Sodium butyrate

A white, granular, hygroscopic powder used across feed, chemical and research applications as the sodium salt of butyric (butanoic) acid. The neutralized form eliminates the strong odor of butyric acid and provides a water-soluble, easy-to-handle source of butyrate for formulations and intermediates.

Key specifications

• Purity: >= 98% (assay)
• Physical form: white granular powder
• CAS number: 156-54-7
• Molecular formula: C4H7NaO2
• Solubility: water soluble (90–110 g/L); also soluble in DMSO, ethanol and methanol
• Melting point: 248–253 °C
• Flash point: 68–71 °C

Primary applications

• Feed additive: widely used as a butyrate source in animal feed formulations and supplements
• Chemical intermediate: precursor for cellulose butyrate esters and other derivatives
• Ammonia detoxification: used in formulations intended to mitigate ammonia-related issues
• Preservative and metabolite: employed where short-chain carboxylates are required for formulation stability or metabolic activity
• Research and laboratory use: reagent for studies involving short-chain fatty acid biology and chemistry

Handling and storage

• Store in a tightly closed container in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area to minimize moisture uptake
• Keep away from strong acids and oxidizers
• Use suitable personal protective equipment (gloves, eye protection) when handling to avoid inhalation or contact

Quality and supply considerations

• Offered with a high-purity assay suitable for feed-grade and many industrial applications; request analytical certificate for regulatory, formulation or high-purity requirements.
• Because the product is hygroscopic, appropriate packaging and desiccation during storage/shipping are recommended for long-term stability.