Alcohols & Glycols
REACH
2-butanol
CAS Number
78-92-2
EC Number
201-158-5
What is 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.
Where is 2-butanol used?
- Chemical intermediate: building block for methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) and downstream chemicals
- Flavor and fragrance: production of FEMA-listed flavor compounds and solvent carrier in fragrance formulations
- Polymer and coatings: reactive solvent in curing and cross-linking systems, where controlled evaporation rate affects film formation
- Personal care: solvent for resins, fixatives, and active ingredients in aerosol and leave-on products
- 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.
Good to know: Buyers should confirm grade suitability against FCC standards depending on end-use requirements.
Other Names (Synonyms)
sec-butyl alcohol|sec-butanol|s-butyl alcohol|methyl ethyl carbinol|ethyl methyl carbinol|butanol-2|2-hydroxybutane|2-butyl alcohol
What are the physical properties of 2-butanol?
Melting Point -114 °C
Boiling Point 99.5 °C
Density 0.8063 g/cm³ @ Temp: 20 °C
Flash Point 80 °F
Appearance Colourless liquid
Color Colorless
Odor Strong, pleasant.
Form Liquid
Water Solubility 12.5 g/100 mL (20 ºc)
Vapor Pressure 12.5 mm Hg ( 20 °C)
Refractive Index n 20/D 1.397(lit.)
pH 7 (20°C)
Log P 0.610
How is 2-butanol classified and handled safely? Learn More
Warning
GHS02· Flammable GHS07· Irritant GHS08· Health Hazard
Hazard Statements
H226 Flammable liquid and vapor
H303 May be harmful if swallowed
H319 Causes serious eye irritation
H332 Harmful if inhaled
Precautionary Statements
P203 Obtain, consult and follow expert instructions for use.
P210 Keep away from heat, hot surfaces, sparks, open flames and other ignition sources. No smoking.
P233 Keep container tightly closed.
P240 Ground and bond container and receiving equipment.
Which trade and regulatory codes apply to 2-butanol?
HS Code 29051490
UN Number 1120
ADR Class 3
Packing Group III
WGK (Germany) 1