Butanol

Definition

Butanol is a four-carbon alcohol produced by certain bacteria through the fermentation of sugars. It serves as both an industrial solvent and a biofuel.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Butanol can be produced by Clostridium species during acetone-butanol-ethanol (ABE) fermentation.
2. It has higher energy content compared to ethanol, making it a more efficient biofuel.
3. In microbial metabolism, butanol acts as both a product and potential inhibitor due to its toxicity at high concentrations.
4. The production of butanol involves the conversion of glucose into butyric acid, which is then reduced to butanol.
5. Butanol fermentation typically requires anaerobic conditions.

Review Questions

• Which bacterial genus is primarily responsible for the production of butanol through fermentation?
• Why is butanol considered a more efficient biofuel compared to ethanol?
• What are the conditions necessary for the optimal microbial production of butanol?

Related terms

Acetone-Butanol-Ethanol (ABE) Fermentation: A process where certain bacteria convert sugars into acetone, butanol, and ethanol.

Clostridium: A genus of bacteria known for producing butanol during fermentation.

Anaerobic Conditions: Environments that lack oxygen, essential for processes like butanol fermentation.