2-Butanol, recognized chemically as sec-butanol or secondary butyl alcohol, carries the molecular formula C4H10O and a molecular weight of about 74.12 g/mol. This compound arises from the fermentation or the hydration of hydrocarbons, most often reaching purity standards through distillation. In daily work at chemical plants and laboratories, most people see 2-Butanol as a clear liquid with a distinctive, somewhat sharp odor that hints at its alcohol nature. Its structure places a hydroxyl group (-OH) on the second carbon atom of a straight-chain butane backbone, giving it an ability to participate in hydrogen bonding. HS Code 290513 serves as the identifier in international trade, making it easier to track and regulate shipments.
2-Butanol exists under standard conditions as a colorless, flammable liquid, with a boiling point near 99.5°C and a melting point around -114°C. Its density ranges close to 0.808 g/cm3 at 20°C—noticeably less dense than water, so spills often float or spread across surfaces. Solubility levels show it mixes readily with most organic solvents and dissolves well in water, making processing, cleaning, or blending less of a hassle. This alcohol vaporizes quickly at room temperature, so ventilation becomes key in any environment handling open buckets or drums. 2-Butanol does not form crystals, flakes, or pearls under normal storage. It always arrives—whether transported in drums, jugs, tanker trucks, or sampled in labs—in liquid form.
As a secondary alcohol, 2-Butanol participates in reactions like dehydration, oxidation, and esterification. In hydrogenation work or during downstream conversions in refineries, secondary alcohols like 2-Butanol often serve as intermediates. Oxidation tends to yield methyl ethyl ketone, another valuable chemical. The vapor--inhaled or exposed to eyes or skin--can irritate mucous membranes, with extended exposure causing headaches or drowsiness. Flashpoint for this alcohol sits around 24°C. Sparks, flames, or even hot machinery can ignite vapors, so keeping storage containers closed, grounding equipment, and having spill control measures ready all make a real difference. On the topic of hazardous waste, many companies lean on closed transfer systems and scrubber units to limit workplace exposure and manage emissions responsibly.
Most 2-Butanol meant for industrial, pharmaceutical, or laboratory use comes with purity levels above 99%. Residual water, lower alcohols, and hydrocarbon impurities tend to register at less than 0.1% each. Some suppliers offer certificates with pH, specific gravity, and refractive index listed for quality checks. Its refractive index usually falls close to 1.393 at 20°C, while viscosity measures about 3.6 mPa·s at the same temperature. The compound lacks color, avoids crystalizing even at low temperatures, and has a strong, characteristic scent—another factor for handling needs in enclosed spaces. Suppliers often include safety data sheets detailing these points, supporting compliance with occupational regulations and regional chemical control laws like REACH or TSCA.
Feedstocks for 2-Butanol mostly come from petrochemical streams—specifically from butene hydration or butadiene conversions, which keeps supply flexible and relatively affordable for buyers worldwide. Refineries package 2-Butanol as a raw material for organic synthesis, especially where methyl ethyl ketone, perfumes, or plasticizers come into play. Coatings, resins, extraction solvents, and even some flavoring compounds in food processing rely, in part, on this alcohol. Paints and adhesives benefit from its solvency, while pharmaceutical factories use it to create intermediates. In cleaning solutions or surface treatments, 2-Butanol acts as a dissolving agent. Though its harmful effects—flammability, toxicity by large intake, respiratory hazards—mean it cannot substitute safer materials in every application, workplaces using 2-Butanol have strict signage, personal protective gear, and staff training. Physical properties, particularly vapor pressure and low freezing point, mean it handles harsh weather or unheated warehouses better than many other solvents.
Handling and storage guidelines always call for chemical-resistant gloves, splash goggles, and good airflow. In the event of a spill, non-sparking tools and absorbent materials come out to avoid accidents. For bulk storage, metal drums or lined tanks prevent leaching, while all transfer pumps and hoses must handle flammable liquids. Lab-scale researchers keep small bottles sealed and marked, with spill trays nearby, monitoring for vapor buildup. Waste streams require incineration or recovery by certified firms, following national hazardous waste codes. Environmental priorities push facilities to invest in vapor recovery units and scrubbers, keeping emissions below legal limits, and reducing health risks to staff and the surrounding community. Using small containers reduces surface area and evaporation, another proven solution to limit exposure in confined areas.
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Molecular Formula | C4H10O |
| HS Code | 290513 |
| Molecular Weight | 74.12 g/mol |
| Form | Liquid |
| Boiling Point | 99.5 °C |
| Melting Point | -114 °C |
| Density | 0.808 g/cm3 at 20 °C |
| Solubility | Miscible with water and organics |
| Flash Point | 24 °C |
| Appearance | Colorless liquid, faint alcohol odor |
From each drum to every lab bottle, 2-Butanol demands attention to cleanliness, proper labeling, and flood prevention. In my own experience—whether working with bulk tanks at chemical sites or handling smaller flasks in university labs—the importance of quality assurance checks, like verifying specific gravity and keeping fire extinguishers ready, cannot get overstated. Training up new staff on the safeties and dangers associated with 2-Butanol prevents costly mistakes and health risks. For chemists and process engineers, understanding how this alcohol interacts with other raw materials—its reactivity, volatility, and tendency to form explosive mixtures—forms the backbone of safe operations. Companies leaning into green chemistry often look for alternatives, but cost, performance, and supply stability keep 2-Butanol anchored in many applications. Regulatory bodies keep updating procedures for storage, environmental emissions, and workplace safety, aiming to reduce incidents and keep everyone healthy. In a world pushing for new materials and safer chemicals, educated handling of known compounds like 2-Butanol still offers essential lessons in chemical management and occupational health.
