2-Methyl-1-butene
[CAS# 563-46-2]

Identification

• Classification: Organic raw materials >> Hydrocarbon compounds and their derivatives >> Acyclic hydrocarbon
• Name: 2-Methyl-1-butene
• Synonyms: 1-Isoamylene; 2-Methyl-1-butylene; NSC 72414; gamma-Isoamylene
• Molecular Formula: C₅H₁₀
• Molecular Weight: 70.13
• CAS Registry Number: 563-46-2
• EC Number: 209-250-7
• SMILES: CCC(=C)C

Properties

• Solubility: Very slightly soluble (0.14 g/L) (25 °C), Calc.^*
• Density: 0.6511 g/cm³ (20 °C)^**
• Melting point: -137.5 °C^***
• Boiling point: 33-35 °C^****
• Refractive index: 1.37781 (589.3 nm 20 °C)^*****
• Flash point: -46.5±2.4 °C, Calc.^*

^* Calculated using Advanced Chemistry Development (ACD/Labs) Software V11.02 (©1994-2017 ACD/Labs)

^** Houtman, J. P. W.

^*** "Hazardous Substances Data Bank" data were obtained from the National Library of Medicine (US)

^**** Brooks, Benjamin T.

^***** Slabey, Vernon A.

Safety Data

• Hazard Symbols: GHS02;GHS07;GHS08;GHS09 Danger
• Risk Statements: H224-H225-H302-H304-H315-H336-H341-H35o-H351-H411
• Safety Statements: P203-P210-P233-P240-P241-P242-P243-P261-P264-P270-P271-P273-P280-P301+P316-P301+P317-P302+P352-P303+P361+P353-P304+P340-P318-P319-P321-P330-P331-P332+P317-P362+P364-P370+P378-P391-P403+P233-P403+P235-P405-P501

Hazard Classification

Hazard	Class	Category Code	Hazard Statement
Aspiration hazard	Asp. Tox.	1	H304
Acute toxicity	Acute Tox.	4	H302
Flammable liquids	Flam. Liq.	1	H224
Skin irritation	Skin Irrit.	2	H315
Chronic hazardous to the aquatic environment	Aquatic Chronic	2	H411
Specific target organ toxicity - single exposure	STOT SE	3	H336
Flammable liquids	Flam. Liq.	2	H225
Carcinogenicity	Carc.	2	H351
Germ cell mutagenicity	Muta.	2	H341
Specific target organ toxicity - single exposure	STOT SE	3	H335
Acute toxicity	Acute Tox.	4	H332
Eye irritation	Eye Irrit.	2	H319

Discovery and Applications

The discovery of 2-methyl-1-butene can be traced back to its synthesis through the selective alkylation of propylene under controlled conditions. The synthesis process produces a clear, colorless liquid with a unique molecular structure characterized by the substitution of the butene backbone with a methyl group at the second carbon atom. This structural configuration confers exceptional stability and reactivity, laying the foundation for its wide range of industrial applications. 2-Methyl-1-butene is characterized by a molecular structure that includes a branched butene chain with a methyl group attached to the second carbon atom. These structural attributes influence its physical properties, such as boiling point, density, and solubility, making it suitable for a variety of industrial and commercial uses.

2-Methyl-1-butene is a key monomer in the production of elastomers and specialty polymers. Its incorporation enhances the flexibility, elasticity, and resistance to environmental stresses of polymers, making it indispensable for the manufacture of durable materials in the automotive, construction, and consumer goods industries.

The compound is widely used as a chemical intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and specialty chemicals. Its structural versatility allows for customized molecular design, optimizing the performance and efficacy of products in a variety of applications.

Due to its high octane rating and combustion properties, 2-methyl-1-butene is used as a fuel additive to improve the efficiency and performance of gasoline blends. This application helps reduce emissions and improve engine efficiency in the automotive and aviation industries.

Ongoing research explores the potential of 2-methyl-1-butene in the following areas: studying its catalytic properties in organic synthesis and industrial processes to improve reaction rates, selectivity, and yields of valuable chemical products; evaluating its biodegradability and environmental impact to enable sustainable applications in waste treatment and environmental remediation technologies; exploring its role in advanced materials synthesis, including nanomaterials and composites, to innovate new functional materials with enhanced properties.

Research on the safety and regulatory compliance of 2-methyl-1-butene ensures its responsible handling and use in industrial and consumer applications, adhering to strict environmental and occupational health standards.

References

David Johnson and George Marston. The gas-phase ozonolysis of unsaturated volatile organic compounds in the troposphere, Chem. Soc. Rev., 2008, 37, 699.