Butanol belongs to group of younger alcohols. This substance has four isomers various on chemical, physical properties and also spheres of their application in the industry.
Physical and chemical properties of butyl alcohol
Primary butyl alcohol (or just butyl alcohol) is a colourless liquid with a characteristic smell of fusel oil. Has slightly oily texture. It is dissolved in water and in many organic solvents in certain proportions. The received mix, depending on solvent, has various temperature of boiling. This size is also influenced by concentration of butyl alcohol in solution.
On the chemical properties butyl alcohol belongs to aliphatic alcohols. It is capable to be oxidized. At the same time carbonyl connections are formed (for example, oil aldehyde). In reaction with a pentane at a temperature about 10 degrees Borat forms. In interaction with aldehydes forms acetals or ketals.
Modifications of butyl alcohol and its receiving
Butyl alcohol has four modifications possessing the different molecular building, physical and chemical properties. Tertiary butyl alcohol represents solid substance with a characteristic smell of a mold. It is received by means of reaction of sulfuric acid with isobutene. One more modification, isobutyl alcohol, receive from fusel oils by distillation. Primary butyl alcohol is received from propylene. Reaction has to happen at a temperature up to 160 degrees and pressure about 35 MPas. As a result of reaction, mix is formed of isooil aldehyde and butyl alcohol which is divided by means of catalysts. From ton of propylene it is possible to receive about 320 kg of butyl alcohol.
Toxicity of butyl alcohol
Butyl alcohol by the nature is not strongly toxic substance. The use inside does not threaten the person with a lethal outcome. Poisoning will be related to intoxication ethyl alcohol. It contains in a small amount almost in all alcoholic beverages. Concentration of vapors of butyl alcohol in air should not exceed 0.01%. Excess concentration of vapors can lead to defeats of a cornea of an eye.
Use of butyl alcohol
Butyl alcohol is more applied in paint and varnish industry. It serves as solvent for many paints, natural and synthetic pitches, some types of rubbers. Butyl alcohol - the excellent catalyst in production of many pharmaceutical medicines. By means of this connection make spirits, imitation leather and textile products. Butyl alcohol serves as the main raw materials for production of substitute alcohol.