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n-Butanol is an organic compound with the chemical formula CH ₃ (CH ₂)₃ n-Butanol is a colorless, transparent liquid that burns with a bright flame. It has an odor reminiscent of fusel oils, and its vapors are irritating, capable of inducing coughing. Its boiling point is 117–118°C, and its relative density is 0.810. A constant-boiling azeotrope is formed by 63% n-butanol and 37% water. It is miscible with ethanol, diethyl ether, and many other organic solvents. It can be produced by fermentation of sugars or by catalytic hydrogenation of n-butyraldehyde or crotonaldehyde. It is used as a solvent for fats, waxes, resins, shellac, varnishes, and other materials, as well as in the manufacture of paints, synthetic fibers, detergents, and similar products.
Properties and Stability
1. Forms an azeotropic mixture with water and is miscible with ethanol, diethyl ether, and numerous other organic solvents. It is soluble in alkaloids, camphor, dyes, rubber, ethyl cellulose, resinates (calcium and magnesium salts), fats and oils, waxes, and a wide range of natural and synthetic resins.
2. Chemically, it exhibits the same reactivity as primary alcohols, similar to ethanol and propanol.
3. Butanol is classified as a low-toxicity substance. Its anesthetic effect is stronger than that of propanol, and repeated skin contact can lead to bleeding and necrosis. Its toxicity to humans is approximately three times that of ethanol. Its vapors irritate the eyes, nose, and throat. At a concentration of 75.75 mg/m³, even mild discomfort may be experienced; however, due to its high boiling point and low volatility, the risk is relatively low unless it is used at elevated temperatures. The oral LD₅₀ in rats is 4.36 g/kg, and the olfactory threshold concentration is 33.33 mg/m³.
4. Stability: Stable.
5. Incompatible substances: strong acids, acyl chlorides, acid anhydrides, and strong oxidizers.
6. Polymerization hazard: Does not polymerize.