Butyl alcohol

Butyl alcohol, also known as butanol, is a four-carbon alcohol with a formula of C4H9OH. It exists in four isomeric structures, all of which are colorless, flammable liquids that are soluble in water and have a strong, characteristic alcohol odor.

Chemical Structure and Properties

Butyl alcohol is a hydrocarbon derived from propene. It has four isomers: n-butanol, sec-butanol, isobutanol, and tert-butanol. These isomers, or structural variants, differ in the location of the alcohol functional group (-OH) on the carbon chain.

The physical and chemical properties of butyl alcohol, such as its boiling point, melting point, density, and refractive index, vary depending on the specific isomer. However, all isomers are flammable and can form explosive mixtures with air. They are also all soluble in water to some degree, with solubility decreasing as the length of the carbon chain increases.

Production and Uses

Butyl alcohol is primarily produced through the hydroformylation of propene, a process also known as the oxo process. This process involves the reaction of propene with carbon monoxide and hydrogen in the presence of a catalyst to produce butanal, which is then reduced to butanol.

Butyl alcohol is used in a wide range of applications. It is used as a solvent for paints, coatings, varnishes, and resins, and as a raw material in the manufacture of plasticizers, brake fluids, and butyl acetate. It is also used in the production of pharmaceuticals and cosmetics.

Health Effects

Exposure to butyl alcohol can cause irritation to the eyes, skin, and respiratory tract. Ingestion or inhalation of large amounts can lead to symptoms such as headache, dizziness, confusion, and even unconsciousness. Long-term exposure can cause damage to the liver and kidneys.

See Also

• Alcohol (chemistry)
• Hydrocarbon
• Oxo process