1-Chlorobutane
[CAS# 109-69-3]

Identification

• Classification: Organic raw materials >> Hydrocarbon compounds and their derivatives >> Hydrocarbon halide
• Name: 1-Chlorobutane
• Synonyms: n-Butyl chloride
• Molecular Formula: C₄H₉Cl
• Molecular Weight: 92.57
• CAS Registry Number: 109-69-3
• EC Number: 203-696-6
• SMILES: CCCCCl

Properties

• Density: 0.886
• Melting point: -123 °C
• Boiling point: 77-78 °C
• Refractive index: 1.4014-1.4034
• Flash point: -12 °C
• Water solubility: 0.5 g/L (20 °C)

Safety Data

• Hazard Symbols: GHS02 Danger
• Risk Statements: H225-H412
• Safety Statements: P210-P233-P240-P241-P242-P243-P273-P280-P303+P361+P353-P370+P378-P403+P235-P501

Hazard Classification

Hazard	Class	Category Code	Hazard Statement
Flammable liquids	Flam. Liq.	2	H225
Chronic hazardous to the aquatic environment	Aquatic Chronic	3	H412
Aspiration hazard	Asp. Tox.	1	H304

• Transport Information: UN 1127

Discovery and Applications

1-Chlorobutane, a member of the haloalkane family, was first synthesized in the 19th century as chemists began exploring organic halides. The discovery involved the reaction of butanol with hydrogen chloride, a process known as hydrochlorination. This straightforward method allowed scientists to study and understand the properties of halogen-substituted hydrocarbons. 1-Chlorobutane (C4H9Cl) is characterized by a four-carbon chain with a chlorine atom attached to the first carbon, making it a primary alkyl halide. Its clear, colorless, and volatile nature with a characteristic sweet odor highlighted its potential for various chemical applications.

1-Chlorobutane is extensively used in organic synthesis as an alkylating agent. It participates in nucleophilic substitution reactions where it can introduce the butyl group into various compounds. This reactivity is pivotal in creating a wide range of organic molecules, including pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and polymers.

Due to its non-polar nature, 1-Chlorobutane is employed as a solvent for fats, oils, waxes, and resins. Its ability to dissolve organic substances without reacting with them makes it valuable in industries that produce coatings, adhesives, and sealants. It is also used in the extraction and purification processes in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries.

1-Chlorobutane is a key starting material in the production of several herbicides and pesticides. Its role in synthesizing active ingredients helps in developing effective crop protection products, ensuring agricultural productivity and pest management.

In academic and industrial research, 1-Chlorobutane is utilized for studying reaction mechanisms and developing new synthetic pathways. Its well-characterized reactivity and behavior in chemical reactions make it an important compound for educational purposes in organic chemistry laboratories.

The pharmaceutical industry uses 1-Chlorobutane as an intermediate in the synthesis of certain drugs.

References

2017. Evaluating the solvation properties of metal-containing ionic liquids using the solvation parameter model. Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry.
DOI: 10.1007/s00216-017-0802-z

2012. Fluorescence Spectroscopic Analysis of the Interaction of Papain with Ionic Liquids. Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology.
DOI: 10.1007/s12010-012-9801-x

2003. The Effect of Inert Salts on the Structure of the Transition State in the SN2 Reaction between Thiophenoxide Ion and Butyl Chloride. The Journal of Organic Chemistry.
DOI: 10.1021/jo026879d