Tert-Butyl alcohol (TBA)
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Tert-Butyl alcohol (TBA), also known as tert-butanol or tertiary butanol, is a crucial component in the formulation of denatured alcohol. Denatured alcohol refers to ethanol that has been rendered unfit for human consumption by adding denaturants. This process is essential to prevent the misuse of ethanol as a recreational beverage and to exempt it from excise taxes.
Why TBA is used as a denaturant
The primary reason TBA is fitting as a denaturing agent lies in its denaturing properties. When added to ethanol, tert-Butyl alcohol effectively disrupts the hydrogen bonding network of the alcohol, causing protein denaturation. This disruption leads to a loss of ethanol's pleasant taste and smell, rendering it unpalatable and toxic if ingested. Consequently, denatured alcohol remains a cost-effective alternative to pure ethanol for industrial purposes, as it allows manufacturers to avoid expensive alcohol excise taxes while ensuring regulatory compliance and safety.
Uses of TBA-denatured ethanol
The uses of alcohol denatured with tert-Butyl alcohol are diverse and widespread across various industries. As an industrial solvent, denatured alcohol finds applications in paints, varnishes, and coatings, where its solvency effectively dissolves resins, binders, and pigments. Additionally, it is utilized in adhesives, sealants, and cleaning agents, facilitating the removal of oils, greases, and contaminants.
Denatured alcohol from Nedstar
As your tailored and reliable ethanol supplier, Nedstar can deliver alcohol denatured with TBA worldwide directly to your doorstep. We prioritise your ethanol needs and source product that is not only good for the people but also the planet. Discover the versatility and power of denatured alcohol today!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is tertiary-butyl alcohol (TBA) and how is it used in denatured alcohol?
TBA (also called tert-butanol) is a tertiary alcohol used as a denaturing agent for ethanol. By adding TBA to ethanol, the resulting mixture becomes unfit for human consumption (and hence exempt from excise taxes) while retaining its industrial solvent properties.
How does TBA work to make ethanol unpalatable or unsuitable for consumption?
When TBA is added to ethanol, it disrupts the hydrogen-bonding network of the alcohol, interfering with its properties and leading to a loss of the pleasant taste and smell of ethanol—making it unpalatable and unsafe for ingestion.
In which industries or applications is ethanol denatured with TBA typically used?
Ethanol denatured with TBA is widely used as an industrial solvent in applications such as paints, varnishes and coatings; adhesives and sealants; and cleaning agents where oils, greases and contaminants must be removed.