Chemical Properties |
colourless liquid |
Uses |
As butylating agent in organic synthesis, e.g., in the manufacture of butyl cellulose. |
General Description |
A water white liquid with a sharp odor. Flash point 20°F. Boiling point 77-78°C (173°F). Density 7.5 lb / gal. Slightly soluble in water. Vapors are heavier than air. Used in the manufacture of a variety of organic chemicals. |
Air & Water Reactions |
Highly flammable. May react with atmospheric moisture over prolonged periods of exposure. Slightly soluble in water. |
Reactivity Profile |
1-Chlorobutane is incompatible with oxidizing agents and strong bases. Reacts with aluminum powder, liquid oxygen, potassium and sodium . Emits phosgene gas when heated to decomposition,. Reacts with aluminum and magnesium. May be sensitive to heat. |
Health Hazard |
Mildly irritating to the skin and eyes, liquid may cause rash due to removal of skin oils. Ingestion or skin absorbtion may cause intestinal upset, cramping, and central nervous system depression. |
Fire Hazard |
Special Hazards of Combustion Products: May produce phosgene gas in fire |
Safety Profile |
Moderately toxic by ingestion. Mutation data reported. See CHLORINATED HYDROCARBONS, ALIPHATIC. Skin and eye irritant. Dangerous fire hazard when exposed to heat or flame. Moderately explosive when exposed to flame. When heated to decomposition it emits hghly toxic fumes of phosgene and Cl-. To fight fire, use foam, COa, dry chemical. Incompatible with oxidizing materials |
Purification Methods |
Shake it repeatedly with conc H2SO4 (until no further colour develops in the acid), then wash it with water, aqueous NaHCO3 or Na2CO3, and more water. Dry it with CaCl2, or MgSO4 (then with P2O5 if desired), decant and fractionally distil it. Alternatively, a stream of oxygen continuing ca three times as long as is necessary to obtain the first coloration of starch iodide paper by the exit gas. After washing with NaHCO3 solution to hydrolyse ozonides and to remove the resulting organic acid, the liquid is dried and distilled [Chien & Willard J Am Chem Soc 75 6160 1953]. [Beilstein 1 IV 246.] |