5131. Isobutyl Alcohol

Nomenclature

CAS number: 78-83-1
2-Methyl-1-propanol; isopropylcarbinol; 1-hydroxymethylpropane; isobutanol; fermentation butyl alcohol.
C4H10O; mol wt 74.12.
C 64.82%, H 13.60%, O 21.59%.

Description and references

Present in fusel oil; also produced by fermentation of carbohydrates: Baraud, Genevois, Compt. Rend. 247, 2479 (1958); Sukhodol, Chatskii, Spirt. Promst. 28, 35 (1962), C.A. 57, 5124e (1962). Prepn: Wender et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc. 71, 4160 (1949); Schreyer, US 2564130 (1951 to du Pont); Pistor, US 2753366; Harrer, Rühl, DE 1011865; Himmler, Schiller, US 2787628 (1956, 1957, 1957 all to BASF). Toxicity study: Smyth et al., Arch. Ind. Hyg. Occup. Med. 10, 61 (1954).

Chemical structure

Properties

Colorless, refractive liq; odor like that of amyl alcohol, but weaker. d15 0.806. d25 0.79761. bp 108°. mp 108°. Flash pt, closed cup: 82°F (28°C). nD15 1.3976. nD25 1.39370. Flammable. Sol in about 20 parts water; misc with alcohol, ether. LD50 orally in rats: 2.46 g/kg (Smyth).

Caution

Potential symptoms of overexposure are irritation of eyes and throat; headache, drowsiness; skin cracking. See NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards (DHHS/NIOSH 97-140, 1997) p 176.

Use

Manuf esters for fruit flavoring essences; organic solvent in paint, varnish removers.