Isobutanol is a colorless liquid with a strong odor. It is used as a solvent, fuel additive, and in the production of various chemicals. It can cause irritation if inhaled or in contact with the skin.
| IUPAC Name | 2-Methylpropan-1-ol |
| Molecular Formula | C4H10O |
| CAS Number | 78-83-1 |
| Synonyms | Isobutyl alcohol, 2-Methyl-1-propanol, 2-Methylpropyl alcohol |
| InChI | InChI=1S/C4H10O/c1-4(2)3-5/h4-5H,3H2,1-2H3 |
Isobutanol Properties
Isobutanol Formula
The formula of isobutyl alcohol is C4H10O. It consists of four carbon atoms, ten hydrogen atoms, and one oxygen atom. It is an alcohol compound and is also known as 2-methylpropan-1-ol.
Isobutanol Molar Mass
The molar mass of isobutyl alcohol is calculated by adding up the atomic masses of its constituent elements. For isobutyl alcohol, the molar mass is approximately 74.12 grams per mole.
Isobutanol Boiling Point
Isobutyl alcohol has a boiling point of about 107.89 degrees Celsius (225.2 degrees Fahrenheit). This means that at this temperature, isobutyl alcohol changes from a liquid state to a gaseous state.
Isobutanol Melting Point
The melting point of isobutyl alcohol is approximately -108 degrees Celsius (-162.4 degrees Fahrenheit). This is the temperature at which isobutyl alcohol transitions from a solid state to a liquid state.
Isobutanol Density g/mL
Isobutyl alcohol has a density of around 0.806 grams per milliliter. This density indicates the mass of isobutyl alcohol per unit volume and helps determine its behavior in various applications.
Isobutanol Molecular Weight
The molecular weight of isobutyl alcohol, which is the sum of the atomic weights of its constituent atoms, is approximately 74.12 grams per mole. It is an important factor in various chemical calculations and reactions.
Isobutanol Structure
The structure of isobutyl alcohol consists of a central carbon atom bonded to three other carbon atoms and a hydroxyl group (-OH). It has a branched structure with the methyl group (CH3) attached to the second carbon atom.
Isobutanol Solubility
Isobutyl alcohol is miscible with many organic solvents, including water, ethanol, and diethyl ether. However, its solubility in water is relatively low. Isobutyl alcohol’s solubility depends on factors such as temperature and the polarity of the solvent.
| Property | Value |
| Appearance | Colorless liquid |
| Specific Gravity | 0.806 |
| Color | N/A |
| Odor | Strong |
| Molar Mass | 74.12 g/mol |
| Density | 0.806 g/mL |
| Melting Point | -108 °C |
| Boiling Point | 107.89 °C |
| Flash Point | 35 °C |
| Water Solubility | Miscible |
| Solubility | Miscible with organic solvents including water, ethanol, and diethyl ether |
| Vapour Pressure | 7.49 mmHg at 25 °C |
| Vapour Density | 2.55 (air = 1) |
| pKa | 16.18 |
| pH | 7 (neutral) |
Isobutanol Safety and Hazards
Isobutyl alcohol poses certain safety hazards that should be taken into consideration. It can cause irritation if inhaled, ingested, or in contact with the skin or eyes. Adequate ventilation and personal protective equipment should be used when handling this chemical. Isobutyl alcohol is flammable and can form explosive vapor-air mixtures. It has a low flash point of 35 degrees Celsius, making it a potential fire hazard. Precautions must be taken to prevent ignition sources. In case of accidental release, proper containment and cleanup procedures should be followed. It is important to refer to safety data sheets and follow appropriate safety protocols when working with isobutyl alcohol.
| Hazard Symbols | Flammable, Irritant |
| Safety Description | Keep away from ignition sources. Use in a well-ventilated area. Avoid direct contact with skin and eyes. |
| UN IDs | UN 1212 |
| HS Code | 2905.13.00 |
| Hazard Class | Class 3 – Flammable liquids |
| Packing Group | PG II |
| Toxicity | Can cause irritation. May be harmful if swallowed. |
Isobutanol Synthesis Methods
Various methods can synthesize isobutyl alcohol. One common method involves catalytically hydrogenating isobutyraldehyde by mixing it with hydrogen gas in the presence of a metal catalyst, such as nickel or platinum. The catalyst facilitates the conversion of isobutyraldehyde to isobutyl alcohol.
Another method entails hydroformylating propylene, wherein propylene reacts with carbon monoxide and hydrogen gas using a catalyst, typically a rhodium-based complex. This reaction generates isobutyraldehyde, which can then undergo further hydrogenation to yield isobutyl alcohol.
The process of biomass fermentation enables the production of isobutyl alcohol. Certain microorganisms, including bacteria and yeast, can metabolize sugars or other carbon sources and produce isobutyl alcohol as a byproduct. This bio-based method presents a renewable and sustainable approach to isobutyl alcohol production.
The indirect hydration of isobutene is a method used for synthesizing isobutyl alcohol. This involves reacting isobutene with sulfuric acid to form tertiary butyl alcohol (TBA), which can subsequently undergo dehydration to generate isobutyl alcohol.
Each of these methods has its advantages and considerations in terms of cost, efficiency, and environmental impact. The choice of synthesis method depends on factors such as the desired purity of isobutyl alcohol, availability of starting materials, and specific industrial requirements.
Isobutanol Uses
Isobutyl alcohol finds application in various industries due to its versatile properties. Here are some common uses of isobutyl alcohol:
Solvent: Isobutyl alcohol actively dissolves and disperses other substances, enhancing their application and performance in various applications such as paints, coatings, and resins.
Fuel additive: Isobutyl alcohol actively improves the octane rating and enhances the combustion efficiency of gasoline when blended as a fuel additive. It actively serves as a renewable alternative to conventional gasoline additives.
Chemical intermediate: Isobutyl alcohol actively plays a key role as an intermediate in the production of various chemicals. It actively participates in the manufacturing of esters, plasticizers, herbicides, and pharmaceuticals.
Extraction agent: Isobutyl alcohol actively extracts and concentrates aromatic compounds, serving as an extraction agent in the production of natural and synthetic flavors and fragrances.
Printing inks: Isobutyl alcohol actively aids in dissolving pigments and improving ink flow in the formulation of printing inks, particularly in flexographic and gravure printing processes.
Personal care products: Isobutyl alcohol actively acts as a solvent for fragrance ingredients in the formulation of personal care products such as perfumes, colognes, and lotions. It actively assists in achieving the desired scent profiles.
Pharmaceuticals: Isobutyl alcohol actively serves as a solvent or reaction medium in pharmaceutical manufacturing processes, enabling the synthesis and formulation of various medications.
These diverse applications highlight the significance of isobutyl alcohol in multiple industries, making it a valuable compound with a wide range of uses.
Questions:
Q: What is isobutanol?
A: Isobutyl alcohol is a colorless liquid alcohol with a strong odor, commonly used as a solvent, fuel additive, and chemical intermediate in various industries.
Q: Is isobutanol soluble in water?
A: Isobutyl alcohol is partially soluble in water, with limited miscibility due to its hydrophobic nature.
Q: At what chemical shifts (ppm) do we predict to observe for the 4 peaks of isobutanol?
A: The four peaks of Isobutyl alcohol are typically observed at chemical shifts around 0.9 ppm (singlet), 1.1-1.3 ppm (quartet), 1.6-1.8 ppm (multiplet), and 3.7-4.0 ppm (multiplet).
Q: How to produce isobutanol?
A: Isobutyl alcohol can be produced through various methods, including catalytic hydrogenation of isobutyraldehyde, hydroformylation of propylene, fermentation of biomass, or indirect hydration of isobutene.
Q: What is isobutanol used in?
A: Isobutyl alcohol is used as a solvent, fuel additive, chemical intermediate, extraction agent, printing ink component, and in personal care products and pharmaceuticals.
Q: How soluble is isobutanol?
A: Isobutyl alcohol exhibits moderate solubility in water, but it is highly soluble in organic solvents such as ethanol and diethyl ether.
Q: Is isobutanol a peroxide former?
A: No, Isobutyl alcohol is not considered a peroxide former, unlike some other organic compounds that can form explosive peroxides upon exposure to air and light.
Q: What advantage does the direct production of isobutanol by engineered cyanobacteria have over other alternative biofuels?
A: Direct production of Isobutyl alcohol by engineered cyanobacteria offers advantages such as high yield, carbon neutrality, and the potential for renewable and sustainable biofuel production.