[Chemical Knowledge]：Properties, uses, upstream and downstream raw materials, storage methods, prices of secondary butanol

Properties of sec-butanol

Secondary butanol (sec-Butanol) is an important chemical intermediate, chemical formula is C4H10O, molecular weight of 74.12g/mol. It is a secondary alcohol structurally having a hydroxyl group attached to the second carbon atom of butane. Sec-butanol is a colorless and transparent liquid with a faint alcoholic odor. It is miscible with ethanol, ether, chloroform and benzene, but has limited solubility in water. It has a boiling point of 99.5°C and a density of 0.81g/cm³. Sec-butanol is flammable and produces water and carbon dioxide when burned. It has low toxicity, but should be handled with care to avoid inhalation and skin contact.

Secondary butyl alcohol use

Sec-butanol is widely used in industry. It is mainly used as an intermediate in organic synthesis and is involved in the preparation of a variety of chemical products. For example, sec-butanol is an important raw material for the production of sec-butylamine, sec-butyl ester and some plastic additives and rubber auxiliaries. It is also used as a solvent, particularly in the pharmaceutical and coatings industries. The solubility of sec-butanol makes it suitable for the dissolution of certain resins and coatings, and is also commonly used in the formulation of industrial cleaners and detergents. Its low toxicity and good solubility also make it useful in the cosmetics industry, such as in perfumes and lotions as a solvent.

Upstream raw materials

The upstream raw materials for the production of sec-butanol mainly include butene and hydrogen. Butene is obtained by petroleum cracking or catalytic cracking process, which is the key raw material for the synthesis of secondary butanol. Hydrogen is usually produced from natural gas or water gas by steam reforming. In the industrial production of sec-butanol, butene and hydrogen are hydrogenated under the action of a specific catalyst to produce sec-butanol. The catalysts used in this process are commonly nickel-based or copper-based catalysts, which play a critical role in the selectivity and efficiency of the reaction.

Downstream Products

The downstream products of sec-butanol are wide and diverse. Its derivatives include a variety of important chemical products, such as sec-butylamine, used in pesticides, pharmaceutical intermediates; sec-butyl ester, used in coatings, plastics plasticizers and stabilizers; sec-butyl ether, used in pharmaceuticals and flavors. Butanol can also be used in the production of solvent-based coatings, cleaning agents, paint additives and other products. These downstream products are widely used in daily life and industrial production, which greatly promotes the development of related industries.

Production process

There are two main production processes for secondary butanol: carbonyl synthesis and hydrogenation reduction. The oxo synthesis method uses butene as raw material to generate sec-butanol by reacting with carbon monoxide and hydrogen at high temperature and high pressure. The advantage of this method is that the production cost is low and the process is more mature. The principle of hydrogenation reduction is to directly hydrogenate and reduce butene to produce secondary butanol. The advantage of this method is that the reaction conditions are mild, but an efficient catalyst system is required. Different process options depend on the scale of production, economic efficiency and technical conditions.

storage method

The storage of sec-butanol requires attention to safety and environmental protection. Due to its flammability, sec-butanol should be stored in a cool, well-ventilated place, away from fire and heat sources. Storage containers shall be made of closed steel or aluminum to prevent leakage and evaporation. The storage area shall be equipped with fire prevention facilities and leakage emergency treatment equipment. Avoid contact with strong oxidants to prevent fire or explosion caused by chemical reactions. The transportation of sec-butanol should also follow the relevant regulations for hazardous chemicals to ensure safe transportation and operation.

Market Analysis

From a market perspective, the demand for secondary butanol is mainly concentrated in the pharmaceutical, chemical and coatings industries. With the continuous development of these industries, the market demand for secondary butanol shows a steady growth trend. In particular, the implementation of environmental protection policies has prompted the solvent and detergent industries to seek low-toxicity, low-volatility alternatives, and sec-butanol has received more attention. The continuous expansion of the global chemical industry also provides a new growth point for the secondary butanol market. In the future, with the technological progress and the optimization of production process, the production cost of secondary butanol is expected to be further reduced, and the market competitiveness will be enhanced.

Environment and safety

The production and use of sec-butanol should strictly comply with environmental protection and safety operation specifications. Although sec-butanol is less toxic, long-term exposure may still have adverse health effects, so protective measures are needed to avoid occupational exposure. In the production process, the discharge of waste gas and waste water should be controlled to avoid environmental pollution. Discarded sec-butanol and its containers shall be properly disposed of in accordance with hazardous waste disposal specifications. Strengthening the safety training of employees and improving their safety awareness and emergency response capabilities are also important links to ensure safe production.

Conclusion

As an important chemical intermediate, sec-butanol has broad application prospects and market demand. Its production process is mature, the supply of raw materials is sufficient, and the products are widely used, which makes it occupy an important position in the chemical industry. In the future, with the advancement of technology and the improvement of environmental protection requirements, the production and application of sec-butanol will continue to develop in the direction of high efficiency, green and sustainable. In order to meet the growing market demand, manufacturers need to continuously optimize the production process, improve product quality and production efficiency, and strictly control environmental and safety risks to contribute to the healthy development of the industry.