Ask the Expert Question-and-Answer Archive

by Ron Joseph

April, 2009

Evaporation Rate of n-Butyl Acetate

Q. I'm trying to understand the conditions under which the evaporation rate for n-Butyl Acetate is determined and what the actual rate is under those conditions. I can't seem to find it in the literature and I was hoping you may have some insight on this.
Thank you very much

A. I don't have a definitive answer for you, but usually these tests are performed according to an international standard, such as ASTM, DIN, etc.

Here is a reference: ASTM D3539 - 87(2004) Standard Test Methods for Evaporation Rates of Volatile Liquids by Shell Thin-Film Evaporometer

For actual evaporation rates you might go to the Merc Index. If you don't own a copy, you will find one in a technical library. Failing that, call a manufacturer of the solvent and I would be most surprised if they can't give you the precise value.

Regards,

Ron Joseph