[Chemical Knowledge]：The nature, use, upstream and downstream raw materials, storage methods of tert-butyl alcohol, is tert-butyl alcohol a tertiary alcohol?

Properties of tert-butyl alcohol

Tertiary butyl alcohol (tert-Butyl alcohol, TBA for short) is an organic compound with the chemical formula C4H10O. It is one of the four isomers of butanol. Tert-butanol is a colorless crystal or colorless liquid at room temperature with a camphor odor. It has a melting point of 25.5°C, a boiling point of 82.5°C and a density of about 0.78g/cm³. The solubility in water is relatively high, and it can be miscible with most organic solvents such as ethanol, ether, benzene, and chloroform. Its chemical properties are relatively stable, but oxidation or decomposition reactions may occur at high temperatures or in the presence of strong oxidants.

Tertiary butyl alcohol use

Tert-butyl alcohol is widely used in chemical industry. As a solvent, it is used in the dissolution of paints, paints, varnishes and resins. Tert-butanol is also used as an intermediate in organic synthesis, for example to produce tert-butyl ether (MTBE) and tert-butyl phenol. In the pharmaceutical field, tert-butanol is a solvent and intermediate for certain drugs. In the laboratory, tert-butyl alcohol is often used as a standard substance for chromatographic analysis. It can also be used as an antifreeze and gasoline additive to improve the antiknock and stability of the fuel.

Tert-butanol upstream and downstream raw materials

The main upstream feedstocks for tert-butanol are isobutylene and water. The common method of industrial production of tert-butyl alcohol is the hydration method of isobutylene, that is, isobutylene and water react to form tert-butyl alcohol under the action of acidic catalyst. In terms of downstream products, tert-butanol can be further processed to produce tert-butyl ether (MTBE), tert-butyl phenol, tert-butyl chloride and other compounds. These derivatives have important applications in fuel additives, antioxidants, pharmaceuticals and agricultural chemicals.

Tertiary butyl alcohol production process

The industrial production of tert-butyl alcohol mainly uses the hydration method of isobutene. The process consists of two main steps: isobutylene is reacted with water under the action of an acidic catalyst (such as sulfuric acid or sulfonic acid resin) to form tert-butanol; then, pure tert-butanol is separated by distillation and purification. This process requires strict control of reaction temperature, pressure and catalyst concentration to ensure high yield and purity.

Tert-Butanol Storage Method

Because tert-butyl alcohol has high volatility and flammability at normal temperature, its storage method must meet safety regulations. Tert-butyl alcohol should be stored in a cool, well-ventilated warehouse, away from fire and heat sources. Storage containers shall be closed stainless steel or aluminum containers to prevent leakage and volatilization. The storage area should be equipped with fire protection facilities and leakage emergency equipment to deal with possible unexpected situations. Operators should wear appropriate protective equipment, such as protective gloves and goggles, to prevent skin and eye contact.

Tertiary Butanol Market Demand and Prospects

With the development of the global economy and the upgrading of the chemical industry, the market demand for tert-butyl alcohol has shown a steady growth trend. In the fields of fuel additives, pharmaceutical intermediates and organic synthesis intermediates, the demand for tert-butanol is increasing. The increasingly stringent environmental regulations are also driving the demand for clean fuels and environmentally friendly solvents, further promoting the expansion of the tertiary butyl alcohol market. In the future, with the development and application of new technologies, the production process of tert-butyl alcohol is expected to be more efficient and environmentally friendly, thereby enhancing its market competitiveness.

Tertiary butyl alcohol: safety and environmental impact

Although tert-butanol has important applications in chemical production, its safety and environmental impact also require attention. Tert-butyl alcohol has certain toxicity. Inhalation or excessive intake will cause harm to human body, such as headache, dizziness, nausea and other symptoms. Therefore, the production and use of the process must strictly abide by the safety procedures. Tert-butanol has a certain degradability in the environment, but a large amount of discharge may still cause pollution to water and soil. Enterprises should take effective waste gas and wastewater treatment measures to reduce the impact on the environment.

Conclusion

As an important organic compound, tert-butyl alcohol has been widely used in chemical industry, medicine, fuel additives and other fields. Its upstream raw materials are mainly isobutylene and water, which are produced by hydration. When storing and using tert-butyl alcohol, attention should be paid to its flammability and toxicity to ensure safe operation and environmental protection. With the progress of technology and the growth of market demand, the application prospect of tert-butyl alcohol is broad, but it is also necessary to pay attention to safety and environmental protection issues in order to achieve sustainable development.