2-butanol

2-Butanol (CAS 78-92-2), also sold as sec-butanol and sec-butyl alcohol, is a mid-chain secondary alcohol used primarily as an industrial solvent and chemical intermediate. Its secondary hydroxyl structure makes it a practical building block for producing methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) and other downstream chemicals. Buyers source it across food, personal care, and polymer manufacturing.

In flavor applications, 2-butanol contributes to the production of FEMA-listed flavor compounds and serves as a solvent carrier in fragrance formulations. Polymer and coatings manufacturers use it as a reactive solvent in curing and cross-linking systems, where controlled evaporation rate affects film formation.

Personal care formulators incorporate it as a solvent for resins, fixatives, and active ingredients in aerosol and leave-on products for various applications. It also functions as a stabilizer in certain chemical processes where secondary alcohols are preferred over primary alternatives to limit over-oxidation during the reaction.

2-Butanol is supplied as a clear liquid in drum, IBC, and bulk tanker quantities. Technical grade is the most common commercial specification for industrial use. Food-grade material is available for flavor and fragrance applications. Buyers should confirm grade suitability against FCC standards depending on end-use requirements.