Production and properties of 2-Butanol

Introdution

2-Butanol (C₄H₁₀O) is one of the four isomers of butanol (n-butanol, isobutanol, 2-Butanol, tert-butanol). Colorless transparent liquid, flammable, volatile, with fragrance[1]. Melting point -114.7°C. Boiling point 99.5 ℃. d4150.81.09. nD251.3949. Viscosity (15℃) 4.210mPa·s. Flash point (open cup) 24.4 ℃. The solubility of 2-Butanol in water at 30°C is 18% (mass), and it is miscible with ethanol, ether ester, aromatic hydrocarbons, etc. Its chemical properties are similar to butanol, with secondary alcohol properties. It is mainly used in the manufacture of methyl ethyl ketone, and can also be used as a raw material for the production of spices, dyes, wetting agents, flotation agents, etc., and can also be used as a solvent for industrial cleaning.

Basic information GB No.: 33552 CAS No.: 78-92-2 Chinese name: 2-butanol English name: 2-butyl alcohol; sec-butyl alcohol Alias: 2-Butanol Molecular formula: C4H10O; CH3CH(OH)CH2CH3. The appearance and properties of 2-Butanol is a colorless and transparent liquid with a smell similar to wine. The molecular weight of 2-Butanol is 74.12. The performance stability of 2-Butanol is stable. It is mainly used for the manufacture of methyl ethyl ketone, raw materials for synthetic flavors, dyes, etc., and also used as a solvent.

Picture 1 A bottom of 2-butanol

Physical data of 2-butanol

The properties of 2-Butanol are colorless and transparent liquid with wine aroma. Boiling point of 2-Butanol (°C, 101.3kPa): 99.55 Melting point (°C): -114.7 Relative density (g/mL, 20/4°C): 0.8069 Refractive index (n20°C): 1.3972 Viscosity (mPa s, 20°C) ): 4.210 Flash point (℃, opening): 24.4 Heat of evaporation (KJ/kg, bp): 562.6 Heat of combustion (KJ/kg): 2662.4 Heat of formation (KJ/mol): -279.09 Specific heat capacity (KJ/(kg·K) ), 20°C, constant pressure): 2.81 Critical temperature (°C): 265.0 Vapor pressure (kPa, 20°C): 1.61 Solubility (%, water, 20°C): 12.5 Bulk expansion coefficient (K-1, 20°C): 0.00097 Solubility of 2-Butanol: slightly soluble in water, miscible with alcohols, esters, ethers, aromatic hydrocarbons and other organic solvents. It can dissolve glycerol trirosin ester, shellac resin, shellac, sandalwood, frankincense, elemi, linseed oil, castor oil, etc. Relative density (25℃, 4℃): 0.8026 Refractive index at room temperature (n25): 1.3949

The production method of 2-butanol

There are two ways to produce 2-Butanol in industry. The first is the butene hydration method. After pretreatment, n-butene is hydrated with sulfuric acid to obtain 2-Butanol, which is purified to obtain 2-Butanol. The second is the ion exchange resin hydration method, which uses n-butene as raw material, acidic cation exchange resin as catalyst, carries out liquid-phase esterification reaction with organic acid, and then undergoes hydrolysis and rectification to obtain the product.

The main purpose

It is used as emulsifier, dye dispersant, dehydrating agent, paint remover, industrial detergent, etc. It is also used as plasticizer, herbicide, and oil extraction agent. Since 2-Butanol can increase the processing performance and ductility of coatings, it can be used as a cosolvent for nitro spray paint and nitro paint thinner. It can also be used as a raw material for the production of spices, dyes, wetting agents, flotation agents, etc., and can also be used as an intermediate in the production of methyl ethyl ketone for the production of butyl acetate, sec-butyl ester, etc.

The dangers of 2-butanol

The route of entry of 2-Butanol is inhalation, ingestion, and percutaneous absorption. 2-Butanol has stimulating and anesthetic effects. When inhaled in large quantities, it can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat, and cause symptoms such as headache, dizziness, fatigue, and nausea. It is not irritating to rabbit skin, but has serious damage to rabbit eyes. 2-Butanol has stimulating and anesthetic effects. 2-Butanol is slightly toxic.

Rabbit via eye: 100mg (24 hours), moderate irritation. Rabbit percutaneous: 500mg (24 hours), mild stimulation. Rat inhalation minimum toxic concentration (TCL0): 5000ppm (7 hours, 1 to 19 days of pregnancy), causing embryo toxicity.

Biological effects of 2-butanol

Quantitative level data in the general setting are not available. And because 2-butanol is highly biodegradable, high concentrations in the environment may only occur in localized areas with occasional serious spills. 2-Butanol does not bioaccumulate. 2-Butanol is not toxic to aquatic organisms, algae and protozoa or bacteria at background concentrations that may occur in the environment. However, because 2-butanol is highly biodegradable, resulting in hypoxia, it will bring indirect harm to the water environment. 2-Butanol in the environment should be managed as a slightly toxic compound.

Hazardous properties of 2-butanol

2-Butanol is flammable and its vapor can form explosive mixtures with air. In case of open flame and high heat, it will cause combustion and explosion. When heated, it releases toxic gases. It can react with oxidants. In the event of a fire, there is a risk of explosion of heated containers. The combustion (decomposition) products of 2-Butanol are carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide.

Laboratory Monitoring Methods

Gas Chromatography "Determination of Hazardous Substances in Air" (Second Edition), edited by Hang Shiping

Emergency release treatment

Quickly evacuate personnel from the contaminated area to a safe area, isolate them, and strictly restrict access. Cut off the source of ignition. It is recommended that emergency personnel wear self-contained positive pressure breathing apparatus and fire protection clothing. Cut off sources of leaks as much as possible. Prevent entry into restricted spaces such as sewers and flood drains. In the event of a small spill, absorb with activated carbon or other inert material. It can also be washed with plenty of water, diluted with the washing water and put into the waste water system. When a large amount of leakage occurs, build embankments or dig pits for containment; cover with foam to reduce steam hazards. Transfer it to a tanker or a special collector with an explosion-proof pump, and recycle it or transport it to a waste disposal site for disposal.

Protective measures

Generally, no special protection is required, and self-priming filter respirators (half masks) can be worn when exposed to high concentrations. Eye Protection: Wear safety glasses. Body Protection: Wear anti-static overalls. Hand Protection: Wear general work protective gloves. Others: Smoking is strictly prohibited at the work site. Practice good hygiene.

first-aid

In case of skin contact with 2-butanol, remove contaminated clothing and rinse skin thoroughly with soap and water. seek medical attention. In the event of eye contact with 2-butanol, immediately lift the eyelids and rinse thoroughly with plenty of running water or saline for at least 15 minutes. seek medical attention. In case of respiratory contact with 2-butanol, quickly leave the scene to fresh air. Keep the airway open. If breathing is difficult, give oxygen. If breathing stops, give artificial respiration immediately. seek medical attention. Drink enough warm water to induce vomiting when accidentally ingesting 2-butanol. seek medical attention.

Fire fighting methods

Keep the fire container cool with water mist, spray the escaped liquid with water to dilute it into a non-combustible mixture, and protect firefighters with water mist. The fire extinguishing agents are mostly anti-solvent foam, dry powder, carbon dioxide, mist water, fire extinguishing agent, and sand.

Reference

1 Baertsch C D, Komala K T, Chua Y H, et al. Genesis of Brønsted acid sites during dehydration of 2-butanol on tungsten oxide catalysts[J]. Journal of Catalysis, 2002, 205(1): 44-57.

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