1-Butanol

1-Butanol is a primary alcohol with the chemical formula C4H9OH and exists as a straight-chain isomer. It naturally occurs in fermentation products and is used as an ingredient in artificial flavorings and various consumer goods. Industrially, it primarily serves in producing butyl acetate, with significant production volumes noted for regions like the United States, Europe, and Japan in 1997.

Production methods include hydroformylation of propene using cobalt or rhodium catalysts since the 1950s, the Reppe reaction, and older processes involving crotonaldehyde. Fermentation using Clostridium acetobutylicum and a novel furan hydrogenation method are also employed.

In industrial applications, 85% is used in varnishes, as a solvent for nitrocellulose, and in derivatives like butoxyethanol. It serves as a precursor for plasticizers and polymers.

As a biofuel, 1-butanol is proposed to replace diesel and gasoline, compatible with existing engines without modification, offering higher energy density than ethanol. Research aims to enhance biomass yield efficiency.

Naturally present in alcoholic beverages and certain foods, it's classified among fusel alcohols, though not linked to hangovers as previously believed.

Metabolically, 1-butanol is less toxic than ethanol, sharing a similar metabolic pathway, acting as a more potent CNS depressant. Hazards include eye irritation, moderate fire risk, and potential CNS effects in confined spaces.