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Dibutyl Oxalate belongs to the family of dialkyl oxalates, which show up across several industrial applications thanks to their unique set of physical and chemical qualities. Found in both laboratories and larger manufacturing settings, this compound commonly appears as a colorless to pale yellow liquid, sometimes forming crystalline solids under specific temperatures. Industrial chemists know Dibutyl Oxalate for its role as both a solvent and chemical intermediate, often chosen when a moderate boiling point and low viscosity help tweak formulations or carry out subtle transformations.
Examining the molecular structure, Dibutyl Oxalate carries the formula C12H22O4. The backbone consists of an oxalic acid core, where two butyl groups replace hydrogen atoms from the acid’s carboxyl groups, giving it a symmetrical ester structure. Each molecule consists of twelve carbon atoms, twenty-two hydrogen atoms, and four oxygen atoms. This dual-ester linkage shapes much of its reactivity, especially in organic synthesis or as part of plasticizer blends. The molecular weight weighs in at about 230.30 g/mol, which provides a useful marker for quality control in bulk handling and laboratory settings.
Physical form and appearance change slightly depending on conditions. At room temperature, it pours as a nearly odorless liquid, sometimes with a faint sweet scent distinct to esters. Put it in a cold space or expose it to crystallizing agents, and it may solidify into small flakes or form a fine powder. Technical-grade samples manufactured in bulk often come as a clear liquid, which is convenient for pipetting or mixing into blended chemical products. If thinking in bulk logistics, density sits close to 1.01 g/cm³ at 20°C. This matters when calculating volumes for reactions or shipping—misjudging could cause spillage or throw off a synthesis, something many new chemists learn the hard way. Solubility also stands out, since Dibutyl Oxalate doesn’t dissolve easily in water. Instead, it mixes with most alcohols, ethers, and many organic solvents. This pattern influences both storage and fire risk, a topic worth considering in any workplace.
Industrial buyers measure quality by reference to purity, moisture content, and color, using standards enforced by various regulatory agencies. Good quality means fewer impurities like residual acids or monoesters, which can derail sensitive applications such as high-performance plasticizers. Purity levels above 98% are typical for lab use, with larger factories often accepting slightly lower grades, provided contaminants don’t disrupt final product quality. Packaging ranges from small bottles for research use to drums or intermediate bulk containers for factory orders. Careful packaging matters, not just for ease of use but to avoid contamination and maintain chemical integrity from shipment to handling on site. Product is tracked through an international customs code, or HS Code, recognized as 2917.19 under the category for esters of oxalic acid, supporting worldwide trade and clear customs declarations.
Conversations about raw materials in the chemical world always circle back to safety. Dibutyl Oxalate carries some hazards. It isn’t especially toxic, but contact can cause skin and eye irritation. Breathing in concentrated vapors may irritate the respiratory system. Long-term storage or usage in closed areas without proper ventilation increases risks and can lead to headaches or drowsiness—experience on factory floors has proven that. The compound shows moderate flammability, especially when used near heat or open flame. Comprehensive safety data sheets lay out precautions, including wearing gloves and eye protection, and recommend storing away from oxidizers or acids to avoid unintended reactions. Smaller spills wipe up easily, but larger leaks may require ventilation, protective gear, and sometimes, evacuation of work zones. In fire scenarios, specialized foam or dry chemical extinguishers deal better with organic ester fires than water, which may just spread the solvent.
Dibutyl Oxalate serves important roles that reach well beyond chemistry textbooks. Manufacturers rely on it as a plasticizer precursor in PVC production, which gives plastics more flexibility and reduces brittleness. Laboratories use it to extract rare earth metals from ore, a process that supports everything from green energy projects to advanced electronics. Its low solubility in water and ability to dissolve non-polar substances gives it a niche as an intermediate in making dyes, pigments, and even some agricultural chemicals. In specialty coatings and adhesives, a measured blend including Dibutyl Oxalate controls drying rates and improves finish. Sourcing raw materials traces back to cheaper oxalic acid and butanol, so market pricing often swings with fluctuations in these two base chemicals. Sustainable practices keep gaining ground, and renewable synthesis routes for raw input chemicals can reduce the environmental footprint of Dibutyl Oxalate, which matters to companies tied into responsible sourcing policies.
Safe management goes hand-in-hand with environmental stewardship, especially since esters like Dibutyl Oxalate linger in soils and waterways following improper disposal. Increasingly strict regulations demand careful waste treatment, closed-loop systems, and new research into biodegradable alternatives. Experiences from transitions in the paint or coatings industry show how investments in new technology pay off, both in compliance and brand reputation. For companies tracking the green movement, developing higher efficiency synthesis and recovery can balance the twin needs of profitability and reduced chemical waste. Training staff in proper handling and emergency procedures reduces accidental releases, protecting both worker health and the surrounding environment—every chemical facility should treat this as routine policy, rather than afterthought.
Product Name: Dibutyl Oxalate
Molecular Formula: C12H22O4
Structure: Ester linkage, oxalic acid core with two n-butyl groups
HS Code: 2917.19
Physical Form: Liquid, crystal, solid, powder, flakes, pearls
Density: About 1.01 g/cm³ (liquid, 20°C)
Boiling Point: Roughly 290°C
Solubility: Low in water, high in organic solvents
Hazards: Flammable, causes irritation on contact, harmful if inhaled
Applications: Plasticizer production, metal extraction, dyes, adhesives
