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HuagongsheHuagongshe Chemistry Print Report · For research reference only
HCID 8617Generated: October 23, 2026

Indole-3-Butyric Acid

IBA · 3-INDOLEBUTYRIC ACID · INDOLE-3-BUTYRIC ACID · 4-(1H-INDOL-3-YL)BUTANOIC ACID · Seradix · hormexrootingpowder · 3-Indolybutyric acid · 4-(3-INDOLYL)BUTYRIC ACID

https://huagongshe.com/en/chemical/8617

Indole-3-Butyric Acid molecular structure

Identifiers & Physical Properties

CAS No.133-32-4
Molecular formulaC12H13NO2
Average molar mass203.24 g/mol
Monoisotopic mass203.09462866 g/mol
SMILESO=C(O)CCCc1c[nH]c2ccccc12
InChIKeyJTEDVYBZBROSJT-UHFFFAOYSA-N
PubChem CID8617
ChEMBLCHEMBL582878
ChEBICHEBI:33070
EC No.205-101-5
DTXSIDDTXSID8032623

Chemical & Physical Properties

XLogP2.3
Topological polar surface area53.1
Hydrogen bond donors2
Hydrogen bond acceptors2
Rotatable bonds4
Heavy atoms15
Formal charge0
Complexity230
DrugsPharmaceuticals -> Listed in ZINC15
PesticidesPlant Growth RegulatorsActive substance -> EU Pesticides database: ApprovedPesticides -> Plant Growth RegulatorsHerbicides
LogP (partition coefficient)log Kow = 2.30
OdorEssentially odorless
Color/FormWhite to slightly yellow crystalsWhite to tan powder or crystalline solid
SolubilityIn benzene: >1000 g/Lin acetone, ethanol, diethyl ether: 30-100 g/Lin chloroform: 0.01-1 g/LIn water, 250 mg/L @ 20 °C0.25 mg/mL at 20 °CDMF: 25 mg/mLDMSO: 25 mg/mLEthanol: 25 mg/mLPBS (pH 7.2): 0.1 mg/mLSoluble in water(0.25g/L).
Endocrine DisruptorsPotential endocrine disrupting compound
Melting point124.5 °C124-125.5 °C(lit.)
Vapor pressure0.00000117 [mmHg]Vapor pressure: <0.01 mPa (<8X10-8 mm Hg) @ 25 °C1.8X10-6 mm Hg @ 25 °C /Estimated/
Henry's law constantHenry's Law constant: 1.3X10-11 atm cu m/mol@ 25 °C /Estimated/
Physical DescriptionWhite or slightly yellow solid[Merck Index] Off-white powder[MSDSonline]
Stability/Shelf LifeVery stable in neutral, acidic and alkaline media.
Boiling point341.55°C (rough estimate)
Density1.1255 (rough estimate)
Bulk density360kg/m3
Refractive index1.5440 (estimate)
Storage conditions2-8°C
Physical stateLiquid
pKa (acidity coefficient)4.83±0.10(Predicted)
ColorClear colorless to pale yellow
SensitivityAir Sensitive
Merck14,4965
BRN171120
StabilityStable. Incompatible with strong oxidizing agents. Light sensitive.
InChI1S/C12H13NO2/c14-12(15)7-3-4-9-8-13-11-6-2-1-5-10(9)11/h1-2,5-6,8,13H,3-4,7H2,(H,14,15)
InChIKeyJTEDVYBZBROSJT-UHFFFAOYSA-N
SMILESOC(=O)CCCc1c[nH]c2ccccc12
LogP (partition coefficient)2.300
CAS DataBase Reference133-32-4(CAS DataBase Reference)
FDA UNII061SKE27JP
EPA Substance Registry SystemIndole-3-butyric acid (133-32-4)
Pesticides Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)Indole-3-butyric acid
UNSPSC Code12352106
NACRESNA.77
GHS pictogramGHS06
Signal wordDanger
GHS hazard statementsH301
GHS precautionary statementsP264-P270-P301+P310-P405-P501
Personal protective equipment (PPE)Eyeshields, Faceshields, Gloves, type P2 (EN 143) respirator cartridges
Hazard symbolsT,Xi
Risk statements (R)25-36/37/38
Safety statements (S)26-36-45-38-36/37/39-28A
UN transport numberUN 2811 6.1/PG 3
Water hazard class (WGK)3
RTECS numberNL5250000
F8-10-23
Hazard NoteIrritant
TSCA inventory statusTSCA listed
Hazard class6.1Acute Tox. 3 Oral
Packing groupIII
Customs code29339990
Storage class6.1C - Combustible acute toxic Cat.3toxic compounds or compounds which causing chronic effects
Hazardous substances data133-32-4(Hazardous Substances Data)
ToxicityLD50 i.p. in mice: 100 mg/kg (Anderson)
Limited quantities5.0 L (1.3 gallons) (liquid) or 5.0 kg (11 lbs) (solid)
Excepted quantitiesMax Inner Pack (30g or 30ml) and Max Outer Pack (1Kg or 1L)

Safety & Regulations

GHS classificationDangerH301 (98%): Toxic if swallowed [Danger Acute toxicity, oral]P261, P264, P264+P265, P270, P271, P280, P301+P316, P302+P352, P304+P340, P305+P351+P338, P319, P321, P330, P332+P317, P337+P317, P362+P364, P403+P233, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)Aggregated GHS information provided per 98 reports by companies from 23 notifications to the ECHA C&L Inventory. Each notification may be associated with multiple companies.H301: Toxic if swallowed [Danger Acute toxicity, oral]
Regulatory informationCommission Regulation (EC) No 2229/20042008/941/EC, 2011/28/EU, Reg. (EU) 2023/918, Reg.(EU) No 2018/1266, Reg.(EU) No 540/2011Indolylbutyric acid: Does not have an individual approval but may be used under an appropriate group standard
Other safety informationIMAP assessments - 1H-Indole-3-butanoic acid: Environment tier I assessment
Fire potentialNon-flammable
Hazards summaryAll generic toxicology data requirements waived because of low toxicityCauses substantial but temporary eye injury. [Reference #1] An irritant[MSDSonline] See Indoleacetic acid.
Special ReportsUSEPA/Office of Pesticide ProgramsReregistration Eligibility Decision Document - Indole-3-Butyric Acid, August 1992. The RED summarizes the risk assessment conclusions and outlines any risk reduction measures necessary for the pesticide to continue to be registered in the U.S.[Available from, as of February 10, 2004: http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/reregistration/status.htm]
FIFRA requirementsAn exemption from the requirement of a tolerance is established for residues of auxins (specifically: indole-3-acetic acid and indole-3-butyric acid) in or on all food commodities when used as plant regulators on plants, seeds, or cuttings and on all food commodities after harvest in accordance with good agricultural practices.As the federal pesticide law FIFRA directs, EPA is conducting a comprehensive review of older pesticides to consider their health and environmental effects and make decisions about their future use. Under this pesticide reregistration program, EPA examines health and safety data for pesticide active ingredients initially registered before November 1, 1984, and determines whether they are eligible for reregistration. In addition, all pesticides must meet the new safety standard of the Food Quality Protection Act of 1996. Pesticides for which EPA had not issued Registration Standards prior to the effective date of FIFRA '88 were divided into three lists based upon their potential for human exposure and other factors, with List B containing pesticides of greater concern and List D pesticides of less concern. Indole-3-butyric acid is on List B. Case No: 2330Pesticide type: fungicide, herbicideCase Status: RED Approved 09/1992OPP has made a decision that some/all uses of the pesticide are eligible for reregistration, as reflected in a Reregistration Eligibility Decision (RED) document.Active ingredient (AI): indole-3-butyric acidAI Status: OPP has completed a Reregistration Eligibility Decision (RED) for the case/AI..The Agency ... finds that products containing only IBA as an active ingredient are eligible for reregistration once the product specific data, confirmatory ecotoxicity data, and amended labeling are received and accepted by the Agency. Products that contain additional active ingredients will be reregistered once the Agency completes eligibility decisions on the other active ingredients and once product specific and amended labeling are received and accepted.
Hazard Classes and CategoriesAcute Tox. 3 (98%)Acute toxicity (Oral) - Category 3
Disposal methodsSRP: The most favorable course of action is to use an alternative chemical product with less inherent propensity for occupational exposure or environmental contamination. Recycle any unused portion of the material for its approved use or return it to the manufacturer or supplier. Ultimate disposal of the chemical must consider: the material's impact on air qualitypotential migration in soil or watereffects on animal, aquatic, and plant lifeand conformance with environmental and public health regulations.
Allowable TolerancesAn exemption from the requirement of a tolerance is established for residues of auxins (specifically: indole-3-acetic acid and indole-3-butyric acid) in or on all food commodities when used as plant regulators on plants, seeds, or cuttings and on all food commodities after harvest in accordance with good agricultural practices.
Ecotoxicity valuesLC50 Oncorhynchus mykiss (Rainbow trout,donaldson trout) >90.5 ppm/96 hrstatic /formulated product/EC50 Daphnia magna (Water fleaintoxication, immobilization) 57 ppm/48 hr (95% confidence interval: 46-74 ppm)LC50 Colinus virginianus (Northern bobwhite, 14 day old) diet >5,000 ppm (in the diet)/8 daysLC50 Colinus virginianus (Northern bobwhite, 20 wk old) oral >2,150 mg/kg/14 daysEC50 Lactuca sativa (Lettuceinhibition of germination) 0.06 mol/cu m/72 hr
Environmental fateTERRESTRIAL FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 550(SRC), determined from a structure estimation method(2), indicates that indolebutyric acid is expected to have moderate to low mobility in soil(SRC). The estimated pKa of indolebutyric acid is 4.7 for the ionization of the carboxylic acid group(3), indicating that this compound will primarily exist in the dissociated form in the environmentanions generally do not adsorb to organic carbon and clay as strongly as their neutral counterparts(4). Volatilization of indolebutyric acid from moist soil surfaces is not expected to be an important fate process, since indolebutyric acid is expected to exist primarily in its dissociated form in the environment(SRC). Volatilization of the undissociated form of indolebutyric acid from moist soil surfaces is not expected to be an important fate process(SRC) given an estimated Henry's Law constant of 1.3X10-11 atm-cu m/mole(SRC), developed using a fragment constant estimation method(7). Indolebutyric acid is not expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces(SRC) based upon an estimated vapor pressure of 1.8X10-6 mm Hg(SRC), determined from a fragment constant method(5). Indolebutyric acid was reported to degrade rapidly in soil(6).AQUATIC FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 550(SRC), determined from a structure estimation method(2), indicates that indolebutyric acid is not expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment(SRC). This compound is expected to exist in the dissociated form in the environment, based on an estimated pKa of 4.7 for the ionization of the carboxylic acid group(3), and therefore volatilization from water surfaces is not expected to be an important fate process(SRC). Volatilization from water surfaces is not expected for the undissociated form of indolebutyric acid(9) based upon an estimated Henry's Law constant of 1.3X10-11 atm-cu m/mole(SRC), developed using a fragment constant estimation method(10). Indolebutyric acid is not expected to undergo hydrolysis in the environment due to the lack of hydrolyzable functional groups(4). Indolebutyric acid was reported to be very stable in neutral, acidic, or alkaline media(5). According to a classification scheme(6), an estimated BCF of 3(SRC), from its log Kow of 2.30(7) and a regression-derived equation(8), suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low(SRC). Biodegradation data for indolebutyric acid in water were not foundhowever, indolebutyric acid was reported to degrade rapidly in soil(11).ATMOSPHERIC FATE: According to a model of gas/particle partitioning of semivolatile organic compounds in the atmosphere(1), indolebutyric acid, which has an estimated vapor pressure of 1.8X10-6 mm Hg at 25 °C(SRC), determined from a fragment constant method(2), will exist in both the vapor and particulate phases in the ambient atmosphere. Vapor-phase indolebutyric acid is degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals(SRC)the half-life for this reaction in air is estimated to be 2 hours(SRC), calculated from its rate constant of 2.0X10-10 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(SRC) that was derived using a structure estimation method(3). Particulate-phase indolebutyric acid may be removed from the air by wet and dry deposition(SRC). Indolebutyric acid may be susceptible to direct photolysis by sunlight(SRC), since it has an absorbance at 290 nm(4).
Soil Adsorption/MobilityUsing a structure estimation method based on molecular connectivity indices(1), the Koc for indolebutyric acid can be estimated to be 550(SRC). According to a classification scheme(2), this estimated Koc value suggests that indolebutyric acid is expected to have low mobility in soil. The estimated pKa of indolebutyric acid is 4.7 for the carboxylic acid group(3), indicating that this compound will primarily exist in the dissociated form in the environmentanions generally do not adsorb to organic carbon and clay as strongly as their neutral counterparts(4).
Artificial Pollution SourcesIndolebutyric acid's production may result in its release to the environment through various waste streamsits use as a rooting hormone for plant cuttings and plant growth regulator(1,2) will result in its direct release to the environment(SRC).
Environmental BiodegradationIndolebutyric acid was reported to degrade rapidly in soil(1).
Environmental BioconcentrationAn estimated BCF of 3 was calculated for indolebutyric acid(SRC), using a log Kow of 2.30(1) and a regression-derived equation(2). According to a classification scheme(3), this BCF suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low(SRC).
Volatilization from Water/SoilThis compound is expected to exist in the dissociated form in the environment, based on an estimated pKa of 4.7(1), and therefore volatilization from water surfaces or moist soil surfaces is not expected to be an important fate process(SRC). Indolebutyric acid is not expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces(SRC) based upon an estimated vapor pressure of 1.8X10-6 mm Hg(SRC), determined from a fragment constant method(2).
Non-Human Toxicity Excerpts/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Acute Exposure/ ...These products have low acute toxicity as suggested from data of at least one formulated product (Toxicity Categories III and IV), no dermal irritation , and moderate eye irritation, perhaps from another active or an inert ingredient in the product formulation. /Formulated Indole-3-butyric acid//GENOTOXICITY/ ...Indole-3-butyric acid (IBA), was tested for genetic activity in Aspergillus nidulans in a plate test. IBA was found to greatly increase somatic segregation in the fungus. ... It was found that increasing concentrations of IBA increased mitotic segregation of the fungus with most of the segregants being produced by mitotic crossing-over, together with non-disjunctional segregants at a lower level. The metabolic activation technique was also used and it was shown that when S9 mixture was added to IBA a further 3- to 5-fold increase in the number of segregants was obtained./GENOTOXICITY/ The plant growth-regulating hormones indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and indole-3-butyric acid (IBA), both strong recombinogens in Aspergillus nidulans, were tested in Salmonella typhimurium strains for his revertants at a range of concentrations from 1 to 2000 micrograms/plate with and without metabolic activation and were found negative.
Environmental Abiotic DegradationThe rate constant for the vapor-phase reaction of indolebutyric acid with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals has been estimated as 2.0X10-10 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(SRC) using a structure estimation method(1). This corresponds to an atmospheric half-life of about 2 hours at an atmospheric concentration of 5X10+5 hydroxyl radicals per cu cm(1). Indolebutyric acid is not expected to undergo hydrolysis in the environment due to the lack of hydrolyzable functional groups(2). Indolebutyric acid was reported to be very stable in neutral, acidic, or alkaline media(3). Indolebutyric acid may be susceptible to direct photolysis by sunlight(SRC), since it has an absorbance at 290 nm(4).
Probable Routes of Human ExposureNIOSH (NOES Survey 1981-1983) has statistically estimated that 864 workers are potentially exposed to indolebutyric acid in the US(1). Occupational exposure to indolebutyric acid may occur through inhalation and dermal contact with this compound at workplaces where indolebutyric acid is produced or used(SRC). The general population may be exposed to indolebutyric acid via dermal contact with consumer products containing indolebutyric acid(SRC).
Environmental Fate/Exposure SummaryIndolebutyric acid's production may result in its release to the environment through various waste streamsits use as a rooting hormone for plant cuttings and plant growth regulator will result in its direct release to the environment. If released to air, an estimated vapor pressure of 1.8X10-6 mm Hg at 25 °C indicates indolebutyric acid will exist in both the vapor and particulate phases in the ambient atmosphere. Vapor-phase indolebutyric acid will be degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicalsthe half-life for this reaction in air is estimated to be 2 hours. Particulate-phase indolebutyric acid will be removed from the atmosphere by wet and dry deposition. Indolebutyric acid may be susceptible to direct photolysis by sunlight, since it has an absorbance at 290 nm. If released to soil, indolebutyric acid is expected to have moderate to low mobility based upon an estimated Koc of 550. The estimated pKa of indolebutyric acid is 4.7 for the ionization of the carboxylic acid group, indicating that this compound will primarily exist in the dissociated form in the environment and anions generally do not adsorb to organic carbon and clay as strongly as their neutral counterparts. Volatilization from moist soil surfaces is not expected to be an important fate process for indolebutyric acid, since it is expected to exist primarily in its dissociated form in the environment. Volatilization from moist soil surfaces is not expected for the undissociated form of indolebutyric acid based on an estimated Henry's Law constant of 1.3X10-11 atm cu m/mol. Volatilization from dry soil is not expected based upon indolebutyric acid's estimated vapor pressure. Indolebutyric acid was reported to degrade rapidly in soil. If released into water, indolebutyric acid is not expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment based upon the estimated Koc. This compound is expected to exist in the dissociated form in the environment and therefore volatilization from water surfaces is not expected to be an important fate process. An estimated BCF of 3 suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low. Hydrolysis is not expected to be an important environmental fate process since this compound lacks functional groups that hydrolyze under environmental conditions. Indolebutyric acid was reported to be very stable in neutral, acidic, or alkaline media. Occupational exposure to indolebutyric acid may occur through inhalation and dermal contact with this compound at workplaces where indolebutyric acid is produced or used. The general population may be exposed to indolebutyric acid via dermal contact with consumer products containing indolebutyric acid. (SRC)
Antidote and Emergency Treatment/SRP:/ Basic treatment: Establish a patent airway. Suction if necessary. Watch for signs of respiratory insufficiency and assist ventilations if needed. Administer oxygen by nonrebreather mask at 10 to 15 L/min. Monitor for pulmonary edema and treat if necessary ... . Monitor for shock and treat if necessary ... . Anticipate seizures and treat if necessary ... . For eye contamination, flush eyes immediately with water. Irrigate each eye continuously with normal saline during transport ... . Do not use emetics. For ingestion, rinse mouth and administer 5 ml/kg up to 200 ml of water for dilution if the patient can swallow, has a strong gag reflex, and does not drool ... . Cover skin burns with dry sterile dressings after decontamination ... . /Poison A and B//SRP:/ Advanced treatment: Consider orotracheal or nasotracheal intubation for airway control in the patient who is unconscious, has severe pulmonary edema, or is in respiratory arrest. Positive pressure ventilation techniques with a bag valve mask device may be beneficial. Monitor cardiac rhythm and treat arrhythmias as necessary ... . Start an IV with D5W /SRP: "To keep open", minimal flow rate/. Use lactated Ringer's if signs of hypovolemia are present. Watch for signs of fluid overload. Consider drug therapy for pulmonary edema ... . For hypotension with signs of hypovolemia, administer fluid cautiously. Watch for signs of fluid overload ... . Treat seizures with diazepam (Valium) ... . Use proparacaine hydrochloride to assist eye irrigation ... . /Poison A and B/
F8-10-23
Personal protective equipment (PPE)Eyeshields, Faceshields, Gloves, type P2 (EN 143) respirator cartridges
Water hazard class (WGK)3
TSCA inventory statusTSCA listed
RTECS numberNL5250000
UN transport numberUN 2811 6.1/PG 3
Customs code29339990
ToxicityLD50 i.p. in mice: 100 mg/kg (Anderson)
Risk statements (R)25-36/37/38
Signal wordDanger
GHS pictogramGHS06
Hazard symbolsT,Xi
hazard_noteIrritant
Safety statements (S)26-36-45-38-36/37/39-28A
Hazard class6.1Acute Tox. 3 Oral
Storage class6.1C - Combustible acute toxic Cat.3toxic compounds or compounds which causing chronic effects
Packing groupIII
GHS hazard statementsH301
Limited quantities5.0 L (1.3 gallons) (liquid) or 5.0 kg (11 lbs) (solid)
Excepted quantitiesMax Inner Pack (30g or 30ml) and Max Outer Pack (1Kg or 1L)
GHS precautionary statementsP264-P270-P301+P310-P405-P501
Hazardous substances data133-32-4(Hazardous Substances Data)

Applications & Uses

Uses

Indole butyric acid (IBA) is a broad spectrum indole-class plant growth regulators and is a good rooting agent. It can promote the cuttings and rooting of herbaceous and woody ornamental plant. It can also be applied to the fruit setting of fruit as well as improving the fruit setting rate.

Uses

Used to stimulate root formation of plant clippings. Suitable for plant cell culture tested.

Uses

Indole-3-butyric acid is auxin-family plant hormone (phytohormone). IBA is thought to be a precursor of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) the most abundant and the basic auxin natively occurring and functioning in plants. IAA generates the majority of auxin effects in intact plants, and is the most potent native auxin.

General Description

Indole-3-butyric acid is a plant hormone in the auxin family and is widely used in agriculture since it induces rooting in various plants species such as mung bean (Vigna radiataL.) cuttings.

Preparation & Synthesis

Preparation

Laboratory put the mixture of indole, potassium hydroxide, and poly oxalic acid, dried tetrahydronaphthalene and γ-butyrolactone for heating under reflux to obtain the indole butyric acid. The reaction equation is as follows: Indole, potassium hydroxide, poly oxalic acid and dried tetrahydronaphthalene were added to the reaction vessel. The mixture was stirred for half an hour at room temperature; add γ-butyrolactone for heating reflux for 4 hours. The water remaining in the reaction system is removed by the water segregator. After cooling, the solid was totally dissolved by water with the separated organic layer being acidified with hydrochloric acid for precipitating a large number of off-white solid. Use suction filtration, wash with water, and dry to give the crude indole butyric acid with the yield of the crude product being 92.6%. After recrystallisation but aqueous ethanol, you can obtain white flaky crystals that is indole-3-butyric acid with the mp being 121.5~123 ℃. Reference: Daquan Wang (editor), “fine chemical production route” 2nd version, Beijing: Chemical Industry Press .1999 p. 260-261.