1-Butanol – C4H9OH, 71-36-3

1-Butanol (C4H9OH) is a colorless alcohol with a slightly sweet odor. It is used as a solvent, in organic synthesis, and as a fuel source. It can also be used in cosmetic and personal care products.

IUPAC NameButan-1-ol
Molecular FormulaC4H10O
CAS Number71-36-3
Synonymsn-Butyl Alcohol, Butanol, Butyl alcohol, 1-Butyl alcohol, 1-Butanol, Butanolen, Butylene hydrate, Butyl hydrate
InChIInChI=1S/C4H10O/c1-2-3-4-5/h5H,2-4H2,1H3

1-Butanol Properties

1-Butanol Formula

The molecular formula of 1-Butanol is C4H10O. This means that it contains four carbon atoms, ten hydrogen atoms, and one oxygen atom. It has a linear structure, with the hydroxyl group (-OH) attached to the first carbon atom.

1-Butanol Molar Mass

The molar mass of C4H9OH is 74.12 g/mol. This means that one mole of C4H9OH weighs 74.12 grams. Molar mass is an important property of a substance as it helps in determining the amount of substance present in a given sample.

1-Butanol Boiling Point

C4H9OH has a boiling point of 117.7 °C (243.9 °F). This means that it will change from a liquid to a gas state at this temperature. The boiling point of C4H9OH is higher than that of ethanol due to the presence of an additional carbon atom.

1-Butanol Melting Point

The melting point of C4H9OH is -90.6 °C (-131.1 °F). This means that it will change from a solid to a liquid state at this temperature. The melting point of C4H9OH is lower than that of butanoic acid, which has a similar molecular weight.

1-Butanol Density g/ml

The density of C4H9OH is 0.81 g/mL. This means that one milliliter of C4H9OH weighs 0.81 grams. The density of C4H9OH is lower than that of water, which has a density of 1 g/mL.

1-Butanol Molecular Weight

The molecular weight of C4H9OH is 74.12 g/mol. This is the sum of the atomic weights of all the atoms in its molecular formula. Molecular weight is an important property of a substance as it helps in determining its physical and chemical properties.

1-Butanol Structure

1-Butanol

The structure of C4H9OH is a straight-chain alcohol, with the hydroxyl group (-OH) attached to the first carbon atom. It has a linear structure, with four carbon atoms, ten hydrogen atoms, and one oxygen atom. Its structure allows it to form hydrogen bonds with other molecules.

1-Butanol Solubility

C4H9OH is soluble in water and organic solvents. Its solubility in water decreases as the temperature increases. It is also soluble in polar solvents, such as ethanol and methanol. The solubility of C4H9OH in organic solvents, such as benzene and ether, is higher than in water. This makes it useful as a solvent in organic synthesis.

AppearanceColorless liquid
Specific Gravity0.810 g/mL at 25 °C
ColorColorless
OdorSlightly sweet
Molar Mass74.12 g/mol
Density0.81 g/mL
Melting Point-90.6 °C (-131.1 °F)
Boiling Point117.7 °C (243.9 °F)
Flash Point35 °C (95 °F)
Water Solubility79 g/L at 20 °C
SolubilitySoluble in ethanol, diethyl ether, acetone, benzene, chloroform
Vapour Pressure1.16 kPa at 20 °C
Vapour Density2.55 (vs air)
pKa16.06
pHNeutral (7)

1-Butanol Safety and Hazards

C4H9OH poses several safety hazards, making it crucial to handle the substance with care. It is a flammable liquid that can easily ignite when exposed to heat or sparks. It also emits harmful vapors that can cause irritation and harm to the eyes, respiratory system, and skin. When ingested, it can cause serious health problems, including dizziness, confusion, and even coma. As such, it is essential to wear protective gear such as gloves, goggles, and respirators when handling C4H9OH. In case of skin or eye contact, rinse with water and seek medical attention immediately. Proper storage, handling, and disposal of C4H9OH are necessary to prevent accidents and ensure safety.

Hazard SymbolsF, Xi
Safety DescriptionKeep 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. IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing. Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from incompatible substances.
UN IDsUN 1120
HS Code2905.16.00
Hazard Class3
Packing GroupIII
ToxicityLD50 (oral, rat) 2.46 g/kg; LC50 (inhalation, rat) 37,800 ppm/4h

1-Butanol Synthesis Methods

One can synthesize C4H9OH through several methods, including reducing butyraldehyde, performing the oxo process, or using fermentation.

Fermentation is a common method for producing C4H9OH from biomass. In the fermentation process, microorganisms like Clostridium acetobutylicum are responsible for producing a mixture of organic acids and alcohols, including C4H9OH, by fermenting sugars, starches, or cellulose.

The oxo process, also known as hydroformylation, involves the reaction of propene with carbon monoxide and hydrogen in the presence of a catalyst such as cobalt or rhodium. The hydrogenation of butyraldehyde produces C4H9OH. When butyraldehyde undergoes hydrogenation, it forms the compound C4H9OH.

Another method for synthesizing C4H9OH is through the reduction of butyraldehyde with hydrogen in the presence of a catalyst such as palladium or nickel. This reaction produces C4H9OH along with water as a byproduct.

The Fischer-Tropsch process is a method for producing C4H9OH from fossil fuels. It involves using a catalyst to react carbon monoxide and hydrogen, which results in the production of various hydrocarbons, including C4H9OH.

1-Butanol Uses

C4H9OH has a variety of uses in various industries due to its unique properties. Some common uses of C4H9OH include:

  • Solvent: Used as a solvent for various substances, including resins, fats, oils, and waxes.
  • Intermediate: Used as an intermediate in the production of other chemicals, such as butyl acrylate and butyl acetate.
  • Additive: Used as an additive in gasoline and diesel fuels to increase their octane ratings and reduce emissions.
  • Extractant: Used as an extractant in the production of antibiotics, vitamins, and hormones.
  • Cosmetic and personal care products: Used in the production of various cosmetic and personal care products, including lotions, creams, and perfumes.
  • Flavors and fragrances: Used as a flavor and fragrance enhancer in the food and beverage industry.
  • Pharmaceuticals: Used in the production of various pharmaceuticals, including sedatives and hypnotics.
  • Pesticides: Used as a component in the production of various pesticides and herbicides.

Questions:

Q: Is butanol polar?

A: Yes, butanol is polar due to the presence of the hydroxyl group (-OH) which gives it a dipole moment.

Q: Is 1-butanol soluble in water?

A: Yes, C4H9OH is partially soluble in water due to the presence of the hydroxyl group which allows it to form hydrogen bonds with water molecules.

Q: Does 1-butanol have hydrogen bonding?

A: Yes, C4H9OH has hydrogen bonding due to the presence of the hydroxyl group (-OH) which can form hydrogen bonds with other C4H9OH molecules or with water molecules.

Q: How many ml of 1-butanol are required to prepare 725 ml of a 0.350 m aqueous solution of this solute?

A: The calculation requires the molar mass of C4H9OH, which is 74.12 g/mol. To prepare 0.350 M solution of C4H9OH, 26.12 g of C4H9OH is needed. Using the formula: moles = concentration x volume, we can calculate the volume of C4H9OH needed as: volume = moles / concentration. Thus, the volume of C4H9OH required to prepare 725 ml of a 0.350 m solution is (26.12 / 0.350) = 74.6 ml.

Q: Which alcohol will behave most like water? c2h5oh c4h9oh c10h21oh c7h15oh

A: Among the given options, ethanol (C2H5OH) will behave most like water due to its small molecular size and the presence of the hydroxyl group (-OH), which allows it to form strong hydrogen bonds with water molecules.

Q: What are the products of the balanced equation for the combustion of c4h9oh?

A: The balanced equation for the combustion of C4H9OH is: C4H9OH + 6O2 → 4CO2 + 5H2O. The products of the reaction are carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O).

Q: What is the molar mass of butanol (c4h9oh)?

A: The molar mass of butanol (C4H9OH) is 74.12 g/mol.

Q: Does c4h9oh have hydrogen bonding?

A: Yes, C4H9OH has hydrogen bonding due to the presence of the hydroxyl group (-OH) which allows it to form hydrogen bonds with other C4H9OH molecules or with water molecules.

Q: How many grams of butyl alcohol (c4h9oh) are in a 2500 ml solution which is 2.22m?

A: To calculate the number of grams of butyl alcohol in the solution, we need to use the formula: moles = concentration x volume. The concentration of the solution is 2.22 moles/L, and the volume is 2.5 L (2500 ml converted to L). Thus, the number of moles of butyl alcohol in the solution is: 2.22 x 2.5 = 5.55 moles. To calculate the mass of butyl alcohol, we need to multiply the number of moles by its molar mass (74.12 g/mol): 5.55 x 74.12 = 411.4 g. Therefore, there are 411.4 grams of butyl alcohol in a 2500 ml solution which is 2.22M.