Chemical Properties
The butylphenols include several isomers.
Solid butylphenols (28805-86-9) generally have properties
similar to the above:
General Description
Butyl phenol (para-tert) is a white crystalline solid. Butylphenol, Isomere mixture is insoluble in water. Butylphenol, Isomere mixture may burn though Butylphenol, Isomere mixture may require some effort to ignite. Butylphenol, Isomere mixture is corrosive to metals and tissue. Butylphenol, Isomere mixture is used to make other chemicals.
Air & Water Reactions
Insoluble in water.
Reactivity Profile
Phenols, such as BUTYLPHENOL, do not behave as organic alcohols, as one might guess from the presence of a hydroxyl (-OH) group in their structure. Instead, they react as weak organic acids. Phenols and cresols are much weaker as acids than common carboxylic acids (phenol has Ka = 1.3 x 10^[-10]). These materials are incompatible with strong reducing substances such as hydrides, nitrides, alkali metals, and sulfides. Flammable gas (H2) is often generated, and the heat of the reaction may ignite the gas. Heat is also generated by the acid-base reaction between phenols and bases. Such heating may initiate polymerization of the organic compound. Phenols are sulfonated very readily (for example, by concentrated sulfuric acid at room temperature). The reactions generate heat. Phenols are also nitrated very rapidly, even by dilute nitric acid.
Health Hazard
Inhalation of vapors causes irritation of respiratory system. Ingestion causes irritation of mouth and stomach. Contact with eyes causes burns. Contact with dry skin produces no significant irritation, but wet skin is subject to moderate irritation, even a mild burn.
Potential Exposure
Butylphenols may be used as intermediates in manufacturing varnish and lacquer resins; as a
germicidal agent in detergent disinfectants; as a pour point
depressant, in motor-oil additives; de-emulsifier for oil;
soap-antioxidant, plasticizer, fumigant, and insecticide
Shipping
UN2430 Alkylphenols, solid, n.o.s. (including
C2-C12 homologues), Hazard class: 8; Labels: 8—
Corrosive material
Incompatibilities
Vapors may form explosive mixture with
air. These phenol/cresol materials can react with oxidizers;
reaction may be violent. Incompatible with strong reducing
substances such as hydrides, nitrides, alkali metals, and sulfides. Flammable gas (H2) is often generated, and the heat
of the reaction may cause the gas to ignite and explode.
Heat is also generated by the acid-base reaction with bases;
such heating may initiate polymerization of the organic
compound. React with boranes, alkalies, aliphatic amines,
amides, nitric acid, sulfuric acid. Phenols are sulfonated
very readily (for example, by concentrated sulfuric acid at
room temperature). These reactions generate heat. Phenols
are also nitrated very rapidly, even by dilute nitric acid and
can explode when heated. Many phenols form metal salts
that may be detonated by mild shock
