[Chemical Knowledge]：Properties, uses, upstream and downstream raw materials, storage methods, physical and chemical properties of n-butene

n-Butene Properties

n-Butene (1-butene) is an organic compound with the formula C4H8. It belongs to the class of olefins and has a carbon-carbon double bond. n-Butene is a colorless gas with a slight odor. It has a boiling point of -6.3°C, a melting point of -185.3°C and a density of 0.61g/cm³(20°C). Butene is insoluble in water, but soluble in ethanol, ether and benzene and other organic solvents. Due to the presence of double bonds, n-butene exhibits high chemical activity and is prone to addition reactions and polymerization reactions.

n-Butene use

The use of n-butene is extensive, mainly concentrated in the field of chemical synthesis and polymer production. It is an important monomer for the production of polybutene (PB) and copolymerized polyethylene (LLDPE). Butene is also used in the production of butyl rubber, 2-butanone and 1-butanol and other chemical products. In the oil refining industry, n-butene can be used as an octane number additive to improve the anti-knock performance of gasoline. n-Butene is also used as a solvent, refrigerant and organic synthesis intermediates.

n-Butene upstream and downstream raw materials

The production of n-butene is mainly obtained by petroleum cracking and catalytic cracking. In the petroleum cracking process, naphtha or light hydrocarbons are converted into low-carbon olefins such as ethylene, propylene and n-butene by thermal cracking or steam cracking. Catalytic cracking uses a catalyst to crack heavy oil at a lower temperature to produce mixed olefins containing n-butene. The downstream products of n-butene include polybutene, polyethylene copolymer, butyl rubber and various chemical intermediates, which are widely used in plastics, rubber and chemical industries.

n-Butene Storage Method

n-butene is a flammable gas and has a certain degree of danger, so its storage requires special attention. Normally, n-butene is stored in a liquid state in pressure vessels, which should be pressure-resistant, corrosion-resistant and leak-proof. The storage environment should be kept well ventilated, away from fire, heat and strong oxidants. The storage area shall be equipped with appropriate fire fighting equipment and leak detection devices to ensure prompt action in case of emergency. In order to avoid gas expansion and excessive pressure, the temperature of the container should be strictly controlled within the specified range.

n-Butene Market Demand and Prospect

The demand for n-butene in the global market is steadily increasing, especially in the Asia-Pacific region and North America. With the development of the chemical industry and the increasing demand for high-performance plastics, the application fields of n-butene continue to expand. It is expected that in the next few years, with the development of new polymers and chemical products, the demand for n-butene will further rise. The increasingly stringent environmental regulations have prompted companies to adopt cleaner and efficient production processes, which has also brought new opportunities to the n-butene market.

n-Butene Production Technology

The production technology of n-butene mainly includes thermal cracking and catalytic cracking. The thermal cracking method is obtained by high temperature cracking naphtha or other light hydrocarbons, which has the characteristics of large yield and mature technology. The catalytic cracking law is to use the catalyst for cracking at a lower temperature, which has the advantages of low energy consumption and high selectivity. In recent years, with the progress of catalyst technology, catalytic cracking is more and more widely used in the production of n-butene. Researchers are also exploring green chemical pathways such as biomass conversion to produce n-butenes to reduce dependence on petrochemical resources.

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AND SAFETY OF n-BUTENE

As a chemical raw material, special attention should be paid to environmental protection and safety issues in the production and use of n-butene. The n-butene has certain toxicity and flammability, and leakage may lead to fire and explosion accidents. Therefore, in the production and use of the process should strictly abide by the safety procedures, equipped with the necessary protective equipment. In terms of environmental protection, enterprises should adopt advanced waste gas treatment technology to reduce the pollution of n-butene and its derivatives to the environment. Wastewater and solid waste disposal should also comply with environmental regulations to ensure that the impact on the environment is minimized.

n-Butene Research and Innovation

As an important chemical raw material, the research and innovation of n-butene is of great significance to promote the development of chemical industry. Current research hotspots include the development of new catalysts, the optimization of efficient production processes and the exploration of green production technologies. Especially with the rise of renewable resource utilization and the concept of circular economy, the production of n-butene through biomass conversion and waste recycling has become an important research direction. In the field of new materials, the development of n-butylene-based polymers has also made some progress, showing broad application prospects.

Conclusion

As an important olefin compound, n-butene plays an important role in chemical synthesis and polymer production. Its production technology continues to advance, and the market demand is growing steadily. This environmental protection and safety issues also need to be highly valued to ensure its sustainable development. In the future, with the application of new technologies and the promotion of green production processes, n-butene will show its unique value in more fields and promote the development of the chemical industry in a more efficient and environmentally friendly direction.