[Chemical Knowledge]：Properties, uses, upstream and downstream raw materials, storage methods, 4 butyl resorcinol action

m-Butylphenol properties

3-tert-Butylphenol (TBP) is an organic compound with the molecular formula C10H14O. It belongs to the class of phenols and is a white to pale yellow crystalline solid in appearance. In the molecular structure of TBP, a hydroxyl group (-OH) and a tert-butyl group (-C(CH3)3) are attached to the benzene ring. This structure makes it show certain characteristics in physical and chemical properties. TBP has a melting point of about 100°C and a boiling point of about 238°C. Its relative density is 0.91, with a faint aromatic smell. TBP is less soluble in water, but soluble in most organic solvents, such as ethanol, ether and benzene.

Use of m-butyl phenol

m-Butylphenol is widely used in industry. It is mainly used in the manufacture of antioxidants, ultraviolet absorbers and other chemical products. For example, in the plastics and rubber industry, TBP is often used as an antioxidant to prevent material degradation due to oxidation during processing and use. TBP can also be used as an ultraviolet absorber and is widely used in cosmetics and sunscreen products to protect the skin from ultraviolet rays. TBP is also a key raw material for certain resins and adhesives, which can improve the performance and durability of these materials.

Upstream raw materials

The production of m-butylphenol requires a variety of upstream feedstocks, primarily including phenol and isobutylene. Phenol is one of the basic raw materials for the production of TBP, which has strong acidity and high reactivity. Isobutene is used as an alkylating agent, and the alkylation reaction with phenol generates TBP. Typically, these feedstocks are obtained by processes such as petroleum cracking or coal chemicals. Phenol is generally produced by processes such as alkylation and oxidation of benzene, while isobutylene is one of the by-products of petroleum cracking. The supply and price fluctuations of these upstream raw materials will directly affect the production cost and market price of TBP.

Downstream Products

As an important intermediate, TBP can be derived from a variety of downstream products. Its derivatives have important application value in many industries. For example, TBP-derived antioxidants are widely used in lubricants, fuels, rubbers, and plastics to extend the useful life of these materials. TBP can also be converted into other types of phenolic compounds, which have a wide range of applications in the fields of pesticides, pharmaceuticals and fine chemicals. TBP is also a key raw material for the production of certain specialty polymers and resins, which play an important role in industries such as electronics, automotive and construction.

Production process

The production of m-butylphenol typically employs an alkylation reaction of phenol and isobutylene. The reaction is generally carried out in the presence of an acidic catalyst, such as sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid or a solid acid catalyst. The reaction conditions need to be strictly controlled to ensure the selectivity and yield of the reaction. Generally, the reaction is carried out at higher temperature and pressure, and the reaction product is purified by distillation, crystallization and other processes to obtain high-purity TBP. The treatment of waste water and waste gas in the production process is also an important part of the production process, and effective environmental protection measures should be taken to reduce the impact on the environment.

storage method

As a chemical, the storage of m-butylphenol requires special attention. TBP should be stored in a cool, dry, well-ventilated warehouse, away from direct sunlight and high temperature environment. The storage container should be well sealed to prevent moisture and oxygen in the air from entering, causing oxidation and deterioration of the product. TBP is corrosive and should be stored in corrosion-resistant materials such as glass, polyethylene or stainless steel containers. The storage area should be far away from fire and heat sources, and equipped with necessary fire fighting facilities. When storing and handling the TBP, workers should wear protective equipment such as gloves, goggles and protective clothing to prevent chemicals from contacting the skin and eyes.

Market Prospects

With the rapid development of the chemical, plastics and rubber industries, the demand for m-butyl phenol is also increasing. Especially in the field of antioxidants and ultraviolet absorbers, TBP has broad application prospects. In the future, with the continuous emergence of new materials and new processes, the use of TBP may be further expanded. The increasingly stringent environmental protection and safety regulations have put forward higher requirements for TBP production process and waste treatment, which also urges enterprises to continuously improve production technology, improve product quality and environmental friendliness. In general, m-butyl phenol is an important chemical intermediate, and its market prospect is very optimistic.

Conclusion

As an important organic compound, m-butylphenol has unique physical and chemical properties and is widely used in many industrial fields. Its upstream raw materials are mainly phenol and isobutylene, and its downstream products cover antioxidants, ultraviolet absorbers and resins. The production process of TBP is complex, which requires strict control of reaction conditions and environmental protection measures. Its storage needs to pay attention to moisture, oxidation and corrosion. With the growth of market demand and technological progress, the application prospect of m-butyl phenol is broad, and it will play a more important role in many fields in the future.