[Chemical Knowledge]：The nature, use, upstream and downstream raw materials, storage methods of epoxy butane, how to write the chemical formula of epoxy butane

Properties of butylene oxide

Butylene oxide (1,2-butylene oxide, CAS number: 106-88-7) is an important organic chemical raw material. Its molecular formula is C4H8O and its molecular weight is 72.11g/mol. Butylene oxide is a colorless liquid at room temperature and has a pungent odor. It has a boiling point of 63°C, a melting point of -111°C and a density of 0.83g/cm³. Butylene oxide is readily soluble in water, alcohols and most organic solvents. Due to its epoxy structure, butylene oxide is highly reactive and can react with a variety of compounds, such as water, alcohols, amines and acids, to generate the corresponding addition products.

Butylene oxide use

Butylene oxide is widely used in chemical industry. It is an important intermediate for the synthesis of a series of fine chemical products, such as pharmaceuticals, pesticides and dyes. Butylene oxide can be used to produce butyl glycol (1,2-butanediol), which is an important solvent and intermediate, which is widely used in coatings, inks, resins and plastics industries. Butylene oxide is also a raw material for the production of surfactants and emulsifiers, and has important applications in the detergent, cosmetic and food industries. Butylene oxide is also used in the production of flame retardants and plasticizers, which are widely used in plastics, rubber and textiles.

Butylene oxide upstream feedstock

Butylene oxide production relies primarily on two upstream feedstocks: 1,3-butadiene and ethylene. In industrial production, 1,3-butadiene is usually obtained by steam cracking naphtha or light hydrocarbons, and ethylene is also produced by steam cracking naphtha or ethane. 1,3-butadiene and ethylene react in the presence of a catalyst to produce butenol, which then undergoes epoxidation to produce butylene oxide. This process involves multi-step reactions and complex separation and purification processes, so the production equipment and technical requirements are high.

Butylene oxide downstream products

There are many kinds of downstream products of epoxy butane, involving many industries. 1,2-Butanediol can be prepared by addition reaction from butylene oxide, which is widely used in solvent, medicine and polyurethane production. Butylene oxide can also react with fatty acids, alcohols and amines to form various surfactants, which are widely used in detergents, emulsifiers and dispersants. By reacting with flame retardant precursors, butylene oxide can also produce flame retardant materials for flame retardant treatment of plastics and textiles. Butylene oxide is also an important raw material for the production of multifunctional polymers and resins, which play an important role in coatings, adhesives and sealants.

Butylene oxide storage method

Due to the high chemical activity and volatility of butylene oxide, its storage and handling require special attention. Butylene oxide shall be stored in a cool, well-ventilated dedicated storage tank made of corrosion-resistant stainless steel or aluminum. The storage tank shall be closed to prevent leakage and volatilization, and equipped with fire prevention and explosion prevention facilities. Due to the toxicity and irritation of butylene oxide, operators should wear protective equipment such as gloves, protective glasses and protective clothing when handling butylene oxide to avoid skin contact and inhalation of vapors. When transporting butylene oxide, special closed transportation vehicles should be used and relevant dangerous goods transportation regulations should be observed.

Butylene oxide safety and environmental impact

Butylene oxide is toxic and irritating, and may be hazardous to human health by inhalation, ingestion or skin contact. Long-term contact may cause damage to the respiratory system and nervous system, so strict safety measures must be taken during operation and use. Butylene oxide is also harmful to the environment, especially in the process of leakage or discharge may cause pollution to water and soil. Therefore, the production, storage and use of butylene oxide must strictly comply with environmental protection regulations, and take effective pollution control and emergency treatment measures to reduce the impact on the environment.

Butylene Oxide Market Prospects

With the development of industries such as fine chemicals, pharmaceuticals and pesticides, the demand for butylene oxide is expected to continue to grow. Especially in the field of new materials and high-performance chemicals, butylene oxide is an important intermediate and raw material, and its market prospect is very broad. With the improvement of environmental protection requirements, the production process and application fields of butylene oxide are constantly optimized and innovated to improve product safety and environmental friendliness. These factors will promote the sustainable development and technological progress of the butylene oxide industry.

Summary

As an important organic chemical raw material, butylene oxide has a wide range of applications and good market prospects. Its production relies on upstream raw materials such as 1,3-butadiene and ethylene, which are mainly used to synthesize downstream products such as fine chemicals, surfactants and flame retardants. Due to its high chemical activity, volatility and toxicity, the storage and handling of butylene oxide requires strict safety measures. With the increasingly stringent environmental regulations, the production and application technology of butylene oxide is constantly improving to meet the needs of the market and environmental protection. In the future, the butylene oxide industry is expected to achieve greater development and breakthroughs under the dual drive of technological innovation and market demand.