Difference between n-butanol and tert-butanol

Butanol and tert-butanol are two common organic compounds, which have some similarities in structure and properties, but also some significant differences. Understanding these differences helps us to correctly distinguish and use these two substances in practical applications.

1. Structure and molecular formula

Both n-butanol and t-butanol are tetrahydric alcohols, but their structures are different. The molecular formula of n-butanol is C4H10O, which belongs to the linear structure, while the molecular formula of tert-butanol is C4H10O, which belongs to the branched structure. Specifically:

The
• n-butanol structure is CH3-CH2-CH2-CH2OH, wherein the hydroxyl group is located at the linear end.
• Tert-butanol has the structure (CH3)3C-CH2OH, where the hydroxyl group is located at one branch end.

This structural difference leads to significant differences in their physical properties, chemical properties and uses.

2. Physical properties

The physical properties of n-butanol and t-butanol are significantly different.

Density

n-butanol has a density of 0.814g/cm³, while t-butanol has a density of 0.819g/cm³. Although the difference between the two is not much, the tert-butyl alcohol is slightly higher.

Boiling point and melting point

n-Butanol has a boiling point of 116.1°C and a melting point of -62.4°C. Tert-butanol has a boiling point of 144.25°C and a melting point of -63.1°C. Due to its branched structure, tert-butanol has a significantly higher boiling point than n-butanol. This difference is very important in certain applications, for example in heating or cooling processes.

melting point

The melting points of n-butanol and t-butanol are so close that they can be considered almost identical. This can be explained by their structure, because they are all tetraols, but the structure is different.

3. Chemical properties

The chemical properties of n-butanol and t-butanol are also significantly different.

Stability

n-Butanol is very stable at room temperature and is not prone to decomposition reaction. Tert-butyl alcohol is relatively unstable, especially at high temperatures or in the presence of strong oxidants, prone to decomposition reactions.

Acidity and alkalinity

The pKa value of n-butanol is 19.9, while the pKa value of tert-butanol is 18.8. This indicates that tert-butanol is more acidic than n-butanol, so in some chemical reactions, tert-butanol may exhibit stronger acidity.

Solubility

Both n-butanol and tert-butanol have strong solubility and can be well dissolved in water and other organic solvents. Their solubility behaves differently in certain solvents. For example, in benzene, n-butanol is slightly more soluble than tert-butanol.

1. Purpose

n-Butanol and t-Butanol have different uses in different applications.

n-butanol

n-Butanol is commonly used as a solvent and is widely used in chemical synthesis, biochemistry and biological labeling. For example, n-butanol is often used as a separation and detergent in protein purification and analysis.

tert-butyl alcohol

Tert-butanol is commonly used in biochemical and chemical synthesis, especially in applications where high boiling points and certain specific reaction conditions are required. For example, tert-butanol was used as a solvent in certain biochemical experiments.

Summary

There are significant differences between n-butanol and t-butanol in structure, physical properties and chemical properties, which determine their use in different applications. Understanding these differences can help us select and use these two substances more accurately.

By comparing the structure, physical properties and chemical properties of n-butanol and t-butanol, we can clearly see that they are different in many aspects. Although their chemical formulas are the same, their structural differences result in significant performance differences. n-butanol is stable and weakly acidic at room temperature, while tert-butanol is relatively unstable and strongly acidic. These properties give it its advantages in different applications. The correct understanding and application of n-butanol and tert-butanol is of great significance for improving the efficiency of experimental and industrial processes.