n-Butyl acetate is an organic compound with the formula CH3CO2(CH2)3CH3. A colorless, flammable liquid, it is the ester derived from n-butanol and acetic acid. It is found in many types of fruit, where it imparts characteristic flavors and has a sweet smell of banana or apple. It is used as an industrial solvent.

The other three isomers (four, including stereoisomers) of butyl acetate are isobutyl acetate, tert-butyl acetate, and sec-butyl acetate (two enantiomers).

Production and use

Butyl acetate is commonly manufactured by the Fischer esterification of n-butanol and acetic acid with the presence of sulfuric acid:

Butyl acetate is mainly used as a solvent for coatings and inks. It is a component of fingernail polish.

Occurrence in nature

Apples, especially of the "Red Delicious" variety, are flavored in part by this chemical. The alarm pheromones emitted by the Koschevnikov gland of honey bees contain butyl acetate.

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