What Is 2-methyl-1-propanol (isobutyl Alcohol)? Uses And Chemical Properties

What is 2-methyl-1-propanol (isobutyl alcohol) ?

Isobutanol is a colorless, transparent organic compound with a characteristic alcohol-like odor. It is a liquid at room temperature, with a boiling point of about 108 degrees Celsius, and is miscible with a variety of solvents such as water, ethanol and ether.

What are the properties of isobutyl alcohol (Isobutanol/IBA)?

IBA Physical Properties

• Appearance: colorless transparent liquid with special smell.
• Melting point: -108°C
• Boiling point: 107.9°C
• Density: 0.803g/cm³
• Flash point: 27.8°C
• Refractive index: 1.393
• Solubility: 2-methyl-1-propanol (isobutyl alcohol) is slightly soluble in water, but also soluble in about 20 times the amount of water (at 20 ℃), soluble in ethanol and ether.
• Volatility: has a certain degree of volatility.

IBA Chemical Properties

• Flammability: flammable, its vapor and air can form explosive mixtures, when exposed to open flame, high heat can cause combustion and explosion.
• Reactivity: it can react strongly with oxidizing agents, and decompose with heat to release toxic gases.
• Raw material for organic synthesis: 2-methyl-1-propanol (isobutyl alcohol) is an important raw material for organic synthesis and can be used in the manufacture of a variety of chemical products, such as petroleum additives, antioxidant 2,6-di-tert-butyl-p-cresol, isobutyl acetate (paint solvents) and so on.

Advantages and disadvantages of 2-methyl-1-propanol (isobutyl alcohol)

Advantages of IBA (isobutyl alcohol)

• Good solubility: 2-methyl-1-propanol (isobutyl alcohol) can dissolve many organic compounds, such as resins, oils, dyes, etc., and is more soluble than ethanol and n-butanol.
• Higher boiling point (107-108C): more stable than ethanol (78C) and methanol (65C), suitable for high temperature processes.
• Low volatility and low toxicity: Compared to methanol and acetone, isobutanol is less volatile and less toxic to humans.
• Bio-based production potential: It can be produced through bio-fermentation (e.g., using microorganisms or biomass), which is in line with the trend of green chemistry.
• High energy density: IBA can be used as biofuel or gasoline additive to improve combustion efficiency.

Disadvantages of IBA (isobutyl alcohol)

• Irritating odor: IBA (isobutyl alcohol) has a strong alcohol odor that may affect the work environment.
• Flammability: Although the volatility is low, it is still a flammable liquid (flash point about 28C).
• Higher production cost: Compared to methanol or ethanol, isobutanol is more expensive to synthesize or ferment.
• Slower biodegradation: IBA does not degrade as quickly in the environment as shorter chain alcohols (e.g. ethanol).

What are the industrial uses of isopropyl alcohol (Isobutanol/IBA)?

Solvent industry

• IBA (isobutyl alcohol) is used as a solvent for paints, inks, coatings, adhesives, replacing some of the more toxic solvents (e.g. benzene, acetone).
• In the electronic industry for cleaning precision instruments or semiconductor components.

Fuel & Additives

• IBA can be used as a biofuel (blended with gasoline) to increase octane and reduce carbon emissions.
• Used as an intermediate for aviation fuels (e.g. bio-jet kerosene).

Chemical raw materials

• 2-methyl-1-propanol Used in the synthesis of plasticizers (e.g. phthalates) to improve plastic flexibility.
• Manufacture of isobutylene (used in synthetic rubber, lubricant additives).
• Manufacture of isobutyl esters (e.g. isobutyl acetate, used in flavors and food additives).

Pharmaceuticals & Household Chemicals

• Used as an intermediate in the synthesis of drugs, such as antibiotics and vitamins.
• 2-methyl-1-propanol Used as a solvent or fragrance fixer in perfumes and cosmetics.

Other applications

• 2-methyl-1-propanol Used as solvent or auxiliary in pesticides.

Why Purchase 2-methyl-1-propanol (isobutyl alcohol) From Gneebio?

Gneebio is a trusted manufacturer and supplier with over a decade of experience in the chemical industry. Our 2-methyl-1-propanol (isobutyl alcohol) is produced under strict ISO and GMP quality systems, ensuring high purity concentration in industrial applications. We offer:

• Product specifications (technical data sheet);
• COA and MSDS;

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