Butaanil

Butaanil, also known as butyraldehyde or 1-butanal, is an aliphatic aldehyde with the chemical formula C4H8O. It is a colorless to pale liquid at room temperature, with a sharp, penetrating odor and relatively high vapor pressure. It is moderately soluble in water and highly soluble in many organic solvents, making it a versatile chemical intermediate.

Industrial production is mainly by hydroformylation (the oxo process) of propene, which yields predominantly straight-chain n-butyraldehyde along with smaller amounts of branched aldehydes. The crude product is then separated into purer isomers. A secondary route is the controlled oxidation of 1-butanol to the aldehyde, though this is less common on a large scale. Butanal also appears as an intermediate in various other chemical routes and can be formed in situ in some processes.

Applications: It is used as a building block in the manufacture of higher aldehydes and alcohols, as well as in the production of plastics, resins, and specialty chemicals. It can be hydrogenated to yield 1-butanol, or converted to other derivatives such as esters and aldol products. In fragrance and flavor industries, butanal can occur in trace amounts as part of multi-step syntheses.

Safety: Butanal is flammable and may pose health risks if inhaled, ingested, or absorbed through the skin. It can cause irritation to eyes, skin, and the respiratory tract and should be handled with appropriate protective equipment in well-ventilated facilities. It may form peroxides upon extended storage in air and should be kept away from strong oxidizers and heat sources in tightly closed containers.