2-Propanol, 1-Butoxy-, known in some circles by its trade or chemical names like butoxy isopropanol, stands out as a key solvent and intermediate in several industrial sectors. Its molecular structure, C7H16O2, sets it apart, blending the backbone of 2-propanol with a butoxy group, which changes both its physical and chemical behavior compared to either alcohol alone. This combination produces a clear, almost odorless liquid that feels slippery to the touch and blends surprisingly well with both water and organic solvents. For anyone who has handled raw solvents, the clarity and consistency of this material signal both quality and purity, necessary traits for industries focused on coatings, cleaners, or specialized chemical synthesis. The distinctive CAS number, 5131-66-8, and HS Code, often listed under 29094999, guide suppliers and buyers around the world to the same material, cutting down on cross-border confusion and keeping international trade smooth.
Handling 2-Propanol, 1-Butoxy-, a few properties attract attention right away. Density sits around 0.88 g/cm³ at 20°C, lighter than water, which makes for quick layering in mixtures and easier separation during industrial use. It holds a boiling point close to 170°C, high enough to resist rapid evaporation but low enough for predictable distillation. The liquid flows easily and, in the right settings, leaves almost no residue behind. Unlike many raw materials pulled from petrochemical sources, it doesn’t show up in flakes, pearls, crystals, or powders; you’ll find it almost exclusively in liquid form. Viscosity, solubility, and surface tension combine to offer outsized influence on cleaning, degreasing, and coatings — turning stubborn grime into rinse-away solutions or thinning commercial paints for even coverage.
2-Propanol, 1-Butoxy- has a straightforward linear structure with a butoxy group dangling from the central propanol chain. This structure makes it both hydrophilic and hydrophobic, which lets it dissolve many kinds of dirt, oil, or manufacturing byproducts. Users in chemical plants, automotive facilities, or electronics assembly look at specs like purity (typically above 98%), water content (tightly controlled for stability), and color (should always appear colorless to pale yellow). Commercial buyers insist on certificates with molecular weight (132.2 g/mol), identification by NMR or IR spectroscopy, and clear mention of batch no, shelf life, and packaging standards. These checks prevent costly surprises and support traceability if problems pop up during manufacturing.
Looking past the formula sheet, you run into 2-Propanol, 1-Butoxy- on the factory floor more often than you might think. It’s a fixture in cleaning products for machinery, where oils mix with metallic dust and need serious solvents to disappear. In coatings and inks, it cuts viscosity without damaging surface adhesion, which is critical for uniform finishes on wood, metal, or plastic. Its role as a chemical intermediate helps synthesize other useful compounds, offering a bridge from basic feedstocks to more complex molecular structures. Environmental health experts check its toxicity and biodegradation: it ranks as irritating to eyes and skin, and inhalation of concentrated vapor causes dizziness or headache, meaning personal protection and ventilation should always feature where the material is used. Storage in cool, ventilated areas in tightly closed containers — often plastic drums or steel tanks lined with special coatings — minimizes the chance of leaks or hazardous reactions. Though flammable, the relatively high flash point (above 60°C) and low volatility lower the risk in well-managed settings. Reactivity with strong oxidants or acids calls for separation in warehousing, and local chemical codes or Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) must sit close at hand.
Moving 2-Propanol, 1-Butoxy- across regions or borders requires tight attention to transport codes and hazard classification. While not as strictly controlled as some highly toxic chemicals, the product must travel in clearly labeled containers, fitted with hazard diamonds and compliant with either IMDG for sea or DOT for overland freight. Bulk shipments rely on dedicated ISO tank containers or palletized drums, often scaled to 200 liters per drum or intermediate bulk containers (IBC) for high-volume users. Import-export firms stamp paperwork with the correct HS Code, and buyers expect up-to-date safety data. For anyone working the supply chain, price and availability swing based not just on refinery output but also on shifting regulations about VOCs (volatile organic compounds) and environmental impact, making regular review of compliance documents part of the routine.
Responsible players in industry don’t just supply or consume 2-Propanol, 1-Butoxy-; they work alongside regulators and occupational safety teams to lower risk and improve outcomes for workers and nearby communities. Process upgrades keep emissions lower, spill response kits line storage rooms, and new blends aim to cut down health hazards without giving up the power of the original solvent. Advanced filtration and waste capture shrink environmental footprints, and ongoing research seeks out replacement molecules or greener production pathways. Yet the chemical’s unique formulation ensures a place in manufacturing and cleaning, so education, training, and transparent hazard communication stay at the front of safe handling and product stewardship.
