2methylpropan2ol

2methylpropan2ol, commonly written as 2-methylpropan-2-ol, is an organic compound better known by its trivial name tert-butanol or tert-butyl alcohol. Its formula is C4H10O and its molecular weight is 74.12 g/mol. The CAS number is 75-65-0. It is a tertiary alcohol, meaning the hydroxyl group is attached to a carbon connected to three other carbon groups.

Physically, tert-butanol is a colorless, flammable liquid at room temperature. It has a boiling point of about 82 °C and a density around 0.78 g/mL at 25 °C. It is miscible with water and with many organic solvents, making it a versatile solvent in laboratory and industrial settings.

Chemically, tert-butanol is characteristic of tertiary alcohols in that the hydroxyl-bearing carbon is tertiary, which makes it relatively resistant to oxidation under mild conditions. It can undergo dehydration to yield isobutene (2-methylpropene) in the presence of strong acids. It is also used as a dependable solvent and as a precursor to tert-butyl protecting groups and tert-butyl esters in organic synthesis. Industrially, it is produced mainly by the hydration of isobutene (2-methylpropene) under acidic catalysts.

Safety and handling: tert-butanol is flammable and can irritate the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract. It should be handled in well-ventilated areas with appropriate personal protective equipment, kept away from heat sources, and stored in closed containers away from oxidizers.

In summary, 2methylpropan2ol is a widely used tertiary alcohol with applications as a solvent and intermediate, produced primarily by isobutene hydration, and it exhibits typical properties of low-to-moderate toxicity and flammability.