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What is the difference between n-butanol and isobutanol?

 

n-butanol vs isobutanol

 

1-Butanol (Cas 71-36-3), also known as butan-1-ol or n-butanol, is a primary alcohol with the chemical formula C4H9OH and a linear structure. Isomers of 1-butanol are isobutanol (CAS 78-83-1), butan-2-ol and tert-butanol.

 

What Is n-butanol (Cas 71-36-3)?

N-Butanol, with the chemical formula C₄H₁₀O, CAS number 71-36-3, and molecular weight 74.12, is a colorless transparent liquid. At 20°C, n-butanol can dissolve 7.7 parts by mass of water, while water also exhibits a solubility of 20.1 parts by mass in n-butanol. This solvent is mutually miscible with ethanol, diethyl ether, and numerous other organic solvents.

 

N-Butanol (Cas 71-36-3)
n-butanol (Cas 71-36-3)

 

 

What Is Isobutanol (CAS 78-83-1)?

Isobutanol (IBA), also known as 2-Methyl-1-Propanol, is a colorless, transparent liquid with a distinctive odor. It has extensive industrial applications, including as a solvent, chemical intermediate, and fuel additive.

 

Isobutanol (CAS 78-83-1)
Isobutanol (CAS 78-83-1)

 

 

What are the properties of Isobutanol?

Isobutanol is a flammable liquid whose vapors can form explosive mixtures with air.

It exhibits good solubility, being miscible with ethanol and diethyl ether, and soluble in approximately 20 parts water.

Isobutanol has a boiling point of about 108°C, a melting point of approximately -108°C, and a density of about 0.802 g/cm³.

 

 

What is the use of N-butanol?

Production of Plasticizers
n-Butanol serves as a key raw material for manufacturing phthalic acid, aliphatic dicarboxylic acids, and n-butyl phosphate plasticizers, which play a crucial role in plastic and rubber products.

Synthesis of Other Chemicals
Additionally, n-butanol is used as a base material for synthesizing chemicals such as butyraldehyde, butyric acid, butylamine, and butyl lactate.

Extraction and Additives
n-Butanol also plays a vital role in the extraction of oils, pharmaceuticals (such as antibiotics, hormones, and vitamins), and fragrances. It is frequently used as an additive in alkyd resin coatings, serves as a solvent for organic dyes and printing inks, and functions as a dewaxing agent.

 

 

Chemical Structure & Identity 

Item n-Butanol Isobutanol
Chemical Name 1-Butanol 2-Methyl-1-propanol
CAS No. 71-36-3 78-83-1
Structure Straight-chain Branched-chain
Molecular Formula C₄H₁₀O C₄H₁₀O

 

 

Safety, Storage & Handling

Both are flammable liquids and require similar safety measures.
However:

  • Isobutanol has lower vapor pressure
  • Reduced vapor accumulation risk in enclosed industrial settings

 

 

Why Choose Gneebio as Your Supplier?

As a leading manufacturer and exporter of fine chemicals, Henan Gneebio provides n-butanol and isobutanol that meets both industrial and laboratory-grade standards. We supply to customers across the chemical, pharmaceutical, and materials industries, ensuring consistent quality, reliable logistics, and professional technical support.

 

Our Advantages:

  • We run advanced ISO9001, ISO14001, and GMP-certified production lines.
  • Our products reach over 60 countries with long-term partners in Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
  • Ample inventory ensures fast, reliable bulk delivery.
  • Gneebio provides personalized technical and business support from inquiry to after-sales.

 

n-butanol and isobutanol Supplier
n-butanol and isobutanol Supplier
n-butanol and isobutanol Supplier
n-butanol and isobutanol Supplier

 

Click here to get the latest n-butanol and isobutanol Supplier market prices for 2026. 

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