Methyl Isobutyl Carbinol (MIBC): A Versatile Industrial Solvent and Flotation Reagent for Global Applications

2026-01-13

Methyl Isobutyl Carbinol (MIBC) is a high-performance industrial chemical widely recognized for its stability, excellent solvency, and multifunctional application value. As global demand continues to rise in mining, coatings, lubricants, and specialty chemical manufacturing, methyl-isobutyl-carbinol has become an essential material across multiple industries.


Chemically known as 4-Methylpentan-2-ol, and also referred to in some markets as Metilamil alcohol, MIBC is a colorless, stable liquid with a characteristic mild odor. It has a melting point of approximately -90°C, a freezing point of -90°C, a boiling point of 132°C, and a relative density of 0.8083, making it highly suitable for use under a wide range of industrial conditions.


Excellent Solvency and Physical Stability

One of the most important characteristics of methyl-isobutyl-carbinol is its outstanding solvency. MIBC is widely used as a solvent for:

  • Ethyl cellulose

  • Nitrocellulose

  • Phenolic compounds

  • Oils and waxes

  • Dyes and pigments

  • Natural and synthetic rubber

  • Resins and paraffin


Thanks to its balanced polarity and chemical stability, 4-Methylpentan-2-ol ensures consistent dissolution, improved formulation stability, and enhanced product performance. In nitrocellulose-based coatings, Metilamil alcohol functions as an inert solvent that significantly improves gloss, leveling, and anti-blushing properties, making coatings smoother and more visually appealing.


Key Applications of Methyl Isobutyl Carbinol (MIBC)


1.  Organic Synthesis Raw Material


In organic synthesis, methyl-isobutyl-carbinol serves as an important intermediate and reaction participant. Due to its stable molecular structure and controlled reactivity, 4-Methylpentan-2-ol can be used to synthesize functional chemical compounds with tailored performance characteristics, supporting pharmaceutical, agrochemical, and specialty chemical production.


2. Mining Industry: High-Efficiency Flotation Frother


One of the most well-known applications of Metilamil alcohol is in mineral processing. As a flotation frother, methyl-isobutyl-carbinol helps generate uniform, stable foam during the flotation process, improving mineral separation efficiency.


MIBC is widely used in the flotation of:

  • Copper sulfide ores

  • Sulfur-containing minerals

  • Silica-bearing ores


Compared with other frothers, 4-Methylpentan-2-ol offers excellent selectivity, low consumption, and stable performance, helping mining operators increase recovery rates and improve concentrate quality.

3. Lubricant Additive Manufacturing


In lubricant and lubricant additive production, methyl-isobutyl-carbinol is used as a solvent to ensure uniform dispersion and effective dissolution of additive components. Metilamil alcohol helps maintain formulation stability and enhances the overall performance of lubricating oils under high-temperature and high-load conditions.


4. Other Industrial Uses


Beyond the major application fields, 4-Methylpentan-2-ol is also used in:

  • Brake fluid formulation

  • Specialty chemical production

  • Surface-active systems

In certain formulations, methyl-isobutyl-carbinol can function as a surfactant, emulsifier, or dispersant, contributing to better phase stability and processing efficiency.


Why Choose Our MIBC Supply?


We supply methyl-isobutyl-carbinol with consistent quality, stable batches, and strict quality control standards. Our 4-Methylpentan-2-ol products meet international industrial requirements and are suitable for mining, coatings, lubricants, and chemical manufacturing customers worldwide.


Key advantages of our Metilamil alcohol include:

  • Stable physical and chemical properties

  • High purity and low impurity content

  • Reliable performance in flotation and solvent systems

  • Flexible packaging and global logistics support


Contact Us for MIBC Technical Data and Quotations


If you are looking for a reliable supplier of methyl-isobutyl-carbinol, 4-Methylpentan-2-ol, or Metilamil alcohol, our team is ready to support your technical and commercial needs. We provide detailed specifications, application guidance, and competitive pricing to help you optimize your production processes.


📩 Contact us today to request a TDS, SDS, or quotation and discover how our MIBC solutions can add value to your business.

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