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

Isobutanol properties

Isobutanol (Isobutanol) is an organic compound with remarkable properties, with the chemical formula C4H10O. It is a colorless and transparent liquid with a mild smell of alcohol. Isobutanol has a density of 0.802g/cm³, a boiling point of 108°C, a melting point of -108°C, and a flash point of 28°C. It is soluble in water, but has limited solubility and is generally more soluble in organic solvents such as ethanol and ether. The molecular structure of isobutanol contains a secondary hydroxyl group (-OH) and a branched carbon frame, which gives it specific physical and chemical properties that make it unique in a variety of industrial applications.

Isobutanol use

Isobutanol has a wide range of uses in the chemical industry, including solvents, chemical intermediates and fuel additives.

1. Solvent: Isobutanol is widely used as a solvent for coatings, paints, resins, dyes and inks due to its good solubility. It can effectively dissolve a variety of compounds and improve the quality and performance of these products.

2. Chemical intermediates: In chemical synthesis, isobutanol is used as an important intermediate in the production of isobutyric acid, methacrylic acid, methyl methacrylate, spices and pharmaceuticals. Especially in the production of methacrylic acid ester products, the application of isobutanol is very important.

3. Fuel additives: Isobutanol has a high octane number and can be used as a gasoline additive to improve fuel performance and reduce engine knock. Isobutanol is also considered as a potential biofuel because its source can be renewable biomass.

Isobutanol upstream and downstream feedstock

The production of isobutanol involves a series of chemical reactions and raw materials.

1. Upstream raw materials: The main raw material for the production of isobutanol is propylene. Through the oxo synthesis (Oxosynthesis), propylene reacts with carbon monoxide and hydrogen in the presence of a catalyst to produce a mixture of n-butanol and isobutanol. Isobutanol can also be produced by acetone reduction or direct fermentation.

2. Production process: Oxo synthesis is usually used in industry to produce isobutanol, that is, under the action of cobalt or rhodium and other metal catalysts, propylene, carbon monoxide and hydrogen are reacted to generate butyraldehyde, and then further hydrogenated to obtain isobutanol.

3. Downstream products: Isobutanol can be further processed into a variety of downstream products, such as isobutyric acid, methacrylic acid and its esters, pharmaceutical intermediates, pesticides and spices. These downstream products have important application value in their respective fields.

Isobutanol storage methods

Isobutanol is a flammable liquid, and its storage and handling require strict safety measures.

1. Storage environment: Isobutanol should be stored in a cool, ventilated and dry environment, avoiding direct sunlight and high temperature environment. The storage area should be equipped with fire protection facilities, away from fire and heat sources.

2. Container requirements: Isobutanol should be stored in a well-sealed metal container to avoid contact with oxidants, acids and strong bases to prevent chemical reactions from causing danger.

3. Safety measures: the storage area should be equipped with anti-static device and leakage emergency treatment equipment, operators should wear protective clothing, protective gloves and goggles to prevent contact or inhalation of isobutanol vapor.

Isobutanol Market Prospects

With the development of industry and technology, the market demand for isobutanol has shown a steady growth trend.

1. Industrial demand: The demand for isobutanol continues to increase in traditional industries such as coatings, paints and resins, especially in industries such as construction and automobiles, where the demand for high-performance solvents continues to grow.

2. New Energy Applications: The potential of isobutanol as a biofuel has attracted wide attention. Due to its high energy density and renewable sources, isobutanol has obvious advantages in being an alternative to petroleum fuels. In the future, with the implementation of environmental protection policies and the development of biomass energy technology, isobutanol has broad application prospects in the field of new energy.

3. Emerging markets: With the continuous emergence of new materials and new processes, the application prospects of isobutanol in emerging markets are also highly anticipated. Especially in high value-added fields such as medicine, cosmetics and electronic chemicals, the potential applications of isobutanol are gradually emerging.

Isobutanol environmental protection and safety

The production and use of isobutanol requires attention to environmental and safety issues.

1. Environmental protection: A certain amount of waste gas and waste water will be produced in the production process of isobutanol, which requires effective treatment and management. Isobutanol is used as a fuel additive, and its combustion products also need to meet environmental emission standards.

2. Safety issues: Isobutanol is flammable, and the mixture of vapor and air can form an explosive gas. Therefore, during production, storage and transportation, safety procedures must be strictly followed. Enterprises need to strengthen the safety training of employees, regular inspection of equipment and storage facilities to ensure operational safety.

Conclusion

Isobutanol occupies an important position in the chemical industry because of its unique physical and chemical properties and a wide range of applications. From production raw materials to downstream products, from solvents to fuel additives, isobutanol shows a variety of uses and broad market prospects. In the pursuit of economic benefits of environmental protection and safety issues can not be ignored. In the future, with the advancement of technology and the enhancement of environmental awareness, the production and application of isobutanol will pay more attention to sustainable development and bring more innovations and opportunities to the industry.