[Chemical Knowledge]：The nature, use, upstream and downstream raw materials, storage methods of n-propanol, is n-propanol toxic?

PROPERTIES OF n-PROPANOL

Propanol (n-propanol, 1-propanol) is a colorless, transparent, flammable liquid with a mellow odor similar to ethanol. Its chemical formula is C3H8O and its molecular weight is 60.1. N-propanol has good volatility and solubility at room temperature, and can be miscible with water, ethanol, ether, chloroform and other organic solvents. It has a melting point of -126.5°C, a boiling point of 97.2°C, a relative density of 0.803°C, and a refractive index of 1.385°C. The flash point of n-propanol is low at 15°C, indicating a high risk of combustion and explosion. Therefore, special attention needs to be paid to safety during use and storage.

Propanol use

N-propanol is widely used in many fields, such as chemical industry, medicine, coating, perfume and so on. It is an important intermediate in the manufacture of many chemicals, such as propionic acid, propionate, propionaldehyde, etc. As a solvent, n-propanol is widely used in coatings, inks, cleaners and other products, because it can effectively dissolve a variety of organic substances. In the field of medicine, n-propanol is used as disinfectant and antiseptic, and has good bactericidal effect. The fragrance and cosmetics industry also uses n-propanol as a raw material for the synthesis of fragrances and skin care products. In the laboratory, n-propanol is often used as a solvent in organic synthesis and purification processes.

n-Propanol Upstream Feedstock

There are two main ways to produce n-propanol: petrochemical and biological fermentation. In the petrochemical process, n-propanol is mainly produced from propylene by hydration reaction or redox reaction. Propylene is a by-product of petroleum cracking, which has a wide range of sources and low price, so this method has high economy. The law of biological fermentation uses microbial fermentation to convert starch or sugar into n-propanol, which is more environmentally friendly and renewable. In recent years, with the development of green chemical industry, it has gradually received attention. The choice of two production routes depends on the availability of raw materials and the cost of production.

n-Propanol Downstream Products

There are a wide range of downstream products of n-propanol, covering a number of chemical sub-industries. The main downstream products include propionic acid and its esters, propionaldehyde, acetone, etc. These compounds have a wide range of applications in the fields of plastics, resins, coatings, etc. N-propanol is also used as a raw material for the preparation of plasticizers, surfactants, pharmaceutical intermediates and perfumes. The multipurpose of n-propanol determines its important position in the chemical industry chain, and its demand is growing steadily.

n-Propanol Storage Method

N-propanol is flammable and volatile, so special attention should be paid to fire and explosion prevention during storage. The n-propanol should be stored in a cool, ventilated and dry warehouse, away from fire, heat and oxidant. Storage containers should be well sealed to avoid leakage and volatilization. The warehouse shall be equipped with explosion-proof lamps and ventilation equipment to reduce the accumulation of volatile gases. For large quantities of n-propanol stored, a corrosion-resistant metal container should be used, and a fire barrier should be provided around the container. During transportation, special explosion-proof vehicles and explosion-proof equipment should be used for n-propanol to ensure safe transportation.

Environmental and safety considerations

Due to the flammability and toxicity of n-propanol, its production, use and storage require strict compliance with environmental and safety regulations. In the production process, waste gas recovery devices and sewage treatment equipment should be installed to reduce environmental pollution. During use, the operator should wear protective clothing, gloves and protective glasses to avoid skin and eye contact with n-propanol. In the storage and transportation links, the tightness of equipment and containers should be checked regularly to prevent leakage and fire accidents.

future development trend

With the enhancement of environmental awareness and the development of green chemical industry, the production and application of n-propanol is developing in a more environmentally friendly and sustainable direction. The production of n-propanol by biological fermentation has gradually received more attention and investment due to its renewability and low carbon emissions. And the application prospect of n-propanol in new materials, new energy and other fields is broad. For example, in the manufacturing process of lithium batteries and high-performance plastics, n-propanol is expected to become one of the important raw materials. With the continuous progress of technology and the change of market demand, the application field and market scale of n-propanol will be further expanded.

Conclusion

As an important chemical raw material, n-propanol has broad application prospects. Its physical and chemical properties make it an ideal choice for solvents and intermediates, widely used in coatings, pharmaceuticals, spices and other fields. Through the petrochemical and biological fermentation methods, n-propanol can be produced efficiently to meet the market demand. During storage and use, safety and environmental regulations must be strictly observed to ensure personnel safety and environmental protection. With the improvement of technological progress and environmental protection requirements, the production and application of n-propanol will develop in a more green and sustainable direction, bringing new opportunities and challenges to the chemical industry.