T-butanol

T-butanol

T-butanol, also known as tert-butanol or 2-methyl-2-propanol, is a tertiary alcohol with the chemical formula (CH₃)₃COH. It is one of the four isomers of butanol and is unique due to its tertiary structure, where the hydroxyl group (-OH) is attached to a carbon atom that is connected to three other carbon atoms.

Structure and Properties

T-butanol is a colorless solid at room temperature, with a camphor-like odor. It has a melting point of 25.5 °C, which means it can exist as a solid or liquid depending on the ambient temperature. Its boiling point is 82.4 °C. The molecular weight of t-butanol is 74.12 g/mol.

Chemical Structure

The structure of t-butanol can be represented as:

   CH₃
    |
   C-OH
    |
   CH₃
    |
   CH₃

This structure highlights the central carbon atom bonded to three methyl groups (CH₃) and one hydroxyl group (OH), classifying it as a tertiary alcohol.

Physical Properties

- Density: 0.775 g/cm³ at 20 °C - Solubility: T-butanol is miscible with water, ethanol, and diethyl ether. - Vapor Pressure: 40 mmHg at 20 °C

Production

T-butanol can be produced by the hydration of isobutylene, a process that involves the addition of water to isobutylene in the presence of an acid catalyst. It can also be synthesized by the oxidation of isobutane.

Uses

T-butanol is used in a variety of applications:

- Solvent: It is used as a solvent in the manufacture of pharmaceuticals and chemicals due to its ability to dissolve both polar and non-polar substances. - Intermediate: It serves as an intermediate in the synthesis of other chemicals, such as methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE), which is used as a gasoline additive. - Denaturant: T-butanol is used as a denaturant for ethanol, making it unfit for consumption. - Laboratory Reagent: It is used in laboratories for various chemical reactions and as a standard in analytical chemistry.

Safety and Handling

T-butanol is flammable and should be handled with care. It can cause irritation to the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract. Proper personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves and goggles should be worn when handling t-butanol.

Environmental Impact

T-butanol is considered to have low environmental toxicity. However, it should be disposed of properly to prevent contamination of water sources.

Also see

- Butanol - Alcohol (chemistry) - Isobutylene - Methyl tert-butyl ether