Isobutanol

The main use of isobutanol is as starting material in the manufacture of isobutyl acetate, which is mostly used in the production of lacquer and similar coatings. Isobutyl acetate is also used in the food industry as flavouring agent. Isobutanol is also used in the industrial synthesis of derivative esters. Isobutyl esters such as diisobutyl phthalate (DIBP) are used as plasticizer agents in plastics, rubbers and other dispersions. Other applications of isobutanol include its use as a solvent in paint, varnish removers and inks. Its addition in small amounts into paints reduces their viscosity, improves brush flow, and retards the formation of oil residues (known as blush) on painted surfaces. Minor uses include its inclusion as gasoline additive for spark-ignition engines where it helps to prevent carburettor icing, polishers and cleaners. It is used as chemical extractant in the production of organic compounds, and as mobile phase in thin layer chromatography.