Isobutanol

Brief Overview
Isobutanol is an organic compound with the formula (CH 3 ) 2 CHCH 2 OH. This colourless,
flammable liquid with a characteristic smell is mainly used as a solvent. Its isomers, the
other butanol’s, include n-butanol, 2-butanol, and tert-butanol, all of which are important
industrially.

Manufacturing Process
Isobutanol is produced by the carbonylation of propylene. Two methods are practiced
industrially, hydroformylation is more common and generates a mixture
of isobutyraldehydes, which are hydrogenated to the alcohols and then separated. Reppe
carbonylation is also practiced

Isobutanol has a variety of technical and industrial applications:
Feedstock in the manufacture of isobutyl acetate, which is used in the production
of lacquer and similar coatings, and in the food industry as a flavouring agent
Precursor of derivative esters – isobutyl esters such as diisobutyl phthalate (DIBP) are used
as plasticizers in plastics, rubbers, and other dispersions
Precursor of p-xylene, a building block for plastic bottles, textiles and clothing.