ABSTRACT
Vapours from the top of the column, containing butyl acetate, butyl alcohol and water as a ternary azeotrope, are removed and condensed in a separator. From the base of the column, the crude ester mixture undergoes a second distillation to separate off the high-boiling by-products; butyl acetate is collected overhead. The major outlet for n-butyl acetate is as a solvent for lacquers because it imparts good flow and blush resistance. Butyl acetate and butyl alcohol can be used as a dehydrating agent as together they form a ternary azeotrope with water. High concentrations of n-butyl acetate cause irritation to eyes and throat, leading to coughing, nausea and unconsciousness. Care should be taken to keep butyl acetate away from waterways. As butyl acetate is flammable and its vapour is heavier than air, flashback can occur and care should be taken with sumps or ducts where vapour could collect.
