Isobutanol

Isobutanol (also known as IUPAC name: 2-methylpropan-1-ol) is an organic compound with the formula (CH3)2CHCH2OH. This colorless, flammable liquid with a characteristic smell is mainly used as a solvent. Its isomers include n-butanol, 2-butanol, and tert-butanol, all of which are important industrially.

Production

Isobutanol is produced by the carbonylation of propylene. Two methods are practiced industrially, hydroformylation is more common and generates a mixture of isobutanol and n-butanol. The second method involves the Reppe synthesis, which gives only isobutanol. In the latter technology, the carbonylation of propylene gives butyraldehyde, which undergoes a shift conversion to isobutanol.

Uses

Isobutanol is used in a variety of applications. As a solvent, it is used in industries such as paint, coating, ink, and cleaning. It is also used as a gasoline additive and in the production of synthetic rubber. In the pharmaceutical industry, it is used as a raw material for the production of pharmaceutical intermediates.

Safety

Isobutanol is moderately toxic with a TLV of 50 ppm for the vapor. It is highly flammable, with a flash point of 25 °C.

See also

• Butanol fuel
• Butanol
• Propylene
• Hydroformylation
• Reppe synthesis

References

Isobutanol Resources
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