Butyl Levulinate

Butyl Levulinate, also known as Butyl 4-oxopentanoate or 4-Oxovaleric Acid Butyl Ester, is a high-purity ester derived from levulinic acid and n-butanol through direct esterification. This bio-based compound, identified by CAS number 2052-15-5, has gained recognition as a versatile solvent and chemical intermediate across multiple industries, including food flavoring, pharmaceuticals, biofuels, coatings, and industrial cleaning. It presents as a colorless to light yellow clear liquid with a characteristic sweet, slightly pungent caramel-like odor accompanied by herbal and fruity undertones. The molecular weight of Butyl Levulinate is 172.22 g/mol, and its density is approximately 0.974 g/mL at 25°C. With a boiling point ranging from 237°C to 240°C and a flash point around 91-110°C depending on the test method, this compound offers good thermal stability suitable for various industrial processes.

In terms of solubility, Butyl Levulinate is slightly soluble in water but readily miscible with most organic solvents including ethanol, ether, chloroform, and oils, which makes it an excellent candidate for applications requiring effective solvency. One of its most notable applications is in the food industry, where it has been approved as a food-use flavoring agent under FEMA No. 2207 and FDA regulation §172.515. It is widely used in fruit flavor formulations for beverages, frozen desserts, candy, baked goods, and other confectionery products. Beyond food applications, Butyl Levulinate serves as a powerful, low-VOC industrial solvent in paint removal, coatings, degreasers, adhesives, sealants, elastomers, and process cleanup operations, offering an environmentally friendlier alternative to traditional petroleum-based solvents. The compound's favorable physical properties, including excellent miscibility with diesel and low toxicity, also position it as a promising bio-based fuel additive for sustainable energy applications. Additionally, it is utilized as a chemical intermediate in the synthesis of γ-valerolactone and as a component in magnetic nano-solid acid catalyst systems.

Butyl Levulinate offers several distinct advantages, including high purity typically at or above 98.0%, partly bio-based content derived from renewable agricultural waste, non-flammable and non-vapor toxic characteristics, and ready biodegradability. It demonstrates excellent solvency power with low foam generation and good miscibility with both polar and non-polar compounds. For packaging, Butyl Levulinate is available in 25 kg and 200 kg net plastic drums as well as larger IBC containers for bulk orders. To maintain optimal stability, it should be stored in tightly sealed containers in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area, protected from oxidizing agents and direct sunlight. Under proper storage conditions, the product maintains excellent stability with a shelf life of up to 24 months, ensuring reliable performance for customers requiring consistent quality in their formulations.

Shandong Inno-Chem CO., LTD. is a professional manufacturer of fine chemical products. They have been specializing in the production of levulinic acid and phosphate ester series products for over ten years. These products are of stable and reliable quality and are widely used in pharmaceuticals, pesticides, fertilizers, daily chemicals, fragrances, perfumes, defoamers, flame retardants, fuel additives, and other fields.