Butanal or butyraldehyde is an organic compound with the formula C4H8O. It is a colorless liquid with a pungent odor and is commonly used as a starting material for the synthesis of other chemicals.
| IUPAC Name | Butanal |
| Molecular Formula | C4H8O |
| CAS Number | 123-72-8 |
| Synonyms | Butyraldehyde, Butyric aldehyde, Butanaldehyde, Butyral, N-Butanal, Butaldehyde, Butyryl hydride, 1-Butanal, 1-Butyraldehyde |
| InChI | InChI=1S/C4H8O/c1-2-3-4-5/h4H,2-3H2,1H3 |
Butanal structure
The structure of Butanal consists of a four-carbon chain with a terminal aldehyde group (-CHO) attached. The carbon atoms are numbered sequentially, with the aldehyde group attached to the first carbon. The structure of Butanal is important because it determines its chemical and physical properties.
Butanal IR Spectrum
The infrared (IR) spectrum of Butanal is used to identify the functional groups present in the molecule. The IR spectrum of Butanal shows characteristic peaks for the carbonyl group (-C=O) at around 1730 cm-1, and for the C-H stretching vibrations at around 2800-3000 cm-1. The IR spectrum is a powerful tool in organic chemistry for identifying and characterizing compounds.
Butanal molar mass
Butanal has a molar mass of 72.11 g/mol. The molar mass of a compound is the sum of the atomic masses of all the atoms in one molecule of that compound. In the case of Butanal, the molar mass is calculated by adding the atomic masses of four carbon atoms, eight hydrogen atoms, and one oxygen atom.
Butanal boiling point
The boiling point of Butanal is 75 °C or 167 °F. This is the temperature at which the vapor pressure of the liquid equals the atmospheric pressure, and the liquid starts to boil. Butanal has a relatively low boiling point, which makes it volatile and easily evaporates at room temperature.
Butanal melting point
The melting point of Butanal is -97 °C or -143 °F. This is the temperature at which a solid substance transitions to a liquid state. Butanal has a very low melting point, which means it is typically in a liquid state at room temperature.
Butyraldehyde density g/ml
The density of butyraldehyde is 0.81 g/mL. Density is the amount of mass per unit volume, and it is usually expressed in grams per milliliter for liquids. butyraldehyde has a lower density than water, which means it will float on the surface of water.
Butyraldehyde molecular weight
The molecular weight of butyraldehyde is 72.11 g/mol. This is the same as the molar mass, and it represents the mass of one molecule of butyraldehyde. The molecular weight is an important parameter used in chemical calculations and analysis.
Butyraldehyde formula
The chemical formula of butyraldehyde is C4H8O. This formula indicates the number of atoms of each element in one molecule of butyraldehyde. There are four carbon atoms, eight hydrogen atoms, and one oxygen atom in butyraldehyde.
| Appearance | Colorless liquid |
| Specific Gravity | 0.81 g/mL |
| Color | Colorless |
| Odor | Pungent, acrid |
| Molar Mass | 72.11 g/mol |
| Density | 0.81 g/mL |
| Melting Point | -97 °C (-143 °F) |
| Boiling Point | 75 °C (167 °F) |
| Flash Point | -6.7 °C (20 °F) |
| Water Solubility | Miscible |
| Solubility | Soluble in ethanol, ether, acetone |
| Vapor Pressure | 44 mmHg at 20 °C |
| Vapor Density | 2.5 (air=1) |
| pKa | 16.92 |
| pH | 4.5-6.5 |
Butanal Safety and Hazards
Butyraldehyde is a flammable liquid and can pose a fire hazard if exposed to heat or flames. It can also cause eye and skin irritation upon contact, and inhalation of vapors can cause respiratory irritation. Therefore, it is important to handle Butyraldehyde with caution, wearing appropriate personal protective equipment, such as gloves and goggles. It should be stored in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area away from sources of heat and ignition. In case of exposure or ingestion, seek medical attention immediately. It is also important to follow proper waste disposal procedures for Butyraldehyde to prevent environmental contamination.
| Hazard Symbols | Flame, Corrosive, Irritant |
| Safety Description | Keep away from heat/sparks/open flames/hot surfaces. Wear protective gloves/eye protection/face protection. IF ON SKIN (or hair): Remove/Take off immediately all contaminated clothing. Rinse skin with water/shower. In case of fire: Use dry chemical powder to extinguish. |
| UN IDs | UN1125 |
| HS Code | 2912.19.00 |
| Hazard Class | 3 |
| Packing Group | II |
| Toxicity | Butanal is harmful if ingested, inhaled, or absorbed through the skin. It can cause irritation to the eyes and skin, and prolonged exposure can lead to liver and kidney damage. It has also been shown to be mutagenic and carcinogenic in animal studies. Proper handling and disposal are important to prevent exposure and contamination. |
Butanal Synthesis Methods
Butyraldehyde can be synthesized through a variety of methods, including oxidation of primary alcohols, ozonolysis of alkenes, and hydroformylation of alkenes.
One common method for synthesizing Butyraldehyde is the oxidation of primary alcohols using an oxidizing agent such as potassium permanganate or chromic acid. The primary alcohol is first converted into the corresponding aldehyde using a mild reducing agent such as pyridinium chlorochromate, and then oxidized to Butyraldehyde. Another method involves ozonolysis of alkenes to produce aldehydes, which can then be reduced to Butyraldehyde using a reducing agent such as sodium borohydride.
Hydroformylation of alkenes is also a commonly used method for synthesizing Butyraldehyde. This involves reaction of the alkene with carbon monoxide and hydrogen gas in the presence of a catalyst such as cobalt carbonyl or rhodium complex. The resulting aldehyde can then be reduced to Butyraldehyde using a reducing agent such as lithium aluminum hydride.
Other methods for synthesizing Butyraldehyde include the reaction of Grignard reagents with formaldehyde, and the reaction of ketones with formic acid and hydrogen gas in the presence of a catalyst.
Overall, the choice of synthesis method depends on factors such as availability of starting materials, desired yield and purity, and feasibility of the reaction conditions.
Butanal Uses
Butanal has a variety of industrial and commercial uses due to its reactivity and distinct odor.
One major use of Butanal is as a starting material for the production of other chemicals, such as butyl acrylate and n-butanol. These chemicals are used in the manufacture of coatings, adhesives, and plastics.
Butanal is also used as a flavoring agent in the food industry, providing a fruity, apple-like aroma to various products such as baked goods, candies, and beverages. It is also used as a fragrance in perfumes and soaps.
In addition, Butanal is used as a solvent in organic synthesis and as a reagent in organic chemistry reactions. It can be used to convert aldehydes to secondary alcohols, and to produce esters by reacting with carboxylic acids.
Butanal has also been used in research studies as a tool for understanding the mechanisms of olfactory receptor activation in the brain, due to its strong odor.
However, it is important to note that Butanal can pose safety risks if not handled properly, and appropriate precautions should be taken when using and storing it. Overall, Butanal’s versatility and unique properties make it an important chemical in various industries and research fields.
Questions:
What is the standard enthalpy of formation of liquid butyraldehyde, ch3ch2ch2cho(l)?
The standard enthalpy of formation (∆H°f) of liquid butyraldehyde (CH3CH2CH2CHO(l)) at 25°C is -146.6 kJ/mol.
This means that the enthalpy change associated with the formation of 1 mole of liquid butyraldehyde from its constituent elements in their standard states (in this case, carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen in their elemental forms) is -146.6 kJ/mol at 25°C and 1 atm of pressure.
The negative sign indicates that the reaction is exothermic, meaning that it releases heat. This value is useful for calculating the enthalpy change of reactions that involve butyraldehyde as a reactant or product.