n-Butanol (also known as normal butanol and n-butyl alcohol) is a primary alcohol with a molecular formula of C4H10O. It is a colourless liquid of medium volatility and a characteristic banana-like odour. N-Butanol has limited miscibility in water; however, it is easily soluble in regular solvents such as ethers, alcohol, glycols and hydrocarbons. This solvent is very flammable, with a flashpoint of around 35° C.
Production
N-butanol can occur naturally as a product of the fermentation of sugars and other carbohydrates. However, the major use (and therefore production) is in the industrial arena. It is a bulk petrochemical manufactured from the feedstock of propylene in an ‘oxo processes in the presence of a homogeneous catalyst. This creates butyraldehyde which is subsequently hydrogenated to produce n-butanol.
Uses
1-Butanol can be used as a chemical intermediate to create other chemicals (e.g., esters, n-butyl acetate, and amino resins); alternatively, it can be used as a solvent in the creation of consumer products. N-butanol is used as a solvent for paints, coatings, varnishes, fats, oils, waxes, rubber, and plasticizers.
Other uses include coating fabric in the textiles industry, as a cleaning or polishing agent, gasoline, and brake fluid and in consumer products such as make-up, nail products, hygiene products and shaving products in the cosmetic industry.
Butanol at 85% can be used in car engines that are designed for gasoline with no engine modification required. This allows for lower fuel consumption than other gasoline alternatives such as ethanol due to the lower oxygen content of n-butanol.
The chemical is present in several foods and beverages as an artificial flavouring. It is also used in food preparation such as during the manufacture of hop extract for beermaking.
The main user end market of this product is the chemical, petrochemical, textiles, cleaning, and cosmetics industries.
Synonyms
N-Butanol, normal butanol, n-butyl alcohol
Chemical Formula
C4H10O
CAS Number
71-36-3
