cisbutene

Cisbutene is a colorless, flammable gas with the chemical formula C4H8. It is one of three geometric isomers of butene, the others being transbutene and the two enantiomers of 2-butene. In cisbutene, the two methyl groups are on the same side of the double bond. It is typically produced as a byproduct of petroleum refining and is used as a monomer in the production of certain polymers, although its industrial applications are less common than those of other butenes like isobutylene.

The physical properties of cisbutene include a boiling point of approximately 3.7 degrees Celsius and a melting point of around -130 degrees Celsius. It is soluble in organic solvents like ethanol and diethyl ether but has low solubility in water. Like other alkenes, cisbutene undergoes addition reactions across its double bond, such as hydrogenation to form butane or halogenation.

The synthesis of cisbutene often involves the catalytic cracking of hydrocarbons. Separation from other butene isomers can be achieved through fractional distillation or selective chemical reactions. While not as widely utilized as isomers like isobutylene, cisbutene can be employed in specialized polymerization processes to create materials with specific properties. Its flammability necessitates careful handling and storage in industrial settings.