2-Butanol

2-Butanol, commonly known as sec-Butanol (Secondary Butyl Alcohol), CAS 78-92-2, is a flammable, colorless liquid with a pleasant, alcoholic odor. As an isomer of butanol, its hydroxyl (OH) group is bonded to the second carbon atom CH₃CH(OH)CH₂CH₃. This structure makes it a highly effective polar solvent and a crucial chemical intermediate. 2-Butanol is particularly valued for its use in the large-scale production of Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK), a major industrial solvent.

Basic Information of 2-Butanol

CAS No.:	78-92-2
EC No.:	201-158-5
Linear Formula:	C4H10O
Molecular Weight:	74.12
Appearance:	Colorless, clear liquid
Odor:	Pleasant, characteristic alcoholic odor
Melting Point:	−115 °C(lit.)
Boiling Point:	98 °C(lit.)
Density:	0.808 g/mL at 25 °C(lit.)
Solubility:	Miscible (mixes completely) with water and most organic solvents.
Flash Point:	80 °F
RIDADR:	UN 1120 3/PG 3
Chemical Structure:

Application Overview

2-Butanol is a highly versatile intermediate and solvent, finding applications across various high-volume industrial sectors:

• MEK Production: The primary commercial use of 2-Butanol is as the essential feedstock for the production of Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK), a high-performance solvent widely used in coatings, resins, and adhesives. This is achieved via catalytic dehydrogenation.

• Solvent for Coatings and Resins: It is utilized directly as a solvent in lacquers, paints, varnishes, and epoxy resins. It provides an excellent balance of evaporation rate and solvency power for dissolving complex polymer systems.

• Hydraulic and Brake Fluids: Due to its miscibility with water and its stable viscosity profile, 2-Butanol is incorporated as a component in various hydraulic fluids and brake fluids.

• Chemical Intermediate: It serves as a precursor for synthesizing various esters, ethers, and amines. The most notable derivatives are its esters, which are used as plasticizers or specialized solvents.

• Fuel Additive: It is sometimes used as a fuel blend component to improve anti-knock properties and reduce emissions.

• Low Isomer Contamination: Our manufacturing process employs highly selective distillation to minimize the presence of other butanol isomers (n-butanol, isobutanol, tert-butanol). This high purity is critical when 2-Butanol is used as a precursor for MEK, ensuring clean conversion and minimal process waste.

• Consistent Quality for Solvency: We rigorously control the moisture content and non-volatile residue (NVR). For solvent applications like paints and coatings, our low NVR guarantees a clean, defect-free finish and prevents residue build-up in manufacturing equipment.

Hazards Classification

• GHS Classification: Flammable Liquid (GHS02), Serious Eye Damage/Irritation (GHS05), Specific Target Organ Toxicity - Single Exposure (GHS07)

• Hazard Statements: Highly flammable liquid and vapor; causes serious eye irritation; may cause drowsiness or dizziness.

• UN Number: UN 1120

• Hazard Class: 3 (Flammable Liquids)

• Packing Group: II