T

tert-Butanol

IUPAC: 2-methylpropan-2-ol

C4H10O Organic Compounds CAS 75-65-0
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Quick Reference
Formula / NotationC4H10O
CAS Number75-65-0
Molecular Weight74.12
Melting Point77.9 °F (NTP, 1992)
Boiling Point180 °F at 760 mmHg (NTP, 1992)
Density0.78 at 78.8 °F (USCG, 1999) - Less dense than water; will float
Solubilitygreater than or equal to 100 mg/mL at 70 °F (NTP, 1992)
AppearanceTert-butyl alcohol is a colorless oily liquid with a sharp alcohol odor. Floats and mixes with water. Produces irritating vapor. Freezing point is 78 °F. (USCG, 1999)
Also Known As2-methylpropan-2-ol; tert-Butyl alcohol; 2-Methylpropan-2-ol; 75-65-0; 2-Methyl-2-propanol; t-Butanol; T-BUTYL ALCOHOL; 1,1-Dimethylethanol; Trimethylcarbinol; t-Butyl hydroxide
CategoryOrganic Compounds

What is tert-Butanol?

Tert-butanol is a tertiary alcohol alcohol that is isobutane substituted by a hydroxy group at position 2. It has a role as a human xenobiotic metabolite. It derives from a hydride of an isobutane.

Formula & Notation

C4H10O

IUPAC Name: 2-methylpropan-2-ol

Other Names / Synonyms: 2-methylpropan-2-ol; tert-Butyl alcohol; 2-Methylpropan-2-ol; 75-65-0; 2-Methyl-2-propanol; t-Butanol; T-BUTYL ALCOHOL; 1,1-Dimethylethanol; Trimethylcarbinol; t-Butyl hydroxide

Properties & Characteristics

Appearance: Tert-butyl alcohol is a colorless oily liquid with a sharp alcohol odor. Floats and mixes with water. Produces irritating vapor. Freezing point is 78 °F. (USCG, 1999). Molecular formula: C4H10O. Molecular weight: 74.12 g/mol. Boiling point: 180 °F at 760 mmHg (NTP, 1992). Melting point: 77.9 °F (NTP, 1992). Density: 0.78 at 78.8 °F (USCG, 1999) - Less dense than water; will float. Solubility: greater than or equal to 100 mg/mL at 70 °F (NTP, 1992). Vapor pressure: 31 mmHg at 68 °F ; 42 mmHg at 77 °F; 56 mmHg at 86 °F (NTP, 1992). LogP: 0.5.

Physical Data

PropertyValue
Melting Point77.9 °F (NTP, 1992)
Boiling Point180 °F at 760 mmHg (NTP, 1992)
Density0.78 at 78.8 °F (USCG, 1999) - Less dense than water; will float
Molecular Weight74.12
Solubilitygreater than or equal to 100 mg/mL at 70 °F (NTP, 1992)
AppearanceTert-butyl alcohol is a colorless oily liquid with a sharp alcohol odor. Floats and mixes with water. Produces irritating vapor. Freezing point is 78 °F. (USCG, 1999)

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 tert-Butanol
Formula C4H10O
CAS Number 75-65-0
Molecular Weight 74.12
Synonyms 2-methylpropan-2-ol; tert-Butyl alcohol; 2-Methylpropan-2-ol; 75-65-0; 2-Methyl-2-propanol; t-Butanol; T-BUTYL ALCOHOL; 1,1-Dimethylethanol; Trimethylcarbinol; t-Butyl hydroxide

Frequently Asked Questions

Tert-butanol is a tertiary alcohol alcohol that is isobutane substituted by a hydroxy group at position 2. It has a role as a human xenobiotic metabolite. It derives from a hydride of an isobutane.

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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.