2-Butanol Chemical Properties

Melting point:

−115 °C(lit.)

Boiling point:

98 °C(lit.)

Density 

0.808 g/mL at 25 °C(lit.)

vapor density 

2.6 (vs air)

vapor pressure 

12.5 mm Hg ( 20 °C)

refractive index 

n20/D 1.397(lit.)

Flash point:

80 °F

storage temp. 

Store at +5°C to +30°C.

solubility 

125g/l

form 

Liquid

pka

>14 (Schwarzenbach et al., 1993)

color 

Colorless

Odor

Strong, pleasant.

PH Range

7

Relative polarity

0.506

explosive limit

1.4-9.8%(V)

Odor Threshold

0.22ppm

Odor Type

fruity

Water Solubility 

12.5 g/100 mL (20 ºc)

Sensitive 

Hygroscopic

Merck 

14,1541

BRN 

1718765

Henry's Law Constant

1.19 (static headspace-GC, Merk and Riederer, 1997)

Exposure limits

TLV-TWA 450 mg/m³ (150 ppm) (NIOSH), 305 mg/m³ (100 ppm) (ACGIH); IDLH 10,000 ppm.

Dielectric constant

15.8（25℃）

Stability:

Stable. Flammable. Substances to be avoided include acids, acid chlorides, acid anhydrides, oxidizing agents and halogens.

InChIKey

BTANRVKWQNVYAZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N

LogP

0.610

CAS DataBase Reference

78-92-2(CAS DataBase Reference)

NIST Chemistry Reference

2-Butanol(78-92-2)

EPA Substance Registry System

2-Butanol (78-92-2)

Safety Information

Hazard Codes 

Xi

Risk Statements 

10-36/37-67

Safety Statements 

13-24/25-26-46-7/9

RIDADR 

UN 1120 3/PG 3

OEB

A

OEL

TWA: 100 ppm (305 mg/m3), STEL: 150 ppm (455 mg/m3)

WGK Germany 

1

RTECS 

EO1750000

Autoignition Temperature

761 °F

TSCA 

Yes

HazardClass 

3

PackingGroup 

II

HS Code 

29051490

Hazardous Substances Data

78-92-2(Hazardous Substances Data)

Toxicity

LD50 orally in Rabbit: 6480 mg/kg LD50 dermal Rat > 2000 mg/kg

IDLA

2,000 ppm

MSDS

• Language:English Provider:sec-Butyl alcohol
• Language:English Provider:SigmaAldrich
• Language:English Provider:ACROS
• Language:English Provider:ALFA

2-Butanol Usage And Synthesis

Physical and Chemical Properties

2-butanol is also known as methyl ethyl alcohol, chemical formula is CH3CH2CHOHCH3. Molecular weight is 74.12. It is colorless liquid with a strong aroma of mint, flammable, volatile, with optical activity. The molecule has a chiral carbon atom, can be present in three forms of right-handed body, left-handed body and racemic body, dl-body: the relative density is 0.8063. Melting point is-114.7 ℃. Boiling point is 99.5 ℃, 45.5 ℃ (7.999 × 103Pa). The flash point is 34 ℃. The refractive index is 1.3978. d-body: the relative density is 0.8080. Boiling point is 99.5 ℃. The flash point is 24 ℃. The refractive index is 1.3954. Specific rotation is + 13.9 °. l-body: the relative density is 0.8070. Boiling point is 99.5 ℃. The flash point is 28 ℃. The refractive index is 1.3955. Specific rotation is-13.51 ° (25 ℃). 2-butanol oxidation can generate methyl ethyl ketone and acetic acid. Slightly soluble in water (25 ℃ when 12.5ml/100ml), dissolved in acetone, benzene, miscible with ethanol and ether. This product interacts with water to form an azeotropic mixture, the product content is 68%, the total boiling point is 88.5 ℃. Rat oral is LD506480mg/kg. 2-butanol is the main raw material for producing methyl ethyl ketone, butyl acetate, sec-butyl acetate, and also used as a solvent and extraction agent, the raw materials of plasticizers, processing agents, herbicides, but also for synthesis of spices, flavors, coloring agents, wetting agent, cleaning agents and solvents of many natural resin, linseed oil and castor oil.

Chemical Properties

It is slightly sticky colorless flammable liquid, with a strong odor. Melting point is-114.7 ℃, the boiling point is 99.5 ℃, relative density (d204) is 0.808~0.809, the refractive index (nD25) is 1.3949, a flash point is 23.9 ℃. It is soluble in water, miscible in ethanol and ether.

Uses

1. Used as extraction solvent, spices.
2. 2-butanol is Used as a solvent, and chromatography reagents
3. 2-butanol is Used for the production of intermediates of methyl ethyl ketone, for the preparation of butyl acetate, sec-butyl, used as plasticizers, processing agents, herbicides, solvents and so on.
4. Used for the production of intermediates of methyl ethyl ketone, for the preparation of butyl acetate, sec-butyl.

Butanol isomers

Butanol is an important industrial raw material, also known as hydroxy butane, a monohydric alcohol, the lowest level alcohol for the same family which can have two or more isomers, butanol has four kinds of isomers, namely n-butanol, 2-butanol, tert-butanol and isobutanol. Relative molecular mass is 74.12. Butanol has the common property of alcohols, such as water-like, reacts with metal to produce alkoxide, reacts with halogen acid to produce halogenated hydrocarbons, dehydrates into alkenes, oxidation (or dehydrogenation) reaction to produce aldehydes and acids, and reacts with organic acids or oxygen-containing inorganic acid to generate ester and so on. In the four isomers, the toxicity of n-butanol is minimal, the toxicity of the other three is not large, but their irritation is great, with irritation to the skin and mucous membrane. Inhalation of large vapors can cause coma. The maximum allowable concentration at workplace is 100 × 10-6. Butanol can be directly used as a solvent, extraction agent, dehydrating agent, plasticizer, mineral processing agent, anti-aging agent, herbicide and so on.
Physical and chemical properties and toxicity of butanol are different due to isomers. The solubility in water depends on their structure, chemical properties depend on hydroxy location in alcohol: n-butanol and iso-butanol are primary alcohols, can be oxidized into the corresponding aldehyde or acid, sec-butyl alcohol is oxidized into the corresponding ketone, t-butanol is unsusceptible to oxidation.

Physicochemical properties comparison chart of 4 isomers of butanol
Under dehydrating catalyst, butanol can produce butene, n-butanol and 2-butene can give 1-butene, 2-butene, 2-butanol can generate 2-butene, isobutanol and tert-butanol generate isobutylene. Under the catalyst of copper and silver, the dehydrogenation generates carbonyl compounds, n-butanol generates butyraldehyde, butanol generates methyl ethyl ketone, isobutanol generate isobutyraldehyde. Under the catalyst, air oxidation can generate acid. Catalyzed by a mineral acid, it reacts with organic acid to generate ester. Reaction with benzene, can generate butyl benzene. Butanol reacts with chlorine to generate butyraldehyde chloride. Under the action of the aluminum catalyst at 300~350 ℃, reacts with ammonia, n-butanol, iso-butanol and 2-butanol react with ammonia to generate butylamine, dibutylamine, tributylamine, t-butanol does not have this character. N-butanol and tert-butanol at 180 ℃ react with hydrogen sulfide to generate butyl mercaptan.
The above information were collated and edited by Xiaonan of Chemicalbook.

Laboratory method for preparing 2-butanol

1, As raw materials 2-butene reacts with sulfuric acid in concentrated sulfuric acid to produce sulfuric acid butyl ester, sulfuric acid ester is then hydrolyzed to produce 2-butanol, and then distillation purification.

2, 2-butanone is used as raw material, under the action of a Grignard reagent, to prepare 2-butanol.
3, cis-2-butene is used as raw material, under the action of boron hydrides, to prepare d-or l-body.

Production method

After adsorption by butane of the cracking petroleum or natural gas in sulfuric acid, then hydrolyze with steam.

Dangerous situations

Prolonged inhalation is toxic, it irritates eye and skin. Flammable, flash point is 406 ℃, there is a greater risk of combustion. The allowable concentration in air of US is 100ppm (305mg/m3).

Incompatibility

Sec-butyl alcohol is incompatible with strong oxidizing agents.

Storage

It is Stored in metal drums, to prevent mechanical damage, best stored in a cool, dry and ventilated, non-flammable place, away from all possible sources of ignition, separated from strong oxidants.

Transport requirements

During transportation, "flammable liquid" shall be marked logo on the container. Others should be the same with "n-butanol".

Extinguish measures

When firing, dry powder fire extinguishing agent, fire-resistant foam or CO2 can be used. Water fighting is invalid, but spray with water in the fire container to keep it cool. If spills, and spills are not lighted, water mist can wash spray spills from the fire, and dilute to non-flammable mixtures. If necessary, water mist can be used to protect the operator to stop the leakage. Other items see the "n-butanol."

Hazards & Safety Information

Category: Flammable liquid
Toxicity grading: Poisoning
Acute toxicity
Oral-rat LD50: 6480 mg/kg, Intravenous-Mouse LD50: 764 mg/kg
Stimulus data
Eyes-rabbit 100 mg/24 hours    moderate, Skin-rabbit 500 mg/24 hr  mild
Hazardous characteristics
It is explosive when mixed with air, self-oxidized to form explosive peroxides.
Flammability hazard characteristics
in case of fire, high temperature, oxidant, it is flammable, burning to generate irritation smoke, spontaneous combustion in contact with chromium trioxide.
Storage characteristics
Treasury ventilation low-temperature drying, and it is stored from oxidants.
Extinguishing agent
Dry powder, water spray, carbon dioxide, foam
Professional standards
TWA 100 PPM (310 mg/m3)

Chemical Properties

Colourless liquid

Physical properties

Clear, colorless, flammable liquid with a pleasant odor. Experimentally determined detection and recognition odor threshold concentrations were 400 μg/m³ (120 ppb_v) and 1.2 mg/m³ (410 ppb_v), respectively (Hellman and Small, 1974).

Uses

2-Butanol is used in the production of methylethyl ketone and sec-butyl acetate, as asolvent in lacquers and alkyd enamels, in inhydraulic brake fluids, in cleaning compounds, and its xanthate derivatives in oreflotation. In addition, it is used to polish, clean materials, paint removers, fruit essences, perfumes, and dyestuffs.

Definition

ChEBI: A secondary alcohol that is butane substituted by a hydroxy group at position 2.

Production Methods

2-Butanol is produced commercially by the indirect hydration of n-butenes.

Production Methods

There are two ways to produce 2-Butanol in industry. The first is the butene hydration method. After pretreatment, n-butene is hydrated with sulfuric acid to obtain 2-Butanol, which is purified to obtain 2-Butanol. The second is the ion exchange resin hydration method, which uses n-butene as raw material, acidic cation exchange resin as catalyst, carries out liquid-phase esterification reaction with organic acid, and then undergoes hydrolysis and rectification to obtain the product.

General Description

A clear colorless liquid with an alcohol odor. Flash point below 0 °F. Less dense than water. Vapors heavier than air. Soluble in water. Moderately irritates the eyes and skin. Prolonged and repeated contact may cause defatting and drying of the skin. Vapors may irritate the nose, throat and respiratory tract. May be harmful by ingestion.

Air & Water Reactions

Highly flammable. Soluble in water.

Reactivity Profile

Attacks plastics. [Handling Chemicals Safely 1980. p. 236]. Acetyl bromide reacts violently with alcohols or water (Merck 11th ed. 1989). Mixtures of alcohols with concentrated sulfuric acid and strong hydrogen peroxide can cause explosions. Example: An explosion will occur if dimethylbenzylcarbinol is added to 90% hydrogen peroxide then acidified with concentrated sulfuric acid. Mixtures of ethyl alcohol with concentrated hydrogen peroxide form powerful explosives. Mixtures of hydrogen peroxide and 1-phenyl-2-methyl propyl alcohol tend to explode if acidified with 70% sulfuric acid [Chem. Eng. News 45(43):73 1967; J, Org. Chem. 28:1893 1963]. Alkyl hypochlorites are violently explosive. They are readily obtained by reacting hypochlorous acid and alcohols either in aqueous solution or mixed aqueous-carbon tetrachloride solutions. Chlorine plus alcohols would similarly yield alkyl hypochlorites. They decompose in the cold and explode on exposure to sunlight or heat. Tertiary hypochlorites are less unstable than secondary or primary hypochlorites [NFPA 491 M 1991]. Base-catalysed reactions of isocyanates with alcohols should be carried out in inert solvents. Such reactions in the absence of solvents often occur with explosive violence [Wischmeyer 1969].

Hazard

Toxic, mutagenic, upper respiratory tract irritant, central nervous system impairment.

Health Hazard

Exposure to 2-butanol may cause irritationof the eyes and skin. The latter effect isproduced by its defatting action on skin. Thistoxic property is mild and similar to thatof other butanol isomers. High concentrationmay produce narcosis. The narcotic effect isstronger than that of n-butanol, probably dueto the higher vapor pressure of the secondaryalcohol.
The toxicity is lower than that of itsprimary alcohol analogue.
LD50 value, oral (rats): 6480 mg/kg.

Flammability and Explosibility

Flammable

Chemical Reactivity

Reactivity with Water No reaction; Reactivity with Common Materials: No reactions; Stability During Transport: Stable; Neutralizing Agents for Acids and Caustics: Not pertinent; Polymerization: Not pertinent; Inhibitor of Polymerization: Not pertinent.

Safety Profile

Poison by intravenous and intraperitoneal routes. Mildly toxic by ingestion. Experimental reproductive effects. A skin and eye irritant. See also nBUTYL ALCOHOL and ALCOHOLS. Dangerous fire hazard when exposed to heat or flame. Auto-oxidizes to an explosive peroxide. Ignites on contact with chromium trioxide. To fight fire, use water spray, alcohol foam, CO2, dry chemical. Incompatible with oxidizing materials. When heated to decomposition it emits acrid smoke and fumes.

Potential Exposure

Butyl alcohols are used as solvents for paints, lacquers, varnishes, natural and synthetic resins, gums, vegetable oils, dyes, camphor, and alkaloids. They are also used as an intermediate in the manufacture of pharmaceuticals and chemicals; in the manufacture of artificial leather, safety glass; rubber and plastic cements, shellac, raincoats, photographic films, perfumes; and in plastic fabrication.

Environmental Fate

Biological. Bridié et al. (1979) reported BOD and COD values of 2.15 and 2.49 g/g using filtered effluent from a biological sanitary waste treatment plant. These values were determined using a standard dilution method at 20 °C for a period of 5 d. The ThOD for sec-butyl alcohol is 2.59 g/g. In activated sludge inoculum, following a 20-d adaptation period, 98.5% COD removal was achieved. The average rate of biodegradation was 55.0 mg COD/g?h (Pitter, 1976).
Photolytic. The estimated half-life of sec-butyl alcohol for the reaction of OH radicals in air ranges from 129 d to 23 yr (Anbar and Neta, 1967).
Chemical/Physical. sec-Butyl alcohol will not hydrolyze in water because it does not contain a hydrolyzable group (Kollig, 1993).

Shipping

UN1120 Butanols, Hazard Class: 3; Labels: 3— Flammable liquid. UN1212 Isobutanol or Isobutyl alcohol, Hazard Class: 3; Labels: 3—Flammable liquid

Purification Methods

Purification methods are the same as for n-Butanol. These include drying with K2CO3 or CaSO4, followed by filtration and fractional distillation, refluxing with CaO, distillation, then refluxing with magnesium and redistillation, and refluxing with, then distilling from CaH2. Calcium carbide has also been used as a drying agent. The anhydrous alcohol is obtained by refluxing with sec-butyl phthalate or succinate. (For method see Ethanol.) Small amounts of alcohol can be purified via conversion to the alkyl hydrogen phthalate and recrystallisation [Hargreaves J Chem Soc 3679 1956]. For purification of optical isomers, see Timmermans and Martin [J Chem Phys 25 411 1928]. [Beilstein 2 III 1566.]

Incompatibilities

Butyl alcohols may form explosive mixture with air. In all cases they are Incompatible with oxidizers (chlorates, nitrates, peroxides, permanganates, perchlorates, chlorine, bromine, fluorine, etc.); contact may cause fires or explosions. Keep away from alkaline materials, strong bases, strong acids, oxoacids, epoxides. Attacks some plastics, rubber and coatings. n-Butanol is incompatible with strong acids; halogens, caustics, alkali metals; aliphatic amines; isocyanates. sec-Butanol forms an explosive peroxide in air. Ignites with chromium trioxide. Incompatible with strong oxidizers; strong acids; aliphatic amines; isocyanates, organic peroxides. tert-Butanol is incompatible with strong acids (including mineral acid), including mineral acids; strong oxidizers or caustics, aliphatic amines; isocyanates, alkali metals (i.e., lithium, sodium, potassium, rubidium, cesium, francium). isoButanol is incompatible with strong acids; strong oxidizers; caustics, aliphatic amines; isocyanates, alkali metals and alkali earth. May react with aluminum at high temperatur

Waste Disposal

Incineration, or bury absorbed waste in an approved land fill.

2-Butanol(78-92-2)Related Product Information

• Kresoxim-methyl
• Aluminium tri-sec-butoxide
• Ethambutol
• Methylparaben
• 2-Butoxyethanol
• Butyl acrylate
• Basic Violet 1
• 3-Mercapto-2-butanol
• (S)-(+)-3-METHYL-2-BUTANOL
• Methanol
• Methyl acrylate
• 2,6-Lutidine
• Butyl acetate
• Cyhalofop-butyl
• Ethyl acetate
• Diethylene glycol monobutyl ether
• 2-Amino-2-methyl-1-propanol
• Methyl salicylate