2-Methylpropan-2-ol vs. Iso Butanol

Attribute	2-Methylpropan-2-ol	Iso Butanol
Chemical Formula	C4H10O	C4H10O
Molecular Weight	74.12 g/mol	74.12 g/mol
Boiling Point	82.5 °C	107.9 °C
Melting Point	-108 °C	-108 °C
Density	0.79 g/cm3	0.81 g/cm3

Chemical Structure

2-Methylpropan-2-ol, also known as tert-butanol, has a chemical formula of C4H10O and a molecular weight of 74.12 g/mol. It is a tertiary alcohol with a branched structure, containing a hydroxyl group attached to a carbon atom that is bonded to three other carbon atoms. On the other hand, Iso Butanol, also known as isobutyl alcohol, has a chemical formula of C4H10O and a molecular weight of 74.12 g/mol. It is a primary alcohol with a branched structure, containing a hydroxyl group attached to a carbon atom that is bonded to two other carbon atoms.

Physical Properties

2-Methylpropan-2-ol is a colorless liquid with a characteristic odor, a melting point of -51°C, and a boiling point of 82.2°C. It is soluble in water and miscible with most organic solvents. Iso Butanol is also a colorless liquid with a mild, alcohol-like odor, a melting point of -108.5°C, and a boiling point of 107.9°C. It is slightly soluble in water and miscible with organic solvents such as ether and acetone.

Uses

2-Methylpropan-2-ol is commonly used as a solvent in the production of coatings, inks, and adhesives. It is also used as a chemical intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals and agricultural chemicals. Iso Butanol is used as a solvent in the manufacturing of paints, varnishes, and lacquers. It is also used as a raw material in the production of plasticizers and esters.

Flammability

2-Methylpropan-2-ol has a flash point of 11°C and a flammability rating of 3, indicating it is a moderate fire hazard. It can form explosive mixtures with air at temperatures above its flash point. Iso Butanol has a flash point of 35°C and a flammability rating of 2, making it a slight fire hazard. It can also form explosive mixtures with air under certain conditions.

Toxicity

2-Methylpropan-2-ol is considered to be moderately toxic, with a LD50 (median lethal dose) of 2,500 mg/kg in rats. It can cause irritation to the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract upon exposure. Iso Butanol is also moderately toxic, with a LD50 of 2,600 mg/kg in rats. It can cause similar irritations to the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract.

Environmental Impact

2-Methylpropan-2-ol is biodegradable and does not persist in the environment. It has a low potential for bioaccumulation in aquatic organisms. Iso Butanol is also biodegradable and does not persist in the environment. It has a low potential for bioaccumulation in aquatic organisms as well.