What Is Tert-Butanol?

What Is Tert-Butanol?

Tert-butanol is not well known amongst consumers as it is mainly used in manufacturing and not in beverages or first aid. In this blog post, we’re talking about what makes some chemicals alcohol. Keep reading to learn more about the chemical and its uses.

What type of chemical is Tert-Butanol?

Tert-butanol is an alcohol, which are defined by their molecular structure. There must be at least one hydroxyl group (OH), an oxygen-hydrogen bond and the hydroxyl group must be connected to a saturated carbon atom.

There are three types categorized by molecular bonds, ranked from the simplest to the most complicated. Here are some examples by category:

  • Primary
    • Methanol
    • Ethanol
  • Secondary
    • Propanol
    • Butanol
  • Tertiary
    • Methylpropanol
    • Tert-butanol

Tert-butanol is a clear liquid and the simplest tertiary alcohol. It’s safer for use than other forms of butanol as it’s less reactive.

Tert-Butanol Uses

Tert-butanol is used as an ethanol denaturant, meaning it is added to ethanol to make it unsuitable for human consumption. Denaturants are what give ethanol not meant for beverages its unpleasant scent.

It’s not bad news; it’s also used as a solvent, an octane booster for gasoline, and to manufacture perfume and fruit essences. Additionally, it has even been used to extract biodiesel from cottonseed oil.

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