B

2-Butanol

IUPAC: butan-2-ol

C4H10O Organic Compounds CAS 78-92-2
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Quick Reference
Formula / NotationC4H10O
CAS Number78-92-2
Molecular Weight74.12
Melting Point-175 °F (NIOSH, 2024)
Boiling Point211 °F at 760 mmHg (NIOSH, 2024)
Density0.81 (NIOSH, 2024) - Less dense than water; will float
Solubility16 % (NIOSH, 2024)
AppearanceSec-butyl alcohol appears as a clear colorless liquid with an alcohol odor. Flash point below 0 °F. Less dense than water. Vapors heavier than air. Soluble in water. Moderately irritates the eyes ...
Also Known Asbutan-2-ol; Butan-2-ol; sec-Butanol; 78-92-2; SEC-BUTYL ALCOHOL; 2-Butyl alcohol; Butylene hydrate; 1-Methyl-1-propanol; Methyl ethyl carbinol; 1-Methylpropyl alcohol
CategoryOrganic Compounds

What is 2-Butanol?

Butan-2-ol is a secondary alcohol that is butane substituted by a hydroxy group at position 2. It derives from a hydride of a butane.

Formula & Notation

C4H10O

IUPAC Name: butan-2-ol

Other Names / Synonyms: butan-2-ol; Butan-2-ol; sec-Butanol; 78-92-2; SEC-BUTYL ALCOHOL; 2-Butyl alcohol; Butylene hydrate; 1-Methyl-1-propanol; Methyl ethyl carbinol; 1-Methylpropyl alcohol

Properties & Characteristics

Appearance: Sec-butyl alcohol appears as a clear colorless liquid with an alcohol odor. Flash point below 0 °F. Less dense than water. Vapors heavier than air. Soluble in water. Moderately irritates the eyes .... Molecular formula: C4H10O. Molecular weight: 74.12 g/mol. Boiling point: 211 °F at 760 mmHg (NIOSH, 2024). Melting point: -175 °F (NIOSH, 2024). Density: 0.81 (NIOSH, 2024) - Less dense than water; will float. Solubility: 16 % (NIOSH, 2024). Vapor pressure: 12 mmHg (NIOSH, 2024). LogP: 0.6.

Physical Data

PropertyValue
Melting Point-175 °F (NIOSH, 2024)
Boiling Point211 °F at 760 mmHg (NIOSH, 2024)
Density0.81 (NIOSH, 2024) - Less dense than water; will float
Molecular Weight74.12
Solubility16 % (NIOSH, 2024)
AppearanceSec-butyl alcohol appears as a clear colorless liquid with an alcohol odor. Flash point below 0 °F. Less dense than water. Vapors heavier than air. Soluble in water. Moderately irritates the eyes ...

Uses & Applications

Used as an industrial feedstock, solvent, pharmaceutical intermediate, flavoring agent, or chemical building block.

Safety Information

Flammable or irritant. Many organic compounds are flammable liquids or vapours. Keep away from ignition sources. Consult SDS for specific hazard data.

Always consult the SDS/MSDS before handling any chemical. This information is for educational purposes only.

Key Facts

Term 2-Butanol
Formula C4H10O
CAS Number 78-92-2
Molecular Weight 74.12
Synonyms butan-2-ol; Butan-2-ol; sec-Butanol; 78-92-2; SEC-BUTYL ALCOHOL; 2-Butyl alcohol; Butylene hydrate; 1-Methyl-1-propanol; Methyl ethyl carbinol; 1-Methylpropyl alcohol

Frequently Asked Questions

Butan-2-ol is a secondary alcohol that is butane substituted by a hydroxy group at position 2. It derives from a hydride of a butane.

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Editorial standards: Chemical data is sourced from peer-reviewed literature, CAS Registry, NIST WebBook, and PubChem. Safety information reflects guidance from OSHA, ECHA, and IAEA. For educational purposes only — always consult official SDS documentation and qualified professionals before handling chemicals.