Isobutanol

Isobutanol
IUPAC name	2-Methylpropan-1-ol
Other names	Isobutyl alcohol, IBA, 2-methylpropyl alcohol
Identifiers
CAS number	[78-83-1]
RTECS	NP9625000
SMILES	CC(C)CO
Properties
Chemical formula	C4H10O
Molar mass	74.12 g/mol
Appearance	Colorless liquid
Density	0.802 g/cm³, liquid
Melting point	-108 °C (165 K)
Boiling point	108 °C (381 K)
Solubility in water	Limited solubility
Viscosity	3.95 centipoise at 20°C
Structure
Hazards
Material safety data sheet (MSDS)	External MSDS
R/S statements	R: 10-20-22-36-37-38 S: 7-16-24/25-26
NFPA 704
Flash point	28 °C
Related compounds
Other alcohols	Isopropyl alcohol, ethanol, 2-butanol
Other compounds	acetone, propylene, diisopropyl ether
Except where noted otherwise, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C, 100 kPa)

Isobutanol (IUPAC nomenclature: 2-methylpropan-1-ol; also known as 2-methylpropyl alcohol, among other names) is a colorless, flammable, organic compound with a characteristic smell. Its isomers are n-butanol, 2-butanol, and tert-butanol. It is classified as an alcohol, and, as such, it is widely used as a solvent in chemical reactions, as well as being a useful starting material for organic synthesis.

Isobutanol is produced naturally during the fermentation of carbohydrates. It may also be a by-product of the decay process of organic matter.

Applications

• feedstock in the manufacture of isobutyl acetate, which is used in the production of lacquer and similar coatings, and in the food industry as a flavouring agent
• in the industrial synthesis of derivative esters; isobutyl esters such as diisobutyl phthalate (DIBP) are used as plasticizer agents in plastics, rubbers, and other dispersions
• as paint solvent
• as varnish remover
• as ink
• as paint additive, to reduce viscosity
• as paint additive, to improve brush flow
• as paint additive, to retard the formation of oil residues (blush) on painted surfaces
• as gasoline additive, to reduce carburetor icing
• as additive to automotive polish
• as additive to automotive paint cleaner
• as a chemical extractant in production of organic compounds
• as a mobile phase in thin layer chromatography.

Future applications could serve as an eventual substitute to gasoline to fuel combustion engines and is being aggressively researched by companies such as Gevo for this use.

Safety

Isobutanol is a volatile, flammable liquid that should be stored and used in well-ventilated areas. It is moderately irritating to the skin and greatly irritating to the eyes, mucous membranes, and respiratory tract. Exposure to high concentrations of its vapour can cause temporary narcosis.

Isobutanol is considered to be slightly toxic and it has been shown to cause liver damage in mice and humans. Ingestion may also lead to alcohol poisoning.

In March 2009 the Canadaian government announced its ban of isobutanol in cosmetics.

MSDS http://www.jtbaker.com/msds/englishhtml/i7600.htm

References

• Health and Safety Guide for Isobutanol. World Health Organisation, 1987. Last accessed October 5, 2005.

External links

• IPCS Environmental Health Criteria 65: Butanols: four isomers
• http://www.forbes.com/2008/03/19/innovation-ethanol-fuel-tech-innovation08-cx_wp_0319innovation.html