Methylbutenol

Methylbutenol, also known as 3-methyl-3-buten-1-ol or isoprenol, is an organic compound with the chemical formula C5H10O. It is a primary alcohol and an unsaturated alcohol, meaning it contains both a hydroxyl group and a carbon-carbon double bond. The double bond is located at the 3-position of the butene chain, and the methyl group is attached to the third carbon.

This compound is a colorless liquid at room temperature. It is soluble in water and many organic solvents. Methylbutenol occurs naturally in some plants and can be produced synthetically. It is a key intermediate in the industrial synthesis of various chemicals, including flavors and fragrances, pharmaceuticals, and vitamins. For instance, it is a precursor in the production of isoprene, a building block for synthetic rubber, and also plays a role in the biosynthesis of terpenes. Due to its reactive functional groups, it can undergo various chemical reactions, such as oxidation, reduction, and addition reactions across the double bond.