n-Butanol, recognized by its molecular formula C4H10O, has earned an indispensable place in manufacturing, laboratory, and chemical engineering. This straight-chain alcohol feels familiar to anyone who’s ever spent time working in an industrial setting—it gives off a distinct, recognizable odor, often compared to rubbing alcohol but with a heavier punch. People handle it in both small batches for chemical syntheses and in massive, tankered quantities for large-scale production. The clear, colorless liquid signals utility, packing a punch with its ability to dissolve greases, resins, and dyes. Over the years, various industries have come to depend on its consistent structure: four carbon atoms, ten hydrogens, and a single hydroxyl group branching off the tail. With an HS Code of 29051300, international trade identifies and regulates its movement with care, placing it under the same scrutiny as many other fundamental chemical commodities.
Anyone who’s poured n-Butanol from a drum knows how it feels, with a density of roughly 0.81 g/cm3 at 20°C. The fluid runs smoothly, neither as volatile as acetone nor as thick as heavy oils. Scientists note n-Butanol’s melting point at about -89.5°C, so it remains a liquid under regular environmental conditions. its boiling point hovers close to 117.7°C, raising important considerations for ventilation and temperature management in manufacturing zones. It rarely comes in solid forms like flakes or pearls, but can persist as a clear liquid, and on rare labs, you might catch a glimpse of it crystallizing in extreme cold. Its molecular weight stands at 74.12 g/mol, making calculations in synthesis straightforward. Imagine the challenge of dealing with something with a lower flashpoint—luckily, n-Butanol’s isn’t the most hazardous, sitting at 35°C, which means we need to think about fire risk, yet it doesn't ignite at a touch. Water solubility defines how you rinse equipment or treat spills. n-Butanol dissolves modestly in water but shines as a solvent in organic contexts, giving it a hand in everything from pharmaceuticals to paint removers.
You’re most likely to come across n-Butanol as a neat, pure liquid, packed in steel drums or IBCs, capped tightly to prevent evaporative loss. Bulk buyers count on consistent packing: 160-kilogram drums or smaller pails for laboratory use. Rarely do you find it in solid state or as a powder. Don’t confuse it with plastic-packaged alcohols—n-Butanol chews up many plastics, so stainless steel or lined containers work best. Proper ventilation shields users from its pungency, which tends to stick to the hair and clothes after a long shift. Its solution forms in lab work allow chemists flexibility to create customized blends or prep for downstream synthesis. Anyone familiar with raw chemical materials will recognize the importance of correct labeling and Material Safety Data Sheets. Every shipment, every shelf needs tracking—because n-Butanol doesn’t just pose a physical hazard, but a regulatory one, too.
Over the years, n-Butanol earned a reputation as a versatile workhorse, handling reactions that demand low polarity and reliable solvating action. Its moderate evaporation speed outperforms water but lags behind diethyl ether, giving technicians control during extraction or cleaning runs. Industrial chemists favor it not just for its solvency but for reaction specificity. Passed over strong acids, n-Butanol can transform into esters for fragrances or plastics. It carries a faint resistance to oxidation, but under heat or light, oxidation products can include toxic aldehydes. Knowing how it interacts with common materials counts: don’t introduce it to strong oxidizers, acids, or bases unless you’re prepared for reactive surprises. Experienced users see n-Butanol as a foundational raw material—a building block for everything from brake fluids to jet fuel additives.
Anyone who’s ever spilled n-Butanol or breathed its vapors recognizes the burning in the nasal passages. It acts as a moderate irritant to eyes, skin, and mucous membranes. Street-level experience says: don’t let anyone treat it casually. Chronic exposure paves the way for headaches, nausea, and dizziness. For warehouse teams and laboratory staff, proper ventilation, regular mask use, and good hygiene aren’t optional; they’re the price of safe work. Inhalation limits sit around 50 ppm over an eight-hour period, which workplace monitoring must track closely. Flammable liquids demand careful storage: away from sources of ignition, in cool, well-marked zones. It’s a hazardous material that many national authorities regulate, meaning emergency plans and spill containment equipment sit close at hand wherever it’s used.
n-Butanol carves a niche in coatings, inks, and adhesives, where solubility and volatility matter to manufacturers. Pharmaceutical companies build medication intermediates from its backbone, and perfume makers value its ability to dissolve oils and mix them evenly. In plastics and rubber compounding, n-Butanol’s presence seems routine, yet its proper application sets apart seamless production from costly error. As a fuel additive, n-Butanol brings lower volatility compared to ethanol, which reduces evaporative emissions but calls for new engineering in storage and delivery systems. Raw material sourcing teams judge suppliers on purity—99.5% and above counts as standard for most technical-grade purchases.
n-Butanol rarely lingers in the environment as a legacy pollutant—bacteria break it down fast, and sunlight degrades it under the right conditions. Even so, accidental releases or spills into waterways demand serious response, as it remains toxic to aquatic life. Waste management teams lean on proper incineration or controlled chemical breakdowns, rather than letting drums pile up or leak. Sourcing programs can look toward bio-based n-Butanol, made from fermenting sugars instead of petrochemicals, as a step toward sustainability and reduced carbon footprint. As the chemical sector faces tighter regulations about occupational exposure and emissions, investment in better storage, air handling, and environmental sensors will only grow more vital.
The straight-chain arrangement of n-Butanol provides a baseline for chemists interested in structural derivatives; shifting a single group turns n-Butanol into iso-, sec-, or tert-Butanol, each with their own behavior and applications. Synthetic efficiency and safer handling practices drive future innovation, aiming for lower emissions and reduced health risks. Continued research on toxicity and fire suppression can lead to smarter containment, while advances in automation may cut down on direct worker exposure. Partners across the supply chain—raw material producers, logistics providers, and end-users—benefit most from open data sharing and transparent safety protocols.
n-Butanol fits specific benchmarks: molecular formula C4H10O, molar mass of 74.12 g/mol, density close to 0.81 g/cm3 at 20°C, boiling point at 117.7°C, melting point around -89.5°C. International sales typically reference HS Code 29051300. Liquid form dominates commercial inventory; solid state appears only in specialty settings. Hazard ratings include flammable liquid category 3, as well as acute health hazards on direct contact or inhalation. Strict track-and-trace documentation supports safe use and legal compliance.
