Aliphatic ester
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Safety Data Sheet |
Product Description
TBAc solvent is Lyondell Chemical Company’s brand of tert-butyl acetate, a VOC (volatile organic compound)-exempt1, non-HAP (hazardous air pollutant), urethane-grade solvent with low toxicity. It has a characteristic ester odor. It is soluble in water to the extent of 0.8% at 23°C. It has excellent solvency for a variety of substances including nitrocellulose, acrylic, alkyd, polyester and urethane resins. TBAc solvent is a substitute for a number of HAP and VOC solvents including toluene, xylene, esters, ketones and hydrocarbons.
Product Identification
- Chemical Name: acetic acid, 1,1-dimethylethyl ester
- Chemical Family: aliphatic ester
- Other Names:
- acetic acid
- tert-butyl ester
- 1,1-dimethylethyl acetate
- tertiary-butyl alcohol, acetate
- 2-acetoxy-2-methylpropane
- Chemical Formula: C6H12O2
Product Specifications*
| Property | Specifications | Test Method |
| Acidity, wt. % as ascetic acid, max. | 0.01 | ASTM D-1613 |
| Water, wt. % max. | 0.05 | ASTM E-203 |
| Color, APHA, max. | 10 | ASTM E-1209 |
| GC purity, wt. %, min. | 99.5 | Internal Method |
- Autoignition temperature (°C): 518
- Density (g/ml @ 25°) (lbs./gal): 0.8599 (7.18)
- Evaporation rate (BuAc = 100): 280
- Flammability limits (lower/upper vol. %): 1.26/6.88
- Flash Point (Tag Closed Cup) °C (°F): 4.4 (40)
- Solubility by weight in water @ 23°C: 0.8%
- Maximum incremental reactivity (MIR): 0.20g ozone/gTBAc
- Dielectric constant (DIC @20°C, cyclohexane): 1.94
- Solubility parameter (total Hansen): 7.7
- Surface tension (dynes/cm) @ 20°C (68°F): 22.4
- Electrical resistivity (megaOhms): 23.8
- Viscosity (centistokes) @20°C (68°F): <1.2
- Vapor pressure @ 20°C (mm Hg): 31
- Boiling point @ 760mm Hg: 98°C
Applications
Coatings, Inks, Adhesives: TBAc solvent is useful in decorative and industrial coating formulations, packaging inks and pressure-sensitive adhesives. It is a used in the creation of VOC- and HAP-compliant coatings, inks and adhesives. TBAc solvent is less volatile and flammable than exempt acetone and methyl acetate.
TBAc solvent shares a similar evaporation rate and solvency with MEK, MIBK, ethyl and propyl acetate, and toluene. Because of its superior resistance to amines, TBAc solvent is also used in epoxy polyamide coatings as a replacement for toluene.
Cleaners: For solvent-based cleaning, metal degreasing, and specialized equipment cleansing, TBAc solvent increases the cleaning efficiency of toluene, mineral spirits, and acetone on baked-on greasy soil and lithium grease. TBAc solvent is non-halogenated and therefore cannot deplete the ozone layer. TBAc solvent shows very broad solvency. Its solvency characteristics are generally equivalent to those of chlorinated solvents and hydrocarbons.
Electronics: Another area where TBAc solvent may replace other solvents is in photoresist formulations used in semiconductor processing. In these processes, it is often used in positive photoresist formulations. TBAc solvent may also be used in solvent systems for cleaning and degreasing circuit boards and removing solder flux.
Other Applications: The properties listed in the previous section also support the use of TBAc solvent in agricultural and textile products. This product is a useful intermediate in the pharmaceutical industry.
Storage
Common industry practice is to store TBAc solvent in carbon steel vessels.
Store only in tightly closed, properly vented containers away from heat, sparks, open flame or strong oxidizing agents. Use only non-sparking tools. Ground containers before beginning transfer. Electrical equipment should conform to national electric code.
Safety and Handling
Handle empty containers with care. Store in properly lined steel or stainless steel to avoid slight discoloration from mild steel. This product may absorb water if exposed to air.
TBAc solvent has a flash point of 40°F (4.4°C). It is a flammable liquid as defined under SARA Title III, section 311/312 hazard category but is not subject to the reporting requirements of SARA Title III, section 313.
Undue exposure or spillage should be strictly avoided as a matter of good practice.
Hazard ratings are summarized as follows:
| NPCA HMIS | NFPA | |
| Health | 1 | 1 |
| Flammability | 3 | 3 |
| Reactivity | 0 | 0 |
Personal protection recommendation should be made with consideration of specific work place conditions. The health hazard rating is based on eye irritation potential.
Regulatory Status
The U.S. EPA has added tertiary butyl acetate to the list of VOC-exempt compounds based on its negligible photochemical reactivity and negligible contribution to tropospheric ozone.
TBAc solvent is not subject to the reporting requirement of CERCLA or the reporting requirements established by SARA Title III, section 313 and 40CFR372.
TBAc solvent is on the U.S. TSCA inventory, Canadian DSL (Jan 26, 1991), Australian AICS, Korean ECL (KE-04180), European EINECS (208-760-7) and ENCS (2-731X), Swiss Giftliste 1 (G-3350), PICCS and ASIA-PAC lists.
Material Compatibility Guidelines
Stainless steel is recommended for valves, pumps and filters. Teflon® is suitable for gaskets. Natural rubber, ABS, silicone, Viton and Neoprene are known to swell in contact with TBAc solvent. Information from material suppliers and specific conditions of contact should be considered in the selection of suitable materials.