1butene

1-Butene, or but-1-ene, is an unsaturated hydrocarbon in the alkene class with the formula C4H8. It is a linear molecule featuring a terminal double bond: CH2=CH-CH2-CH3. At room temperature it is typically a colorless gas and is moderately flammable. It has a boiling point near -6 °C and is only sparingly soluble in water, though it dissolves in many organic solvents.

Occurrence and production: In industry, 1-butene is produced mainly by catalytic cracking and by selective dehydrogenation of n-butane. It is usually present in mixtures of C4 olefins (including cis- and trans-2-butene) and is separated by distillation for use as a chemical feedstock.

Reactions and derivatives: As a terminal alkene, 1-butene participates in standard addition reactions such as hydrohalogenation, halogenation, and hydration (giving, for example, 1-bromobutane, 1-chlorobutane, or 2-butanol). It can undergo hydroformylation to yield pentanal and can polymerize or copolymerize with ethylene to form polyolefins, including linear low-density polyethylene when used as a comonomer. It can also be hydrogenated to butane.

Applications: The primary use of 1-butene is as a feedstock for polymer manufacture and for alkylation processes that produce high-octane gasoline components. It also serves as an intermediate in the synthesis of aldehydes and alcohols.

Safety: 1-Butene is flammable and should be handled in well-ventilated areas away from ignition sources. It is stored in pressurized vessels or cylinders.