[Chemical Knowledge]：Properties, uses, upstream and downstream raw materials, storage methods, hazards of isobutylene alcohol

Isobutylene alcohol properties

Isobutylene alcohol (Isobutenol, chemical formula C4H8O) is a colorless, flammable, organic compound with a pungent odor. Its molecular structure contains an olefin double bond and a hydroxyl group, which has the chemical properties of unsaturation and alcohols. Isobutylene alcohol has a boiling point of about 108°C and a density of 0.81g/cm³. It has good solubility and is soluble in water, ethanol, ether and other organic solvents. Its chemical properties are active, and it is easy to occur addition, oxidation and esterification reactions, which makes it widely used in the chemical industry.

Isobutylene alcohol uses

Isobutylene alcohols have a variety of uses in industry. It is an important chemical intermediate and can be used in the synthesis of a wide range of compounds. For example, isobutylene alcohols can be esterified to form isobutylene esters, which are widely used in the production of fragrances, solvents and plasticizers. Isobutylene alcohol is also a precursor for the synthesis of vitamin E and other drugs. In the polymer industry, isobutylene alcohol can be used to prepare various resins and tackifiers to enhance the heat resistance and mechanical properties of materials. Isobutylene alcohols can also be used as fuel additives to improve the combustion performance of fuels and reduce exhaust emissions.

Isobutylene alcohol upstream feedstock

The production of isobutylene alcohols is usually made from petrochemical by-products. Isobutylene (isobutene) is the main upstream raw material for the production of isobutylene alcohol, which is produced by the hydration reaction of isobutylene. Isobutene is usually derived from the C4 fraction produced in the liquefaction of petroleum cracked gas, refinery gas or natural gas. By the action of a selective catalyst, isobutene reacts with water to give isobutene alcohol. Isobutene can also be recycled as a by-product of the methyl methacrylate (MMA) production process. This not only improves the utilization rate of raw materials, but also reduces the production cost.

Isobutylene alcohol downstream products

As an important intermediate, isobutylene alcohol can be derived from a variety of downstream products. By reacting with acid, isobutylene alcohol can generate various isobutylene esters, such as isobutyl acetate, isobutyl formate, etc., which are widely used in the perfume, coating and pharmaceutical industries. Isobutylene alcohol can generate isobutyraldehyde through oxidation reaction, and further oxidation can obtain isobutyric acid, which are important raw materials for organic synthesis. Isobutylene alcohol can form polyisobutylene alcohol resin in the polymerization reaction, which is widely used in coatings, adhesives and sealants. Through these reactions, isobutylene alcohol plays an important role in the chemical industry chain and promotes the development of many downstream industries.

Isobutylene alcohol production process

The production of isobutene alcohols takes place mainly by catalytic hydration. In this process, isobutene is reacted with water in the presence of an acidic catalyst to give isobutene alcohol. Commonly used catalysts include phosphoric acid and sulfuric acid resins. The reaction is carried out at higher temperature and pressure to increase the reaction rate and yield. In order to separate and purify the isobutylene alcohol, the reaction product is usually subjected to a rectification treatment to remove unreacted isobutylene and water. In recent years, there are some new processes, such as biomass-based biosynthesis, which converts glucose into isobutylene alcohol through microbial fermentation, which has the advantages of environmental friendliness and sustainable development.

Isobutylene alcohol storage method

Because isobutylene alcohol is flammable and irritating, appropriate measures must be taken for storage and handling. Isobutylene alcohol should be stored in a cool, ventilated and dry warehouse, away from fire and heat sources. Storage containers shall be well sealed to prevent leakage and volatilization. It is usually stored in steel or aluminum containers to prevent chemical reactions with the containers. Storage sites should be equipped with suitable fire fighting equipment such as foam fire extinguishers and dry powder fire extinguishers to deal with possible fire risks. In order to prevent the accumulation of static electricity, the container should be grounded when loading and unloading. Operators should wear appropriate protective equipment, including protective gloves, goggles and protective clothing to avoid direct contact with skin and eyes.

Isobutylene alcohol safety and environmental protection issues

When handling and using isobutylene alcohol, safety regulations must be strictly observed. Isobutylene alcohol is irritating, inhalation of its vapors may cause irritation to the respiratory tract, and contact with skin and eyes may cause burns. It should be used in a well-ventilated environment, wearing respiratory protection if necessary. The disposal of isobutylene alcohol waste should be carried out in accordance with local environmental protection regulations to avoid direct discharge into water or soil to prevent environmental pollution. Exhaust gas treatment devices should be installed in the industrial production process to reduce the emission of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and protect the atmospheric environment.

future development trend

With the progress of science and technology and the change of market demand, the application field of isobutylene alcohol is expected to be further expanded. The development of green chemistry has promoted the research of biosynthesis with renewable resources as raw materials, and there may be more environmentally friendly and efficient production processes in the future. As the requirements for fuel cleanliness increase, the demand for isobutylene alcohol as a fuel additive may increase. The synthesis of new high-performance polymer materials is also an important direction, and the potential of isobutylene alcohol in this field is worthy of attention. Overall, as an important chemical raw material, isobutylene alcohol has a broad market prospect and is expected to play a greater role in many industries in the future.

Isobutylene alcohol has an important position in the chemical industry, and its unique chemical properties and wide range of uses make it indispensable in many fields. By continuously improving the production process and expanding the scope of application, the market prospect of isobutylene alcohol will be broader and contribute more to the development of the chemical industry.