tert-Butanol
tert-Butanol (2-methylpropan-2-ol, CAS 75-65-0) is the simplest tertiary alcohol, with the formula (CH3)3COH. It is a colourless, flammable liquid or low-melting solid that is miscible with water and common organic solvents. It is used as a solvent, a co-solvent in freeze-drying, a denaturant and a chemical intermediate, and is supplied in a range of purity grades.
Available from Molekula
tert-Butanol HPLC grade
We manufacture and supply tert-Butanol HPLC grade. See specifications, pack sizes and pricing, or ask us for a quote.
What are the key properties of tert-butanol?
tert-Butanol has the molecular formula C4H10O and a molar mass of about 74.12 g/mol. It melts at roughly 25–26 °C, so it may arrive as a solid or a liquid depending on ambient temperature. Gently warming the container is a common way to liquefy it before dispensing. It boils at around 82–83 °C and is fully miscible with water. As a tertiary alcohol it resists oxidation to aldehydes or ketones, which makes it useful as a relatively inert protic solvent.
Where is tert-butanol used in laboratories and industry?
Common applications include:
- Solvent and reaction medium. It is used in organic synthesis and is the parent alcohol of potassium tert-butoxide.
- Freeze-drying (lyophilisation). tert-Butanol/water mixtures are used as co-solvent systems in some pharmaceutical formulations.
- Denaturing. It is used as a denaturant for ethanol.
- Industrial intermediate. It is also linked to the production of fuel oxygenates.
It is also a known degradation product of MTBE in the environment.
How should tert-butanol be specified and handled?
Procurement specifications usually state the purity grade, such as ACS reagent, HPLC or anhydrous grade, along with water content and assay. Buyers should request a CoA and SDS with each lot.
Under GHS/CLP the substance is classified as a highly flammable liquid. It also carries eye irritation and inhalation-related hazard statements. Store it away from ignition sources in a well-ventilated area. It is registered under REACH and listed on the TSCA inventory. Because its melting point is close to room temperature, it can solidify in transit or in cool stores, so plan dispensing and storage accordingly.
Related concepts
tert-Butanol is one of the four butanol isomers, alongside n-butanol, isobutanol and sec-butanol. Related topics include potassium tert-butoxide, MTBE, lyophilisation co-solvents, denatured alcohol and solvent purity grades such as ACS and HPLC.
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