PRODUCT PROFILE: Isobutyric acid, also known as 2-methylpropanoic acid, is a carboxylic acid with structural formula (CH3)2 CH COOH. It is found in the free state incarobs (Ceratonia siliqua) and in the root of Arnica dulcis, and as an ethyl ester in croton oil. Isobutyric acid is an isomer of n butyric acid; they have the same chemical formula C4H8 O2 but a different structure. Isobutyric acid cannot be obtained by the fermentation but by the oxidation of isopropyl alcohol with potassium bichromate and sulfuric acid. Isobutyric acid melts at -47 oC and boils at 154 oC. It is slightly soluble in water but soluble in ethanol, ether and organic solvents. Butyric acid is a strong acid and reacts with bases, strong oxidants and metals. Product characteristics: • Appearance : Clear colourless liquid • CAS number : 79-31-2 • Other names : 2-Methylpropionic acid, Valerianic acid, Isobutanoic acid • Molecular formula : C4H8O2 • Molecular weight : 88.11 • Structural formula : (CH3)2-CH-COOH • Odour : Strong, penetrating odour of rancid butter • Specific gravity : 0.9697 (0 deg. oC). • vapor density :3.04 (vs air) • vapor pressure :1.5 mmHg ( 20 °C) • Refractive index : 1.393 It is a flammable/combustible material it can be ignited by heat, sparks or flames. Vapors may form explosive mixtures with air. Vapors may travel to source of ignition and flash back. Most vapors are heavier than air. They will spread along ground and collect in low or confined areas (sewers, basements, tanks). Vapor explosion hazard indoors, outdoors or in sewers. Runoff to sewer may create fire or explosion hazard. Containers may explode when heated. Many liquids are lighter than water. Applications of Isobutyric acid: Isobutyric acid is used in various applications including fragrance intermediates, the manufacture of numerous esters and varnish for coatings applications. • Esters of isobutyric acid are used as solvents for various applications, where desirable odors and flavor characteristics are important. • It is also used to prepare certain types of photo initiators for UV-curable inks and coatings. • UV-curable systems generally have low VOC levels. Therefore, isobutyric acid continues to gain popularity as a more environmentally responsible choice for coating substrates such as wood flooring, furniture, paper, plastics and metal. • The potassium salt of isobutyric acid is effective as a solubility promoter in the caustic extraction of mercaptans from sour petroleum stocks. • Isobutyric acid is used in the production of fibers and plastics and can be converted to methacrylate • It is used to eliminate calcium in leather industry. • Isobutyric acid is used in the production of resins, dyestuffs and is used as an intermediate in the manufacture of pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, food additives. • Making methacrylate via traditional chemical synthesis techniques usually begins with either natural gas or crude oil as the feedstock. Isobutyric acid can be further converted to methacrylate (i.e., methacrylic acid MAA) and methyl methacrylate (MMA) which is commodity chemicals used in the production of polymethyl methacrylate plastics, adhesives, ion exchange resins, textile size, leather treatment chemicals, lubrication additives and crosslinking agents