1-Butene

1-butene.svg

1-Butene (also known as But-1-ene, Butylene, or Ethylethylene) is an organic compound with the chemical formula C_4H_8. It is one of the isomers of butene (butylene). 1-Butene is a colorless flammable gas at room temperature and pressure.

Structure and Properties

1-Butene is a linear alpha-olefin (alkene) with a double bond between the first and second carbon atoms in the chain. This structure gives it distinct chemical properties compared to its isomers, such as cis-2-butene, trans-2-butene, and isobutene.

The molecular weight of 1-Butene is 56.11 g/mol. It has a density of 0.621 g/cm³ at 0 °C and a boiling point of -6.3 °C. The compound is insoluble in water but soluble in organic solvents. It has a refractive index of 1.396 and a dipole moment of 0.35 D.

Production

1-Butene is typically produced by the cracking of petroleum and natural gas. It can also be synthesized through the dehydration of butanol or by the dimerization of ethylene.

Uses

1-Butene is primarily used as a comonomer in the production of polyethylene, particularly linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE). It is also used in the manufacture of polybutene, butyl rubber, and as an intermediate in the production of secondary butyl alcohol and methyl ethyl ketone.

Safety and Handling

1-Butene is highly flammable and poses a risk of explosion when mixed with air. It should be handled with care, using appropriate safety equipment and procedures to prevent accidental ignition. The flash point of 1-Butene is -80 °C, and its autoignition temperature is 385 °C.

Related Pages

• Butene
• cis-2-butene
• trans-2-butene
• Isobutene
• Polyethylene
• Butyl rubber
• Methyl ethyl ketone