[Chemical Knowledge]：The nature, use, upstream and downstream raw materials, storage methods of n-butanol, introduction of n-butanol

Properties of n-Butanol

n-Butanol (n-Butanol), with the chemical formula of C? H? OH, is an alcohol with four carbon atoms. It is a colorless and transparent liquid at room temperature with an alcohol-like odor. n-Butanol has a boiling point of 117.7°C, a melting point of -89.5°C and a relative density of 0.810°C. It is miscible with most organic solvents, but has limited solubility in water (7.7g/100 mL at 25°C). n-Butanol is flammable, and its vapor forms an explosive mixture with air, with a flash point of 35°C. Due to these properties, the storage and transportation of n-butanol requires special attention to fire and explosion protection.

n-Butanol use

N-butanol is an important organic chemical raw material, which is widely used in many industries. It is the main raw material for the production of various esters (such as butyl butyrate, dibutyl phthalate), which are widely used in the paint, solvent, plasticizer and fragrance industries. n-Butanol is also used as an intermediate in organic synthesis and has important uses in the manufacture of pharmaceuticals, dyes, surfactants and plasticizers. In the agricultural field, n-butanol can be used to prepare pesticides and plant growth regulators. Because of its good solubility properties, n-butanol is also often used as an industrial cleaning agent and solvent.

n-butanol upstream and downstream raw materials

The production of n-butanol mainly relies on propylene (Cover) and carbon monoxide (CO) as raw materials, which are produced by oxo synthesis (oxo process). The process involves reacting propylene with syngas (a mixture of CO and H₂) at high temperature and pressure to produce butyraldehyde (butyraldehyde), which is then reduced to n-butanol by hydrogenation. This process has high efficiency and high yield, and is currently the main industrial production method of n-butanol.

Downstream, there are a wide variety of n-butanol derivatives, such as butyl butyrate for coatings and perfumes, dibutyl phthalate for plastic plasticizers, solvents for nitrocellulose, etc. n-Butanol can also be further processed to make butanediol and polyester materials. These downstream products are widely used in plastics, coatings, textiles and daily chemical industries.

n-Butanol Storage Methods

Since n-butanol is flammable and has a certain toxicity, its storage method requires strict compliance with safety regulations. n-Butanol should be stored in a cool, well-ventilated special warehouse, the warehouse must be equipped with fire prevention and explosion-proof equipment. Storage containers are generally made of steel or aluminum drums, and the containers must be sealed and have good corrosion resistance. The warehouse shall be equipped with sufficient fire fighting equipment, such as dry powder fire extinguishers and carbon dioxide fire extinguishers.

The storage of n-butanol should be kept away from fire source, heat source and oxidant, and avoid mixing with strong acid, strong alkali and other chemicals. Special anti-leakage measures shall be set up in the warehouse, such as anti-leakage pool and emergency sprinkler system, to prevent environmental pollution and safety accidents caused by accidental leakage.

Environmental and health impacts

n-Butanol is volatile in the environment and has a certain risk of pollution to the air and water. Its vapor has an irritating effect on the eyes and respiratory tract, and inhalation of high concentrations can cause headaches, dizziness and nausea. Long-term exposure may cause damage to the liver and kidneys. The liquid of n-butanol is also irritating to the skin and may cause dryness and cracking of the skin upon contact. Therefore, when handling and using n-butanol, it is necessary to wear appropriate personal protective equipment, such as protective gloves, goggles and protective clothing.

Market status and development trend

The global n-butanol market has grown steadily in recent years, mainly due to its extensive application in the coatings, plastics and pharmaceutical industries. Demand growth in the Asia-Pacific region, especially in China and India, is particularly significant, driving the expansion of the n-butanol market. With the increasingly stringent environmental regulations, the demand for low VOC (volatile organic compound) coatings is increasing, which also brings new opportunities for the market of n-butanol.

In the future, with the continuous development of downstream industries and the rise of emerging markets, the demand for n-butanol is expected to increase further. The improvement of the production process and the application of new catalysts will also improve the production efficiency of n-butanol, reduce production costs, and further enhance its market competitiveness.

Conclusion

As an important chemical raw material, n-butanol plays an indispensable role in many industries because of its excellent solubility and various uses. Its production relies on propylene and carbon monoxide, which are efficiently produced by the oxo synthesis. Although n-butanol requires strict safety measures in storage and use, its broad application prospects and market demand still show strong growth momentum. With the advancement of technology and the continuous expansion of the market, the future development prospects of n-butanol are broad.