4-Butylresorcinol stands out in the line-up of chemical raw materials often used by the cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries. Its molecular formula, C10H14O2, reflects a structure built from a resorcinol backbone, linked to a butyl group on the fourth carbon atom. Some chemists call it 4-n-butylresorcinol or butylresorcinol, and anyone who has spent time in a formulation lab knows it by its CAS number: 18979-61-8. This compound, as a solid at room temperature, often appears as off-white to pale yellow flakes or powder. Its molecular mass sits at 166.22 g/mol, showing a density of about 1.03 g/cm³. Whether in crystals or turned into a milled powder, the substance dissolves readily in ethanol and DMSO, making it manageable for both lab and production environments. International trade references 4-butylresorcinol under HS Code 29072290, placing it among other dihydroxybenzenes.
Pull open a container of 4-butylresorcinol, and you’ll usually see a fine crystalline solid. Handling it in bulk form means inspecting for purity, with high-performance liquid chromatography delivering a typical spec of over 99%. The compound melts at around 112–116°C, which means in warmer facilities it sometimes softens into a waxy solid. Looking for pearls or larger granular forms is less common; most industrial suppliers deliver it as flakes or ground powder to match accurate blending or weighing needs. The density sits in the moderate range at about 1.03 g/cm³, and its low volatility keeps workplace air cleaner during weighing. 4-Butylresorcinol stays stable if kept cool and dry, away from oxidizing acids or bases that could trigger decomposition.
From a molecular view, the compound displays two hydroxyl groups at the 1 and 3 positions on a benzene ring, with a straight butyl chain at position 4. This configuration, as minor as it might seem, leads to very different properties from plain resorcinol. In formulations targeting skin brightening or pigment inhibition, the butyl chain gives two major advantages: greater lipophilicity and a fine balance between solubility and efficacy. Industry chemists appreciate how these tweaks in structure produce a compound less likely to irritate skin and more likely to interact precisely with target enzymes, making it a favorite in specialized creams and solutions.
In the world of raw materials, few specialty chemicals offer the combination of safety, reliability, and functional performance seen in 4-butylresorcinol. Demand drives from both pharmaceutical actives and cosmetic brightening agents. Many products tout its ability to inhibit tyrosinase, a key enzyme linked to melanin production. That feeds into commercial brightening serums, hyperpigmentation treatments, and specialized dermatological solutions. As someone who has handled both formulating and regulatory tasks, it’s clear: a compound with a proven record on safety and efficacy earns a steady place in manufacturing lines, creating value far beyond its appearance as a powder or white crystalline mass.
Every chemical, no matter how useful, carries practical risks. 4-Butylresorcinol usually arrives with proper labeling: slight eye or skin irritant risk, low inhalation concern if used in well-ventilated spaces or under fume hoods. Its Safety Data Sheet (SDS) provides clear instructions—avoid prolonged contact with mucous membranes, wash hands after use, and never eat or drink where powders are weighed. Not classed under major environmental hazard categories, but waste management still matters; neutralize spills with absorbent material, then dispose of solid residues according to local chemical waste programs. Production and handling teams do best to balance efficiency with vigilance, using gloves, lab coats, and eye protection. Communication with workers takes priority, and safety audits, in my experience, catch more lapses than most realize.
Suppliers typically document 4-butylresorcinol in terms of purity, melting range, residual solvents, and assay strength. Specifications list at least 99% active ingredient, minimal trace metals, and tight moisture limits—under 0.5% water by Karl Fischer testing. Visual inspection checks for caking or discoloration. In regulatory filings, manufacturers cite these specs as part of risk management and batch consistency. Researchers and product developers push for even tighter controls, sourcing analytical-grade or GMP-compliant lots where purity or traceability is a must. One batch can make or break a run; detailed records and batch traceability close the loop between lab innovation and end-user trust.
Shipping managers select solid form packaging to avoid unnecessary spills or exposure—usually double-sealed polyethylene inside fiber drums or high-density plastic containers. Transport under cool, dry conditions keeps the product free-flowing and within spec. Material Safety Data Sheets accompany each lot, covering response in the rare event of a transit spill or container failure. Inventory managers rotate lots to prevent shelf time from eroding product quality. Storage on warehouse racks, away from direct sunlight and away from strong oxidizers, ensures stable performance. Practical storage solutions may include dedicated climate controls or silica desiccants, tailored to the scale and volume of the stored material.
4-Butylresorcinol earned its place in active ingredient libraries because it checks several important boxes at once: track record for safety when handled properly, effectiveness at low concentrations, and chemical stability that lasts through formulation and application. Industry discussion continues as new research explores derivatives with even milder skin profiles or broader application in pigment-related health conditions. Regulatory focus on raw material traceability and minimal environmental impact shapes how suppliers and buyers vet their sources. Practically, that means companies now invest in third-party testing, supply chain transparency, and clear labeling. This attention to detail protects everyone involved: from lab workers handling the solid, to consumers depending on creams and serums for better skin outcomes. Ongoing innovation, careful risk management, and open communication remain the right approach for all raw material users dealing with specialty compounds.
