1-Butanol (IUPAC: Butan-1-ol) also known as n-Butanol is a primary alcohol with the chemical formula C4H9OH and a linear structure. Isomers of 1-Butanol are isobutanol, 2-butanol, and tert-butanol. The unmodified term butanol usually refers to the straight chain isomer.
Physical Properties
- 1-Butanol has a boiling point of approximately 117.7 degrees Celsius and a melting point of -89.8 degrees Celsius. Its density is lower than water, at about 0.81 grams per cubic centimeter.
- 1-Butanol is miscible with various organic solvents, such as ethanol and diethyl ether, but exhibits limited solubility in water, dissolving approximately 7.7 grams per 100 milliliters at room temperature. This partial solubility necessitates attention to phase separation issues in certain applications.
- The refractive index of 1-butanol is approximately 1.399, a property that can be utilized for purity testing.
Chemical Properties
- As a primary alcohol, 1-butanol's chemical reactions primarily involve its hydroxyl group. It undergoes oxidation to form aldehydes or carboxylic acids; for example, butyric acid can be produced under acidic potassium permanganate conditions.
- Esterification is another common reaction, forming esters with carboxylic acids under catalysis, such as reacting with acetic acid to yield butyl acetate.
- 1-Butanol also reacts with metallic sodium to form sodium butylate while releasing hydrogen gas.
- Dehydration reactions occur under high temperatures and acid catalysis, yielding alkenes. These reactions contribute to its versatility in organic synthesis.
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