2-Butanol

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

2-Butanol


2-Butanol (also known as sec-butanol) is an organic compound with the formula CH3CH(OH)CH2CH3. This secondary alcohol is a flammable, colorless liquid that is soluble in 12 parts water and completely miscible with polar organic solvent such as ethers and other alcohols. It is produced on a large scale, primarily as a precursor to the industrial solvent methyl ethyl ketone. 2-Butanol is chiral and thus can be obtained as either of two stereoisomers.

Production[edit | edit source]

2-Butanol is produced by the hydration of butene in a process that involves acid catalysts. The reaction is highly exothermic, with a heat of reaction of -216 kJ/mol. The process is typically carried out in the liquid phase at elevated pressure.

Uses[edit | edit source]

2-Butanol is used as a solvent for many chemical reactions, as well as being a precursor to other chemical compounds. It is also used in the manufacture of brake fluid and as a component of perfumes due to its pleasant odor.

Safety[edit | edit source]

2-Butanol is considered a mild skin irritant and may cause eye irritation. It is also considered a mild central nervous system depressant and can cause dizziness, headache, and nausea if inhaled in high concentrations.

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]





WikiMD
Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD

Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Let Food Be Thy Medicine
Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates

Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD