Isobutüleen

Isobutylene, also known as 2-methylpropene, is an organic compound with the chemical formula (CH₃)₂C=CH₂. It is a colorless, flammable gas at room temperature and pressure. Isobutylene is a branched alkene, an isomer of butene, differing from its linear counterparts (1-butene and cis/trans-2-butene) by the position of its double bond and its branched structure. Its molecular weight is approximately 56.11 g/mol.

This compound is produced industrially as a byproduct of petroleum refining, particularly during the cracking of hydrocarbons. It can also be synthesized through the dehydration of tert-butyl alcohol. Isobutylene is a highly reactive molecule due to the presence of its double bond, making it a valuable intermediate in various chemical processes.

The primary uses of isobutylene revolve around its role as a building block for other chemicals. It is a key precursor in the production of methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE), a fuel additive that was widely used to increase octane ratings, though its use has declined in some regions due to environmental concerns. Isobutylene is also used in the synthesis of isoprene, polyisobutylene (a synthetic rubber used in tires and adhesives), and butyl rubber, which is known for its impermeability to gases and is used in inner tubes and seals. It also finds application in the production of antioxidants and various specialty chemicals.