murphyButyl Acetate
AKA: 123-86-4, N-BUTYL ACETATE, Acetic acid, Butyl ester, Butyl ethanoate, 1-Butyl acetate, Acetic Acid Butyl Ester, N-Butyl ethanoate, Butylacetat, Acetate de butyle
Synthetic
Solvent
Clean
OriginDerived from acetic acid and butanol, both produced through petroleum refining and fermentation processes. Synthesized through esterification, where acetic acid and butanol react with a catalyst to form the ester compound.
Butyl acetate appears as a clear colorless liquid with a fruity odor. Flash point 72 - 88 °F. Density 7.4 lb / gal (less than water). Hence floats on water. Vapors heavier than air.
Solubility 1 to 5 mg/mL at 68 °F (NTP, 1992)
Formula
C6H12O2
Mol. Weight
116.16
CAS #
123-86-4
Form
Liquid
State
Butyl acetate appears as a clear colorless liquid with a fruity odor. Flash point 72 - 88 °F. Density 7.4 lb / gal (less than water). Hence floats on water. Vapors heavier than air.
Skin Types
●all-skin-types, gentle
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Caution
Functions
Solvent
Dissolves other ingredients so they distribute evenly in the formula. Often the invisible "base" everything else is mixed into.
Antimicrobial
Provides scent
Dissolves other ingredients
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewed1 paper →
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed2 reviews →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
EWG
1
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Caution
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
6 studies / 6 not sensitizing (CIR 145)
Eye Irritant in Testing
2 studies / 2 irritating / reactions minimal to severe (CIR 145)
Mixed Skin Irritation Results
7 studies / 4 irritating / 3 not irritating / reactions slight to moderate (CIR 145)
Regulatory Agencies
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR