N-Butanol
Butyl Alcohol
What is N-Butanol?
N-Butanol (C₄H₁₀O) is a four-carbon aliphatic alcohol, also known as n-Butanol or Butyl Alcohol. It is a colorless liquid with a characteristic odor that burns with a bright flame. It is soluble in water and miscible with alcohols and ethers in all proportions.
It is a versatile chemical used in many industries due to its solvent properties. It has a wide range of applications, from paints and coatings to pharmaceutical products, cosmetics, and agricultural chemicals.
N-Butanol (Butyl Alcohol) Properties
| Feature | Value |
|---|---|
| Physical Appearance | Colorless liquid |
| Chemical Formula | C₄H₁₀O |
| Molecular Weight | 74.12 g/mol |
| Packaging Form: | Drum / IBC / Tanker |
| Other Names | n-Butanol, Butyl Alcohol |
⚠️ Note: Due to its flammable properties, care must be taken during storage and use.
In Which Industries Is N-Butanol Used?
N-Butanol is a versatile chemical used in various industries. These include:
- Paint and Coating Industry: N-Butanol is used as a solvent in the manufacture of paints and varnishes. It is also used to adjust the viscosity and flow properties of paints.
- Chemical Industry: N-Butanol is used as an intermediate in the production of other chemicals. For example, it is used in the production of products such as acetic acid, esters, glycols, and acrylates.
- Cosmetics Industry: N-Butanol is used as a solvent in the manufacture of cosmetic products such as hair dyes, perfumes, and lotions.
- Agricultural Industry: N-Butanol is used as a solvent in the production of pesticides used in the agricultural industry.
- Pharmaceutical Industry: N-Butanol is a solvent used in the manufacture of drugs. It is also used to adjust the viscosity and concentration of drugs.
Outside of these industries, N-Butanol can also be used in other industries such as paper production, surfactant manufacturing, and nylon production.
How is N-Butanol Produced?
N-Butanol is an alcohol that is also used as a coolant and solvent in nuclear reactors. It is commonly used as a solvent in the production of paints, inks, resins, oils, and varnishes. It is also used in plastics, glass fiber, textiles, rubber, and detergents.
N-Butanol can be produced by reacting with propylene or ethylene oxide. N-Butanol can also be produced in the petrochemical industry by hydrogenation of n-butane. In this process, n-butene gas is first introduced into a hydrogen gas stream and then combined in the presence of a metal catalyst such as platinum, nickel, or palladium. This reaction may also involve isomerization to form n-butanol. The resulting products are then separated and purified.