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N-Butylbenzene is an organic chemical compound widely used in the chemical manufacturing, research, and industrial sectors. Its structure features a benzene ring bonded directly to a straight-chain butyl group, forming a clear organic liquid under typical ambient conditions. This compound doesn’t draw as much attention as more volatile or reactive chemicals, yet it holds a noticeable place in laboratories and production facilities due to its physical and chemical behavior.
The molecular formula for N-Butylbenzene is C10H14. Structurally, the molecule features a phenyl group attached to a four-carbon butyl chain. This combination gives it both aromatic and aliphatic properties, which influences its solubility and reactivity. The compound’s molecular weight sits at 134.22 g/mol, making it heavier compared to lighter aromatic hydrocarbons.
N-Butylbenzene exists as a colorless liquid at room temperature. Its melting point rests around -94°C, which means the substance remains fluid even at low temperatures found in many industrial environments. The boiling point comes in at about 183-184°C. Its density measures at approximately 0.862 g/cm³ at 20°C, which is slightly lighter than water. In terms of appearance, unlike many solid aromatics, this chemical doesn’t form flakes, pearls, powder, or crystals under typical conditions. It also resists easy solidification unless cooled well below typical laboratory freezer temperatures.
N-Butylbenzene’s non-polar structure means it mixes well with most organic solvents but barely interacts with water. You find it being used as a solvent in reactions that need a gentle, non-reactive medium. It dissolves a wide range of hydrophobic materials and plays a reliable role in extractions and separations due to this property.
In my experience working with aromatic solvents and hydrocarbon chemicals, N-Butylbenzene often serves as a building block for more complex molecular syntheses, acting as a raw material in the production of intermediates for the dye, pesticide, and pharmaceutical fields. It sees use in specialty coatings and serves researchers needing to study substituted aromatic compounds. Its relatively high boiling point also makes it suited to applications requiring stable heating.
Chemical safety sits at the forefront with compounds like N-Butylbenzene. Though it does not carry the highly flammable label of some lower-weight aromatics, it still poses fire risks. The liquid emits combustible vapors, and fumes may irritate the eyes, nose, and respiratory tract. Exposure can happen via inhalation or skin contact; gloves and goggles become essential during handling. Prolonged contact or large vapor concentrations bear the risk of headache, dizziness, or even more severe symptoms—more so if ventilation is lacking. Proper labeling, storage in cool, ventilated conditions, and disposal practices play a central role in limiting accidental releases or long-term contamination.
For regulatory and customs purposes, N-Butylbenzene falls under the Harmonized System (HS) Code 2902.90; this covers cyclic hydrocarbons not otherwise specified. This classification informs shipping, taxation, and documentation worldwide. Vendors and buyers alike must reference this code during trade to ensure compliance and avoid legal complications.
On the market, most suppliers sell N-Butylbenzene in liquid form, ranging from small research bottles to drums destined for industrial plants. Purity standards range from technical grade to analytical quality, depending on use cases. Users weigh purchasing decisions on cost, purity, sourcing reliability, and the need for supporting safety documentation. For manufacturers, traceability of raw materials proves crucial—batch records and safety data sheets often come under review during quality audits.
Safe storage requires air-tight containers kept away from intense heat or ignition sources. The low flash point and aromatic nature of N-Butylbenzene demand care in transport; closed drums or certified intermediate bulk containers minimize risk, while good labeling practices alert handlers to the flammable and mildly toxic nature of the cargo. For most facilities I've visited, clearly marked storage zones and easy-to-access spill response kits remain mainstays of chemical safety programs.
With aromatic hydrocarbons, environmental impact becomes a consideration. Spills can harm aquatic systems, and some breakdown products last in soil or water. Responsible users ensure capture systems prevent release, and proper disposal routes follow local regulations for hazardous organics. This chemical has not been flagged as a persistent pollutant in the way polyaromatic hydrocarbons or chlorinated solvents have, but that doesn’t justify careless handling or disposal. Attention to containment and disposal benefits workers and neighbors alike.
N-Butylbenzene comes as a clear, colorless liquid, density around 0.86 g/cm³, molecular formula C10H14, and HS Code 2902.90. It boils at roughly 183°C, has a low freezing point, and offers solubility in organic solvents but nearly none in water. Used as a chemical intermediate and solvent, it warrants careful storage and respect for flammability and health risks. Keeping safety procedures and documentation to hand cuts down accidents and regulatory headaches, protecting users and the wider community.
