N-Butanol BP EP USP Pharma Grade falls under the category of high-purity alcohols, designed specifically for use in pharmaceutical and laboratory contexts. This material offers a unique balance of properties that make it valuable as a pharmaceutical solvent, a raw material for active ingredients, and a component in specific chemical formulations. Molecular formula for n-Butanol reads C4H10O. Chemically, it stands as a straight-chain primary alcohol, featuring a hydroxyl group attached to the end carbon. Its standard molecular weight is 74.12 grams per mole. N-Butanol appears as a colorless liquid at room temperature, emitting a characteristic neutral alcohol odor. Despite a non-flashy physical appearance, it brings broad technical versatility for synthesizing esters, solvents, and intermediates needed throughout drug development, personal care, and industrial product lines. The HS Code for N-Butanol usually runs under 29051300, aligning with regulations for international trade in alcohols and chemical raw materials.
On a molecular level, N-Butanol structures as a linear alcohol, giving it predictable behavior during storage and handling. Specific gravity comes in around 0.81 at 20°C, which means it tends to float on water and requires careful layering when stored with aqueous solutions. Boiling point hovers at 117°C, while freezing point sits near -89°C. Its solubility in water measures moderately low, making it easy to recover from water-rich mixtures but effective enough to dissolve active substances that other alcohols leave behind. N-Butanol maintains a refractive index of about 1.399, providing clear and sharp spectral analysis results. The substance always presents as a clear, free-flowing liquid, never as flakes, powder, pearls, or crystals, under normal conditions. Viscosity at 20°C lands near 3 cP, which ensures smooth transfer through process pipes and makes blending in tanks straightforward and efficient.
N-Butanol shows a balanced hazard profile. Vapors can irritate eyes and mucous membranes, so working in a ventilated area or using a fume hood cuts exposure risks. Fluid volatility can spark if vapors accumulate near ignition sources. Its flash point is about 35°C (95°F), meaning storage in cool, sealed tanks helps prevent accidents. N-Butanol should always be handled with chemical gloves and splash-proof eye protection. Short-term skin contact rarely causes chemical burns but can produce dryness or irritation with repeated use. Inhalation of high concentrations might bring dizziness or mild headaches, so tight spaces and storage tanks need reliable monitoring for vapor buildup. Keeping appropriate spill kits nearby allows for clean-up without escalating inconvenience or danger.
Suppliers and pharmaceutical companies rely on strict criteria: N-Butanol BP EP USP Pharma Grade must pass high-purity tests. Water content, measured by Karl Fischer method, typically tops out at 0.1%. Heavy metals content must remain negligible, with modern specifications requiring less than 1 ppm lead and other toxic elements. Chloride and sulfate content are usually almost nil. Esterification value—important for avoiding unexpected interactions during drug synthesis—remains strictly controlled. Each lot comes with a certificate of analysis, listing parameters such as appearance, identification (GC or IR method), purity (GC area percent, must exceed 99.5%), and residue on evaporation. Consistency in density, measured at different temperatures, assures predictable process outcomes. Bulk shipments arrive in corrosion-resistant drums or ISO tanks reserved for pharmaceutical-grade organics, preventing cross-contamination from industrial sources.
As a building block, N-Butanol finds its greatest utility as a precursor for esters and butyl compounds, particularly those that serve as taste- or smell-masking agents in pharmaceuticals. Beyond flavors and fragrances, it fuels synthesis for solvents like butyl acetate and plasticizers derived from phthalic anhydride. Analysts and pharmacists use it in extraction, purification, and recrystallization workflows where less-pure alcohols can spoil sensitive active components. I have seen many labs switching from tech-grade to pharma-grade N-Butanol as they move toward regulated markets, reporting fewer impurities and greater batch-to-batch reliability in their finished formulations. Its neatly balanced polarity means that difficult-to-dissolve organic molecules often yield up when other solvents fail, allowing for more robust research and novel compound isolation.
Health and safety around N-Butanol revolve around three key issues: inhalation risk, skin exposure, and fire hazard. Direct contact rarely leads to chemical burns, but it can sap natural skin oils and bring on dermatitis with repetitive work. Experiences in labs prove that even well-ventilated rooms can accumulate vapors if spillages occur or containers lack proper seals. The flammable nature of the material deserves respect—open flames and heat sources belong nowhere near open containers. Emergency procedures ask for rapid ventilating of workspaces, prompt washing of exposed skin, and containment with absorbent pads or inert materials. In transport, containers always arrive with clear hazard labeling, pressure-relief systems, and tamper-evident seals because one careless move can lead to code violations or injury. Appropriate fire extinguishers—especially foam or CO2—should stand ready in every storage zone.
Regulation impacts every shipment and inventory decision around N-Butanol BP EP USP Pharma Grade. All production must trace back to GMP-certified plants using high-integrity process equipment. Documentation covers everything from raw feedstocks (often propylene or starch-based bio-alcohol) through to finished product storage and lot tracking. Many buyers require demonstration of compliance not just with regional pharmacopoeias—BP, EP, USP—but also local handling rules dictated by OSHA, REACH, or national health agencies. Shipment labeling, manifests, SDS paperwork, and inspection reports make up the backbone of trust between supplier and buyer. International buyers look for proper HS Code (29051300), and border customs scan for compliance before authorizing release. Counterfeit, off-spec, or substitute grades have no place in GMP manufacturing; persistent vigilance safeguards both patient health and company reputation.
In the real world, improvements in facility design and process discipline stand out as the main ways to minimize problems. Upgraded ventilation systems, explosion-proof storage areas, and continuous vapor monitoring support a safer work environment. Routine staff training, clear SOPs on mixing and transfer, and regular compliance audits bake safety into the fabric of daily operations. Facilities buy closed-handling pumps and splash-proof filling devices to cut down on operator exposure. Well-written safety data sheets, available in every workroom, help even experienced hands double-check response steps in the heat of an emergency. Blocked floor drains, absorbent material bins, and dedicated hazardous waste lines reduce the aftermath of accidental release. Using only certified, traceable pharma-grade supplies closes the loop on quality and integrity, putting both workers’ safety and final product purity first. Real experience repeatedly shows: no shortcut pays off against the risks of chemical mishandling.