Complete Ultra-Detailed Product Data – n-Butyl Nitrate (CAS 928-45-0)
n-Butyl Nitrate Structural Formula
1. Full Basic Identification & Registry Information
Core Identity
- CAS No.: 928-45-0
- Chemical Name: n-Butyl Nitrate
- IUPAC Name: Butyl nitrate / Nitric acid butyl ester
- Common Aliases: Normal Butyl Nitrate, 1-Nitrooxybutane
- EINECS / EC No.: 213-172-9
- MDL No.: MFCD00009742
- Molecular Formula: \(\boldsymbol{C_4H_9NO_3}\)
- Structural Formula: \(\boldsymbol{CH_3CH_2CH_2CH_2ONO_2}\)
- SMILES: CCCCON+[O-]
- InChI: 1S/C4H9NO3/c1-2-3-4-8-5(6)7/h2-4H2,1H3
- InChI Key: QQHZPQUHCAKSOL-UHFFFAOYSA-N
- Molecular Weight: 119.12 g/mol
- UN Transport Number: UN 1993
- HS Customs Code: 2920909090
- Hazard Classification: Class 3 Flammable Liquid, Packing Group III
- Chemical Category: Aliphatic nitrate ester, low-energy nitrate organic synthetic intermediate, fuel additive raw material
2. Comprehensive Physical Properties
Macro Appearance
Colorless transparent mobile oily liquid, with mild ether-like sweet odor; no turbidity or sediment under anhydrous sealed storage; volatile at room temperature.
Quantitative Physical Constant Table
| Parameter |
Exact Value |
Supplementary Note |
| Melting Point |
-60 ℃ |
Remains liquid under normal industrial ambient temperature |
| Boiling Point (760 mmHg) |
133–136 ℃ |
Slow slight decomposition above 140 ℃ |
| Density (0 ℃, water=1) |
1.048 g/cm³ |
Slightly heavier than water |
| Density (20 ℃) |
1.047 g/mL |
Standard detection condition |
| Refractive Index n₂₀/D |
1.401–1.403 |
|
| Closed-Cup Flash Point |
36 ℃ |
Flammable liquid Category 3 |
| Relative Vapor Density (Air=1) |
4.0 |
Heavier than air, accumulates in low-lying confined spaces |
| Water Solubility (25 ℃) |
Practically insoluble (0.01 mol/L) |
No hydrolysis at room temperature, stable neutral contact with cold water |
| Organic Solvent Solubility |
Fully miscible with ethanol, methanol, ether, toluene, xylene, acetone, ethyl acetate, light alkanes |
Compatible with most anhydrous organic solvents |
| Vapor Pressure (20 ℃) |
0.8 kPa |
Moderate volatility, vapor forms flammable mixture with air |
| Octanol-Water Partition Coefficient logP |
1.23 |
Lipophilic, easy to dissolve in oil-phase systems |
| Autoignition Temperature |
~230 ℃ |
Low ignition threshold, high fire risk under heating |
| Explosion Limit in Air (V/V) |
Lower limit 1.3%, Upper limit 7.8% |
Medium explosion range |
Special Physical Hazards
- Heating above boiling point triggers slow thermal decomposition, releasing NOₓ toxic brown nitrogen oxide fumes.
- Vapor irritates eyes and upper respiratory tract; liquid splashing on skin causes mild irritation and lipid dissolution.
- Heated mixture with combustible organics enhances combustion intensity, acts as mild oxidizing auxiliary.
3. Complete Chemical Properties & Reaction Mechanisms
Core Structural Feature
Straight-chain alkyl nitrate ester; the -ONO₂ nitrate group has weak oxidizing property under heating, chemically stable at room temperature without catalyst.
1. Thermal Decomposition Reaction (Key Risk Reaction)
\(C_4H_9ONO_2 \xrightarrow{>140℃} C_4H_9OH + NO_2↑ + NO↑\)
High temperature breaks O-N bond, generates butanol and toxic nitrogen oxide gas; long-term high-temperature storage risks self-accelerating decomposition.
2. Reduction Reactions
- Mild reduction (Zn/HCl, NaBH₄): Produce n-butanol and ammonia derivatives
- Strong catalytic hydrogenation: Cleaves nitrate group completely to 1-butanol, ammonium salt
- Reaction with strong reducing agents (hydrazine, lithium aluminum hydride): Exothermic, risk of local overheating and deflagration
3. Oxidation Characteristics
Weak oxidant at elevated temperature; accelerates combustion of gasoline, diesel and hydrocarbon fuels; no oxidation activity under room temperature.
4. Hydrolysis Stability
- Cold neutral water: Stable, no reaction
- Strong acid + heating: Hydrolyzes to n-butanol + nitric acid
- Strong alkaline aqueous solution: Slow alkaline hydrolysis, generates butanol + nitrate salt
5. Incompatible Hazardous Materials
- Strong reducing agents: Lithium aluminum hydride, hydrazine, metal powder (Zn, Al, Fe)
- Concentrated strong acids: Concentrated sulfuric acid, concentrated nitric acid (exothermic mixing, accelerates decomposition)
- Easily combustible low-boiling solvents: Ether, petroleum ether, acetone (forms high-risk flammable mixed vapor)
- Avoid long-term contact with copper, iron metal surfaces under heating
Normal-Temperature Stability
Sealed anhydrous storage at ≤30 ℃: Stable for 12 months; no self-polymerization, no spontaneous decomposition risk.
4. Export Industrial Grades & Full Quantitative Quality Specifications
Premium Industrial Synthesis Grade (Mainstream Export, GC ≥99.0%)
| Test Index |
Standard Spec |
Detection Method |
| n-Butyl Nitrate Main Purity |
≥99.0 vol% / wt% |
GC Gas Chromatography (FID detector) |
| n-Butanol Residual Raw Material |
≤0.30 % |
GC |
| Dibutyl ether Impurity |
≤0.20 % |
GC |
| Nitric Acid Free Acid |
≤0.05 % |
Acid-base potentiometric titration |
| Moisture Content |
≤0.10 % |
Karl Fischer Titration |
| Color (APHA/Hazen) |
≤40 |
Platinum-Cobalt Colorimetry |
| Distillation Range (132–137 ℃) |
≥95 vol% |
Atmospheric distillation test |
| Heavy Metal (Pb, As) |
≤10 ppm |
Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy |
| Appearance |
Colorless clear liquid without turbidity or suspended solids |
Visual inspection |
Lab High-Purity Grade (GC ≥99.5%)
- Single organic impurity ≤0.05%, free acid <0.01%, moisture <50 ppm
- Ultra-low metal ion content, for organic synthesis lab reference substrate and combustion research test agent
5. Detailed Multi-Segment Industrial Application Fields
5.1 Fuel Additive & Combustion Modifier (Largest Consumption)
- Cetane improver for diesel fuel: Nitrate ester structure promotes rapid ignition of diesel, shortens ignition delay, reduces engine knocking, lowers particulate exhaust emissions.
- Gasoline combustion auxiliary additive: Increases flame propagation speed, improves complete combustion efficiency, reduces carbon deposit inside engine cylinders.
- Test fuel standard reagent for internal combustion engine combustion laboratory simulation experiments.
5.2 Fine Organic Synthesis Intermediate
- Nitrooxy alkyl building block: Introduce nitrate functional group into drug molecules, synthesize nitrate ester cardiovascular vasodilator APIs.
- Precursor for aliphatic nitro compound synthesis: Reduction to produce 1-nitrobutane, raw material for amine, oxime and heterocyclic fine chemicals.
- Selective nitrating reagent for mild nitration of aliphatic hydrocarbons under low-temperature neutral conditions (milder than concentrated nitric acid system).
5.3 Explosive & Propellant Auxiliary Raw Material
Low-energy liquid nitrate ester auxiliary, blended with main propellant components to adjust combustion rate and oxygen balance for civilian low-power pyrotechnic formulations (strictly controlled production & transportation).
5.4 Laboratory Analytical Reagent
- Standard substrate for thermal decomposition kinetics research of nitrate ester compounds.
- GC calibration reference standard for detection of alkyl nitrate residues in environmental water, soil and fuel samples.
5.5 Other Special Industrial Scenarios
- Plasticizer auxiliary for low-temperature resistant soft polyvinyl chloride resin;
- Anti-corrosion additive for metal cutting oil, improves lubricating and anti-rust performance.
6. Toxicology, Health Hazards & Complete First-Aid Procedures
Toxicity Profile
- Acute Oral Toxicity (Rat LD50): ~1100 mg/kg (moderately harmful if swallowed)
- Dermal Absorption: Mild skin permeation, long-term contact causes skin dryness, erythema and slight inflammation
- Inhalation Hazard: Vapor irritates nasal cavity, throat and bronchus; high concentration inhalation leads to headache, dizziness, nausea, chest tightness
- Chronic Hazard: Long-term repeated exposure may affect liver and blood methemoglobin concentration
Graded Exposure Symptoms
- Mild inhalation (100–300 ppm): Throat itching, slight cough, eye stinging
- Medium exposure (500–1000 ppm): Dizziness, fatigue, nausea, blurred vision
- High concentration inhalation (>1500 ppm): Severe headache, vomiting, dyspnea, risk of methemoglobinemia
Full Standard First-Aid Operations
- Inhalation: Immediately move victim to well-ventilated fresh air area; rest in semi-reclined position; if breathing difficulty occurs, supply oxygen and send to hospital promptly.
- Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing quickly; flush skin continuously with plenty of running clean water for at least 15 minutes; apply mild skin moisturizer, consult doctor if erythema appears.
- Eye Splash: Force open eyelids, flush continuously with room-temperature clean water for 15+ minutes; avoid rubbing eyes, mandatory ophthalmologist examination.
- Oral Ingestion: Do NOT induce vomiting (risk of aspiration into trachea); drink large amount of clean water for dilution; seek emergency medical treatment immediately.
- Thermal Decomposition Gas Inhalation (NOₓ): High-flow oxygen inhalation, monitor pulmonary edema symptoms for 24 hours.
7. Storage, Handling & Material Compatibility Mandatory Rules
Standard Storage Conditions
- Warehouse Classification: Class B flammable liquid dedicated chemical warehouse, explosion-proof electrical lighting & ventilation equipment, static grounding for all containers.
- Temperature Control: Strictly maintain ≤30 ℃, avoid sunlight direct irradiation and heat source stacking; storage away from heating pipes, boilers, hot equipment.
- Sealing Requirement: All drums fully sealed, prevent volatile vapor leakage; avoid long-term air contact to prevent trace oxidation discoloration.
- Shelf Life: 12 months under original sealed packaging; re-test purity and free acid index after expiration date.
Strictly Separated Incompatible Materials
- Strong reducing agents: Al metal powder, Zn dust, hydrazine, sodium borohydride
- Concentrated mineral strong acids: H₂SO₄, HNO₃, HCl
- Hypergolic combustible materials: Ether, petroleum ether, nitrocellulose
- Food raw materials, feed, edible additives (independent warehouse partition required)
Safe Operation Handling Specifications
- Operators must wear anti-static overalls, chemical resistant nitrile gloves, impact-resistant safety goggles; wear activated carbon gas mask under poor ventilation.
- All tools use non-sparking copper alloy material; mobile phones, lighters, open flame strictly prohibited within 10m operation radius.
- Pipeline and transfer drums must be statically grounded to eliminate static charge accumulation.
- Transfer operation avoid rapid pouring splashing; small leakage absorb with dry sand/vermiculite, do not flush directly with large water volume.
- Empty drums retain slight positive residual pressure, forbid random dismantling and heating empty containers.
8. Export Packaging, Global Transportation Full Regulatory Details
Three Standard Export Packaging Modes
- Industrial bulk shipment: 200L lined anti-rust steel drum, sealed with PTFE gasket, outer lock valve cap; suitable for full container FCL sea transport.
- Medium batch order: 25L plastic-lined iron drum, moisture-proof and light-shielding packaging.
- Lab trial small package: 1L / 5L sealed brown glass bottle with plastic anti-leak outer barrel.
UN & Global Transport Compliance Rules
- UN Classification: UN 1993, Flammable liquids, n.o.s., Class 3 Flammable Liquid, Packing Group III
- Road Transport: Delivery vehicles equipped with explosion-proof exhaust flame arrester, dry powder + CO₂ dual fire extinguishers; cargo compartment fully ventilated, static grounding wire installed.
- Ocean Shipment: Comply with IMDG Code dangerous goods standard; full set hazard label pasted on each drum, no stacking over two layers.
- Loading Restrictions: Forbid mixed loading with strong reductants, concentrated acids, toxic chemicals and food-grade goods in one container; fix drums with wooden wedges to prevent collision leakage during voyage.
Complete Export Customs Clearance Document Package
- Batch Certificate of Analysis (COA) purity test report
- GHS-compliant MSDS / SDS
- Technical Data Sheet (TDS)
- IMDG Marine Dangerous Goods Declaration
- Hazard Classification Identification Certificate
- Customs HS classification document
9. GHS Global Hazard Label & Safety Statement
Signal Word: Warning
Core Hazard Codes (H-Statements)
H226 Flammable liquid and vapor
H315 Causes skin irritation
H319 Causes serious eye irritation
H335 May cause respiratory irritation
Precautionary P-Statements
P210 Keep away from heat, sparks, open flames, hot surfaces – No smoking
P240 Ground/bond container and receiving equipment
P261 Avoid breathing vapors/mist
P280 Wear protective gloves, eye protection
P303+P361+P353 IF ON SKIN: Take off all contaminated clothing immediately. Rinse skin with water/shower
P305+P351+P338 IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing
P403+P235 Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep cool
10. Fire Fighting & Liquid Leak Emergency Disposal Plan
Approved Fire Extinguishing Agents
- Primary: Dry chemical powder fire extinguisher, carbon dioxide (CO₂) extinguisher
- Auxiliary: Alcohol-resistant foam fire extinguishing agent
- Forbidden: Straight high-pressure water jet (vaporizes liquid to expand flammable vapor range, aggravate fire spread)
Liquid Leak Step-by-Step Emergency Operation
- Cut all ignition sources in surrounding area, evacuate personnel to upwind safe zone, isolate leakage area and restrict entry.
- Small leakage: Cover with dry sand, vermiculite or inert absorbent material; collect absorbed waste into sealed hazardous waste metal barrel for professional disposal, do not discharge into sewer directly.
- Large bulk drum leakage: Build sand retaining dike to contain liquid outflow, prevent flowing into river, sewage pipeline and low-lying confined space.
- Open ventilation equipment to dilute flammable vapor concentration; continuously monitor vapor explosion limit until concentration drops below 1% LEL.
- Waste liquid treatment: Entrust qualified hazardous waste disposal unit for incineration decomposition, forbidden direct discharge into environment.
11. Printable Export Standard COA Template
CERTIFICATE OF ANALYSIS
Product Name: n-Butyl Nitrate
CAS No.: 928-45-0
Grade: Export Premium Industrial Synthesis Grade
Batch No.: ____________
Packaging: 200L Lined Anti-Rust Steel Drum
Production Date: ____________
| Test Item |
Standard Specification |
Test Result |
Test Method |
| n-Butyl Nitrate Purity |
≥99.0 % |
|
GC-FID Gas Chromatography |
| Residual n-Butanol |
≤0.30 % |
|
GC |
| Dibutyl Ether Impurity |
≤0.20 % |
|
GC |
| Free Nitric Acid |
≤0.05 % |
|
Acid-Base Titration |
| Moisture Content |
≤0.10 % |
|
Karl Fischer Titration |
| Color (APHA) |
≤40 |
|
Platinum-Cobalt Colorimetry |
| Distillation Range (132–137℃) |
≥95 vol% |
|
Atmospheric Distillation |
| Appearance |
Colorless clear liquid without sediment/turbidity |
Visual Inspection |
|
Conclusion: This batch fully complies with export premium industrial standard of n-Butyl Nitrate (CAS 928-45-0).
Inspector Signature: ____________
Issuance Date: ____________