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  • 4 Butylresorcinol CAS 18979-61-8
  • 4 Butylresorcinol CAS 18979-61-8

4 Butylresorcinol CAS 18979-61-8

4-Butylresorcinol (CAS 18979-61-8), commercially known as Rucinol, is a highly effective resorcinol derivative utilized primarily as a potent skin-lightening active in dermatological and cosmetic formulations. This lipophilic 4-n-Butylresorcinol powder functions as a dual inhibitor of both tyrosinase and tyrosinase-related protein-1 (TRP-1), exhibiting superior melanin suppression efficacy compared to traditional agents like Kojic Acid or Arbutin. As a targeted 2,4-Dihydroxy-n-butylbenzene ingredient, it is specifically engineered for treating hyperpigmentation, melasma, and age spots in high-performance whitening serums and creams. We provide this pharmaceutical-grade material with competitive factory pricing to support global cosmetic manufacturing and ensure bulk supply availability for commercial production lines. Our facility accommodates customized specifications for assay purity (>99%) and solubility profiles, while every shipment is fully documented with MSDS, TDS, COA files to meet strict safety and regulatory standards.

  • CAS: 18979-61-8
  • Synonyms: Rucinol, 4-n-Butylresorcinol, 4-Butylbenzene-1,3-diol, 2,4-Dihydroxy-n-butylbenzene, 4-Butyl Resorcinol
  • Einecs: 606-191-2
  • Molecular Formula: C10H14O2
  • Grade: Cosmetic / dermatological grade, assay typically ≥99.0% (HPLC/GC)
  • Package: 1 kg aluminum foil bag (inner) in 5–25 kg fiber drum, or customized packing according to customer requirements.
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Product Description

4-Butylresorcinol (4-butylbenzene-1,3-diol) is a high-value cosmetic active widely used in advanced skin-brightening formulas. As a substituted resorcinol, it shows strong inhibitory activity on tyrosinase and related enzymes involved in melanin formation, making it a key ingredient for even-tone and spot-correcting products.

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Physicochemical Properties

ItemSpecification / Typical Value
Chemical name4-Butylresorcinol
Synonyms4-n-Butylresorcinol; Butylresorcinol; Rucinol
CAS18979-61-8
Einecs (EC No.)606-191-2
Molecular formulaC₁₀H₁₄O₂
Molecular weight166.22 g/mol
Structure typeResorcinol ring with n-butyl group at 4-position
AppearanceWhite to almost white / pale yellow crystalline powder
Assay (HPLC/GC)≥99.0% (cosmetic grade, typical)
Melting point50–55 °C
Boiling point~166 °C at 7 mmHg (lit.)
Density~1.04–1.09 g/cm³ (25 °C, predicted/estimated)
Log Pow (n-octanol/water)~2.8 (24–25 °C)
Water solubilityApprox. 2–3 g/L at 25 °C
Solubility in organic solventsFreely soluble in DMSO, ethanol, propylene glycol; miscible with many cosmetic oils/solvents
pKa (phenolic OH)~9.9
OdorCharacteristic, faint
Storage temperature (recommended)2–8 °C, sealed, dry, away from light

Applications

1. Cosmetic skin-brightening active

  • Core active ingredient in whitening and brightening creams, lotions and serums aimed at reducing the appearance of dark spots, uneven tone and age-related hyperpigmentation.
  • Often combined with niacinamide, vitamin C derivatives, arbutin, tranexamic acid, etc., to create multi-pathway brightening complexes.
  • Suitable for face, neck, hand and body spot-correction cosmetic products at appropriately controlled use levels, following local cosmetic regulations.

2. Advanced derma-cosmetics & clinic-inspired lines

  • Used in premium depigmenting serums and dermatology-inspired formulations where fast visible brightening and good tolerance are required.
  • Frequently selected as an alternative or complement to traditional actives in products designed for sensitive or long-term cosmetic use.

3. R&D and pharmaceutical intermediate use

  • Employed as a reference standard and research tool in studies of tyrosinase inhibition and melanogenesis.
  • Can serve as an intermediate or building block in the synthesis of other specialty molecules (e.g. cannabinoid derivatives) in laboratory-scale work.

Typical customer groups:

  • Cosmetic brands and OEM/ODM factories
  • Derma-cosmetic and clinical skin-care developers
  • Raw-material distributors and traders
  • R&D laboratories focusing on pigmentation and skin biology

Storage Conditions

To maintain the stability and activity of 4-Butylresorcinol, we recommend:

  1. Temperature
    • Store in a cool environment, 2–8 °C for long-term storage. Short-term handling at room temperature is acceptable.
  2. Container & atmosphere
    • Keep in the original, tightly closed container (aluminum foil inner bag + fiber drum or HDPE container).
    • Protect from moisture, direct sunlight and high temperature.
    • Avoid prolonged exposure to air to minimize oxidation and color change.
  3. Handling
    • Open containers in a dry, well-ventilated area.
    • Reseal promptly after sampling or weighing.

Safety Precautions

This information is for general industrial and laboratory handling only. Always follow your local regulations and the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for your purchased batch.

  • GHS classification: Typically supplied with GHS “Warning” signal word. May be harmful if swallowed and may cause skin and eye irritation.

Personal protection

  • Wear appropriate protective gloves, safety goggles and lab coat when handling powders.
  • Avoid generating and breathing dust; use local exhaust ventilation or dust extraction where necessary.
  • Avoid direct contact with skin and eyes. In case of contact, rinse immediately with plenty of water and seek medical attention if irritation persists.

Operational safety

  • Do not eat, drink or smoke in areas where the product is handled.
  • Wash hands thoroughly after handling.
  • Prevent release to the environment; collect spills mechanically and dispose of according to local regulations.

First aid (general guidance)

  • Inhalation: Move to fresh air; seek medical advice if symptoms occur.
  • Skin contact: Wash with soap and water; remove contaminated clothing.
  • Eye contact: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes; remove contact lenses if present and easy to do; continue rinsing and seek medical advice if irritation persists.
  • Ingestion: Rinse mouth, do not induce vomiting; seek medical attention immediately.

FAQ - Technical & Supply Chain

  • Q:

    What is 4-Butylresorcinol CAS 18979-61-8?

    A: 4-Butylresorcinol is a substituted resorcinol with a butyl group at the 4-position. It has CAS 18979-61-8, molecular formula C10H14O2 and a molecular weight of 166.22 g/mol.
  • Q:

    What is 4-Butylresorcinol used for in cosmetics?

    A: It is used as a skin-brightening active in serums, creams and spot-correcting products. It helps reduce hyperpigmentation, melasma and uneven skin tone by inhibiting tyrosinase and melanin formation.
  • Q:

    How does 4-Butylresorcinol compare with kojic acid or arbutin?

    A: 4-Butylresorcinol is often selected for its strong tyrosinase-inhibiting activity and high potency at low use levels. Product descriptions commonly describe it as more effective than traditional agents such as kojic acid or arbutin for targeted brightening.
  • Q:

    Which specifications should be checked for cosmetic-grade 4-Butylresorcinol?

    A: Check assay, appearance, melting range, related impurities, residual solvents, heavy metals and water content. Cosmetic grades are typically specified at 99.0% or higher by HPLC or GC.
  • Q:

    How should 4-Butylresorcinol be stored and handled?

    A: Store it in tightly closed, light-protected containers in a cool, dry area. Use powder-handling controls and appropriate PPE during weighing and transfer.

Ordering & Documentation

Key information for document requests, quotations, and supply planning.

Documents

COA, TDS, SDS/MSDS and packing details are available on request.

Quotation

Send the CAS number, grade, quantity, packing preference and destination.

Sample & Supply

Support is available for samples, trial orders, bulk and repeat supply.

Storage & Shipping

Product-specific conditions are confirmed before order.

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