Buying Guide: N-Butanol (CAS 71-36-3) from China Manufacturers & Suppliers
When sourcing N-Butanol from China, especially for industrial use, understanding the chemical’s properties, common applications, packaging options, and supplier criteria is essential to ensure both product quality and cost-effectiveness.
Whether you’re in the plastics, rubber, cosmetics, or pharmaceutical industries, this guide will help you make informed decisions when purchasing N-Butanol from Chinese manufacturers and suppliers.
1. What is N-Butanol and Why Is It Important?
N-Butanol, also known as Butyl Alcohol, is a primary aliphatic alcohol with the chemical formula C₄H₁₀O and CAS Number 71-36-3.
It is a clear, colorless liquid with a strong, musty odor similar to rubbing alcohol.
N-Butanol is widely used in multiple industries due to its versatile solvent properties, moderate evaporation rate, and compatibility with various chemicals.
Its density is around 6.5 lb/gal, and it has a flash point of 53–77°F, making it flammable but manageable under proper storage.
2. Main Applications of N-Butanol
N-Butanol’s usage spans several industries, such as:
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Plasticizers Production: Used for producing n-butyl esters like phthalates, aliphatic dibasic acid esters, and phosphate esters, crucial in plastic and rubber manufacturing.
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Cosmetics & Pharmaceuticals: Acts as a solvent in lotions, hair products, perfumes, and pharmaceuticals due to its moderate toxicity.
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Cleaning Agents: Included in soaps, antifreeze, window cleaners, and lacquer formulations.
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Chemical Synthesis: Serves as a raw material or intermediate in the production of other chemicals like butyl acetate and butyl acrylate.
Its ability to dissolve oils, fats, waxes, and resins makes it valuable in paints, coatings, and dye solutions.
3. Purity, Packaging, and Transport Considerations
When sourcing N-Butanol, purity and packaging are two key factors:
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Purity: Most Chinese suppliers offer 99.5% minimum purity, ideal for industrial and cosmetic applications. Always confirm this through a Certificate of Analysis (COA).
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Packaging Options: Typically packed in 160kg iron drums or 1000kg IBC tanks, depending on order size and logistics needs.
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Transport Safety: As a flammable and volatile chemical, N-Butanol requires careful handling. Confirm that the supplier meets international transport regulations and includes proper safety labeling.
Chinese suppliers usually offer competitive pricing in the range of US $800–1,200 per ton, with 13 tons as the minimum order quantity (MOQ).
4. Choosing the Right Manufacturer or Supplier
When sourcing from China, prioritize manufacturers that:
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Provide ISO-certified products.
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Offer detailed product specifications (purity, HS code, physical properties).
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Are experienced in exporting hazardous chemicals.
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Offer flexible packaging and bulk order discounts.
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Provide after-sales support and sample availability for quality inspection.
Look for reputable companies like JINNUO and others with a proven track record in chemical production, and verify their production capacity (e.g., 200,000 tons/year) to ensure consistent supply.
5. Final Tips for Buyers
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Request a sample before placing a large order to confirm quality.
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Negotiate price tiers for bulk purchases to lower your unit cost.
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Check the HS Code (2905130000) for customs and import duties in your country.
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Confirm delivery timeframes and shipping terms (FOB, CIF, etc.).
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Always review the MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) for handling guidelines and ensure your team is trained for safe storage and usage.
Conclusion:
N-Butanol is a critical raw material in numerous industries.
When sourcing from China, focus on purity, application compatibility, and supplier reliability.
With proper due diligence, Chinese N-Butanol suppliers offer a cost-effective, high-quality option for global buyers.