after deposit

Product Overview

Isobutanol — also known as isobutyl alcohol, 2-methylpropan-1-ol or IBA — is the branched isomer of butanol. It is made by a mature oxo process and refined in dedicated distillation units with tight control of water, n-butanol and light-end impurities, holding purity at ≥99.5% with a uniform batch-to-batch evaporation rate and esterification conversion. Its branched structure gives it a softer odour and lower surface tension than n-butanol, balanced solvency for resins and oils, and an evaporation profile suited to medium-to-slow drying coating systems. The esters derived from it bring distinctive fragrance retention and weathering resistance, which makes IBA the core feedstock for isobutyl acetate and related esters.

Steady growth in eco-friendly coatings, pharmaceutical CMO work and the fragrance industry underpins long-term demand, while bio-based isobutanol capacity is gradually coming online and demand for low-carbon feedstock keeps rising. Fuel blending and oilfield extraction open up further incremental markets. As VOC rules tighten, isobutanol's lower irritation compared with aromatic solvents and its mature closed-loop recovery make it a cost-effective long-term choice at plant level. It stores stably at ambient temperature in sealed containers; simply keep it away from strong acids and strong oxidisers in a standard explosion-proof, ventilated warehouse.

Key Advantages

Branched Structure, Better Film Formation

The lower surface tension delivers outstanding levelling in coatings, cutting pinholes and cratering for a finer, glossier film than straight-chain butanol provides.

One Product, Two Roles: Solvent and Synthesis Intermediate

Usable as an ink and cleaning thinner and as the key feedstock for isobutyl esters and fine additives — one purchase item covering several production lines.

Mild Odour, Low Irritation, a Friendlier Plant Environment

Noticeably less irritating than n-butanol, so long spray or extraction shifts are more comfortable and workshop environmental inspections are easier to pass.

Distinctive Ester Quality, Essential to Fragrance Manufacturing

Esters such as isobutyl acetate deliver clean, long-lasting fruity notes, making IBA an irreplaceable base material for personal care and food flavour compounds.

Applications

Isobutanol serves six distinct industrial sectors: eco-friendly coatings and inks, pharmaceutical fine synthesis, agrochemical emulsifiable concentrates, flavours and fragrances, fuel and oilfield additives, and plastics additives.

• Eco-friendly coatings and printing inks — a medium-slow thinner for wood finishes and plastic screen inks that improves pigment dispersion and raises film smoothness and outdoor weatherability.
• Pharmaceutical fine chemicals — an extraction solvent for cephalosporin side chains and vitamins that gently separates active pharmaceutical ingredients with consistent purified yield.
• Agrochemical emulsifiable concentrates — a co-solvent for herbicides and insecticides that improves the dissolution stability of the technical material and gives even coverage in the field.
• Personal care and food flavours — the feedstock for fruity esters such as isobutyl acetate used in beverages, confectionery and personal care fragrance compounds.

Technical Specifications

Appearance	Colourless transparent liquid with a faint amyl alcohol odour
Purity (%)	≥99.5
Molecular Formula	C4H10O
CAS No.	78-83-1
EINECS No.	201-148-0
Relative Density (water = 1)	0.81 (15 °C)
Flash Point	28 °C (CC); 37.7 °C (OC)
Boiling Point	107.9 °C
Hazard Classification	Class 3 flammable liquid
Stability	Stable at ambient temperature in sealed containers; reacts exothermically and dangerously with strong acids and strong oxidisers
Solubility	Slightly soluble in water; miscible with alcohols, ketones, esters, aromatics and oils
Storage	Store in a cool, ventilated dedicated hazardous goods warehouse at 37 °C or below with containers kept fully sealed. Segregate from oxidisers and strong acids. The area requires explosion-proof lighting, spark-free handling tools and sand or earth for spill containment.

Composition

Component	Concentration	CAS No.
Isobutanol	≥99.5%	78-83-1

Transport & Compliance

UN No.	UN1212
Hazard Class	Class 3 flammable liquid
Packing Group	III
HS Code	2905140000
Packaging	165 kg per drum (210 L steel drum)

UN and HS codes are shown for reference only — please confirm with us before shipment.

FAQ

What is your minimum order quantity?

Our MOQ is one 20GP container — up to 80 drums of 210 L.

What packaging do you offer?

Standard 210 L steel drums, plus IBC totes, ISO tank containers and small drums.

How many drums fit in a 20GP or 40GP, and can you consolidate?

Yes, we consolidate up to 5 product types in one shipment. A 20GP holds up to 80 drums (210 L); a 40GP holds around 130 drums (210 L).

What is the lead time?

About 60 working days after the deposit is received.

Which export documents do you provide?

COA, MSDS, commodity inspection certificate and dangerous goods packaging certificate. We can also assist with Certificate of Origin and other customs paperwork.

What payment terms do you accept?

T/T: 30% deposit, 70% balance against a copy of the Bill of Lading.

Technical Documents