1-Butanol
[CAS# 71-36-3]

Identification

• Classification: Organic raw materials >> Alcohols, phenols, phenolic compounds and derivatives >> Acyclic alcohol
• Name: 1-Butanol
• Synonyms: n-Butanol; n-Butyl alcohol
• Molecular Formula: C₄H₁₀O
• Molecular Weight: 74.12
• CAS Registry Number: 71-36-3
• EC Number: 200-751-6
• FEMA: 2178
• SMILES: CCCCO

Properties

• Density: 0.81
• Melting point: -89 °C
• Boiling point: 117.6 °C
• Refractive index: 1.398-1.4
• Flash point: 35 °C
• Water solubility: 80 g/L (20 °C)

Safety Data

• Hazard Symbols: GHS02;GHS05;GHS07 Danger
• Risk Statements: H226-H302-H315-H318-H335-H336
• Safety Statements: P210-P233-P240-P241-P242-P243-P261-P264-P264+P265-P270-P271-P280-P301+P317-P302+P352-P303+P361+P353-P304+P340-P305+P354+P338-P317-P319-P321-P330-P332+P317-P362+P364-P370+P378-P403+P233-P403+P235-P405-P501

Hazard Classification

Hazard	Class	Category Code	Hazard Statement
Skin irritation	Skin Irrit.	2	H315
Flammable liquids	Flam. Liq.	3	H226
Serious eye damage	Eye Dam.	1	H318
Acute toxicity	Acute Tox.	4	H302
Specific target organ toxicity - single exposure	STOT SE	3	H336
Specific target organ toxicity - single exposure	STOT SE	3	H335
Acute toxicity	Acute Tox.	4	H332
Specific target organ toxicity - repeated exposure	STOT RE	1	H372
Eye irritation	Eye Irrit.	2	H319
Chronic hazardous to the aquatic environment	Aquatic Chronic	2	H411
Acute toxicity	Acute Tox.	2	H302
Aspiration hazard	Asp. Tox.	1	H304
Acute hazardous to the aquatic environment	Aquatic Acute	1	H400
Flammable liquids	Flam. Liq.	2	H225

• Transport Information: UN 1120

Discovery and Applications

1-Butanol, also known as n-butanol, is a straight-chain alcohol with the molecular formula C4H9OH. It was first isolated by 19th century French chemist Auguste Laurent in 1846 from the distillation of butyric acid. The discovery of the compound made a significant contribution to organic chemistry, highlighting the many applications of alcohols.

1-Butanol is a colorless liquid with a mild alcoholic odor. Key properties include a boiling point of 117.7°C (243.9°F), a melting point of -89.5°C (-129.1°F), a density of 0.810 g/cm³, and miscibility with water in all proportions and with other organic solvents. These properties make 1-butanol a versatile compound in a variety of industrial and commercial applications.

1-Butanol is widely used as a solvent in a variety of industries and is used as a solvent for paints, coatings, and adhesives due to its ability to dissolve a wide range of substances. It helps achieve the desired viscosity and improves product performance.

In chemical synthesis, 1-butanol is used to produce butyl acetate and butyl methacrylate, both of which are important in the production of coatings, adhesives, and plastics. 1-Butanol is used to make plasticizers such as dibutyl phthalate, which are added to plastics to increase flexibility and durability.

In the pharmaceutical industry, 1-butanol is used in the synthesis and formulation of various drugs. Its solvent properties help to extract and purify active pharmaceutical ingredients.

1-Butanol is used as a solvent in the formulation of cosmetics, perfumes, and other personal care products to help dissolve and stabilize ingredients. It is used in cleaning products because of its ability to dissolve oils and greases, making it effective in household and industrial cleaning applications.

In the automotive industry, 1-butanol is being studied as a gasoline substitute or additive due to its good combustion properties and potential to reduce emissions.

Handling 1-butanol requires following safety guidelines, using gloves, goggles, and protective clothing, and avoiding contact with skin and eyes. Ensure good ventilation to prevent inhalation of fumes. Store in a cool, dry place away from heat and ignition sources. Proper storage helps prevent accidents and maintain product quality.

1-Butanol is safe when used as directed. It is biodegradable and breaks down in the environment. However, spills should be controlled to avoid contamination. Short-term exposure may cause irritation or dizziness. Long-term exposure should be minimized and safety procedures should be followed to avoid adverse health effects.

References

1986. Radiation-induced Binding of Methanol, Ethanol and 1-butanol to Haemoglobin. International journal of radiation biology and related studies in physics, chemistry, and medicine, 49(1).
DOI: 10.1080/09553008614550931

1979. A simplified procedure for the quantitative extraction of lipids from brain tissue. Lipids, 14(6).
DOI: 10.1007/bf02533538

1970. Rapid diagnosis of Candida albicans. Mycopathologia et mycologia applicata, 41(3).
DOI: 10.1007/bf02051988