key term - 1-butanol

Definition

1-butanol, also known as n-butanol or butyl alcohol, is a primary alcohol with the chemical formula CH3CH2CH2CH2OH. It is a colorless, flammable liquid with a characteristic alcoholic odor and is an important industrial chemical used in a variety of applications.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. 1-butanol is a member of the homologous series of primary alcohols, with the general formula CnH2n+1OH.
2. It is commonly used as a solvent, fuel additive, and in the production of other chemicals, such as butyl acetate and butyl acrylate.
3. 1-butanol can be produced through the fermentation of sugars by certain bacteria, as well as through the catalytic hydrogenation of butyraldehyde.
4. The presence of the hydroxyl (-OH) group in 1-butanol gives it polar and hydrogen-bonding properties, which influence its physical and chemical properties.
5. 1-butanol is considered less toxic and more environmentally friendly compared to some other solvents, such as benzene or toluene.

Review Questions

• Explain the relationship between 1-butanol and the homologous series of primary alcohols.
  • 1-butanol is a member of the homologous series of primary alcohols, which are organic compounds with the general formula CnH2n+1OH. This means that 1-butanol, with the formula CH3CH2CH2CH2OH, is part of a series of alcohols where each subsequent member differs by a CH2 unit. This homologous series allows for the prediction of physical and chemical properties as the carbon chain length increases, as the members of the series exhibit similar characteristics and reactivity.
• Describe the key functional groups and structural features of 1-butanol that contribute to its chemical and physical properties.
  • The key structural feature of 1-butanol is the presence of the hydroxyl (-OH) functional group bonded to the terminal carbon of the 4-carbon chain. This hydroxyl group gives 1-butanol polar and hydrogen-bonding properties, which influence its solubility, boiling point, and reactivity. The longer carbon chain also contributes to 1-butanol's relatively low water solubility and higher lipophilicity compared to smaller alcohols. These structural and functional group characteristics are important in understanding 1-butanol's behavior and applications as an industrial chemical.
• Analyze the potential environmental and health considerations associated with the use of 1-butanol.
  • Compared to some other industrial solvents, 1-butanol is considered less toxic and more environmentally friendly. However, it is still a flammable liquid and proper precautions must be taken during its handling and use. The potential health effects of 1-butanol exposure include respiratory irritation, central nervous system depression, and liver and kidney damage with prolonged or high-level exposure. From an environmental perspective, 1-butanol's biodegradability and relatively low bioaccumulation potential make it a more sustainable choice than some halogenated or aromatic solvents. Overall, the use of 1-butanol requires appropriate safety measures and consideration of its potential impacts, but it is generally viewed as a more responsible industrial chemical compared to some alternatives.

Related terms

Alcohols:

Alcohols are organic compounds containing a hydroxyl (-OH) functional group bonded to a saturated carbon atom.

Ethers:

Ethers are organic compounds with the general formula R-O-R', where R and R' are alkyl or aryl groups.

Homologous Series: A homologous series is a series of organic compounds that differ by a repeating unit, such as CH2, and have similar chemical properties.