Cyclobutane

Basic Information of Cyclobutane

Cyclobutane (CAS No. 287-23-0) is a colorless, highly flammable gas at room temperature and pressure, which readily condenses to a liquid below its boiling point of approximately 12.5°C. Its four-membered ring structure gives it distinctive chemical properties, leading to its niche but essential roles in cutting-edge synthesis and analysis.

CAS No.:	287-23-0
EC No.:	206-014-5
Linear Formula:	C₄H₈
Molecular Weight:	56.11
Appearance:	Colorless Gas
Melting Point:	-80°
Density:	d0 0.7038; d-5 0.7185
RIDADR:	UN 2601
Chemical Structure:

Key Applications of Cyclobutane

Cyclobutane’s strained ring structure and defined hydrocarbon properties make it useful in several specialized industrial and research contexts. For a broader overview of hydrocarbon materials and their industrial roles, refer to our industrial hydrocarbons guide.

• Specialized Polymer and Materials Research: Cyclobutane can serve as a building block in advanced polymer and materials development programs where ring strain and controlled reactivity are advantageous.

• Pharmaceutical and Fine Chemical Research: Employed in the synthesis of novel drug candidates and specialty intermediates, particularly in routes incorporating four-membered ring structures.

• Precision Chemical Intermediate: Used in selected organic synthesis workflows where a defined C4 cyclic hydrocarbon is required to construct unique molecular architectures.

• Calibration Gas and Reference Standard: Due to its well-defined composition, cyclobutane may be used as a calibration or reference component in analytical systems such as gas chromatography (GC) and mass spectrometry (MS).

• Academic and Industrial R&D: Frequently applied in mechanistic studies and controlled laboratory investigations involving small-ring hydrocarbons. For hydrocarbon selection in foam and refrigeration systems, see hydrocarbon blowing agents and refrigeration applications.

• Rigorous Quality Control: Every batch undergoes comprehensive testing to guarantee purity and adherence to specifications.

Hazards Classification

• GHS Classification: Flammable Gas (GHS02), Compressed Gas (GHS04)

• Hazard Statements: Extremely flammable gas; may cause flash fire or explosion; containers may explode when heated.

• UN Number: UN 2601

• Hazard Class: 2.1 (Flammable Gases)

• Packing Group: Not applicable