2,3-Butanediol

Description

2,3-Butanediol(23BD) is the organic compound with the formula (CH3CHOH). It is classified as a vic-diol (glycol). It exists as three stereoisomers, a chiral pair and the meso isomer. All are colorless liquids. Applications include precursors to various plastics and pesticides.
2,3-Butanediol is a commodity chemical usually produced from oil. It can be used as a precursor in the manufacture of a range of chemical products, including the solvents methyl ethyl ketone (MEK), gamma-butyrolactone (GBL), and 1,3-butadiene.

Chemical properties

viscous colourless liquid, or colourless to white solid

The Uses of 2,3-Butanediol

2,3-Butanediol (2,3-BD) is a promising bulk chemical with a potentially wide range of applications e.g., in the manufacture of printing inks, perfumes, synthetic rubber, fumigants, antifreeze agents, fuel additives, foodstuffs and pharmaceuticals. Its high heating value and ability to increase the octane number of fuels make 2,3-BD a promising drop-in fuel. It can also be converted to methyl-ethyl ketone (MEK), which is considered an effective liquid fuel additive. After combination with MEK and hydrogenation reaction, 2,3-BD can be converted to octane, which is used to produce high-quality aviation fuel.

Definition

ChEBI: 2,3-Butanediol is a butanediol in which hydroxylation is at C-2 and C-3. It is a butanediol, a glycol and a secondary alcohol.

Preparation

2,3-Butanediol is prepared by hydrolysis of 2,3-epoxybutane:
(CH3CH)2O + H2O → CH3(CHOH)2CH3

Reactions

2,3-Butanediol undergo dehydration to form butanone (methyl ethyl ketone):
(CH3CHOH)2 → CH3C(O)CH2CH3 + H2O
It can also undergo deoxydehydration to form butene:
(CH3CHOH)2 + 2 H2 → C4H8 + 2 H2O

General Description

2,3-Butanediol is a chiral compound which is extensively utilized in chemical feedstocks and liquid fuels.

Flammability and Explosibility

Non flammable

Safety Profile

Mildly toxic by ingestion. See also ETHYLENE GLYCOL. Flammable when exposed to heat or flame. Incompatible with oxidizing materials. To fight fire, use alcohol foam, CO2, dry chemical. When heated to decomposition it emits acrid smoke and fumes

Purification Methods

Recrystallise it from isopropyl ether at low temperature. [Beilstein 1 IV 2524.]