The indolebutyric acid is a plant compound that regulates plant growth. It is a type of auxin sold in agricultural products under different commercial names, with prices varying between brands.
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Indolebutyric acid, what is it
It is a plant compound known as “LH-indol-3-butyric acid IBA,2” with commercial names such as 3 indole butyric acid (aib) or (iba), depending on where you buy it, as well as the brand and technical sheet you review.
The uses and function of indolebutyric acid are to increase the speed of root growth, meaning it is used for rooting in agriculture in a solution of 10,000 to 50,000 ppm.
Since it is insoluble in water, it is necessary to add ethyl alcohol to the mixture, diluting it with distilled water until the proper concentration for each situation is achieved. If it needs to be dissolved in water, its commercial form as a salt should be used, as it is soluble in H2O. The difference is that in this form, it should be stored at a low temperature, below 5 °C and above 0 °C.
Physical and chemical properties
It is transparent or light yellow under normal conditions, meaning between 25 °C and 1 atm pressure. Its chemical and physical properties are: 
- Indolebutyric acid formula: CH12H13NO.
- Density: 1252 kg/m3.
- Molar mass: 203.24 g/mol.
- Melting point: 125 °C or 398 K.
- CAS number: 133-32-4.
- IUPAC: 1H-Indol-3-butanoic acid.
- Insoluble in water.
- The indolebutyric salt is soluble in water.
Before it starts to boil, it decomposes, so this must be considered during handling, as the mixture may spoil.
The presence of indolebutyric acid in urine increases the acidity of the liquid expelled during urination, as well as acidifying the blood through its mechanism of action or function in the human body.
Indolebutyric acid and auxins
It is considered part of the auxin family. These are used in various agricultural processes, including: 
- Rooting of cuttings and fruit stakes.
The indolebutyric acid and its auxin are used in plants to improve manual reproduction, applying a small amount to encourage root growth and prevent the cutting from dying due to dehydration. Through micropropagation, it is possible to speed up the rooting process of fruit cuttings and vegetables, increasing the survival rate of plants and plant tissues.
It is also related to another acid considered an auxin, as indoleacetic acid is one too and is also a precursor to indole-butyric acid. It is a plant hormone or auxin. Applying indolebutyric or indoleacetic acid to a stem produces:
- Inhibition of axial bud growth.
- Appearance of apical dominance or increased development of lateral branches.
- Positive phototropism or stimulation for the plant to grow faster towards the light.
- Increased formation of lateral roots.
- Greater growth of adventitious roots or those emerging from the plant’s nodes.
- Stimulation of fruit trees to produce a greater harvest.
Is it prohibited?
Currently, its use in organic farming is not allowed. Indolebutyric acid is prohibited for plants following ecological procedures for food sales according to the European Regulation of December 31, 2011. However, the use of other plant hormones or rooting products available for sale is permitted.
Commercial names of indolebutyric acid for purchase
- Indole-3-butyric acid.
- 3-indolbutyric acid.
- Indolebutyric acid.
- IBA.
- AIB.
- Indole butyric acid.
Various products developed by brands are available for purchase. Indolebutyric acid can be bought as Flower Hormon L, potassium salt indolebutyrate, Hydrogarden Roott which is a rooting gel, or under other commercial names.