What Is 1-Butanol

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Last updated: April 11, 2026

Quick Answer: 1-Butanol (n-butanol) is a primary alcohol with the chemical formula C4H9OH that is widely used in industrial applications, with global production exceeding 5.8 million metric tons in 2023. This colorless liquid boils at 117.7°C and serves primarily as a solvent for paints, varnishes, and coatings, accounting for 85% of its use, while also functioning as an industrial intermediate for producing butyl acetate and other derivatives. The compound has gained recognition as a potential biofuel that can be used at 85% strength in gasoline engines without modification, providing energy density nearly equivalent to gasoline.

Key Facts

Global production of 1-butanol exceeded 5.8 million metric tons in 2023, with Asia-Pacific consuming over 2.9 million metric tons, Europe 1.3 million metric tons, and North America 1.1 million metric tons
1-Butanol has a boiling point of 117.7°C, density of 0.8109 g/cm³ at 20°C, freezing point of -89.0°C, and flash point of 36-38°C
Over 85% of 1-butanol is used in varnish production and solvent applications for paints and coatings, with the construction industry accounting for 38% of solvent-based applications
The n-butanol market was valued at US$8.4 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach US$14.4 billion by 2031 at a compound annual growth rate of 6.2%
Since the 1950s, most 1-butanol (over 90% of global production) has been manufactured through the oxo process using propylene as the primary feedstock with cobalt hydrocarbonyl catalysts

Overview

1-Butanol, also known as n-butanol or butan-1-ol, is a primary alcohol with the chemical formula C4H9OH. This colorless liquid with a mildly alcoholic odor is one of the most important industrial chemicals, produced at a scale of over 5.8 million metric tons globally in 2023. It represents a critical component in the petrochemical industry, serving as both a direct solvent and an essential intermediate in the manufacturing of countless consumer and industrial products.

The physical properties of 1-butanol make it ideal for industrial applications: it boils at 117.7°C, has a density of 0.8109 g/cm³ at 20°C, and exhibits a flash point between 36-38°C. Its molecular structure—a linear four-carbon chain with a hydroxyl group at the terminal position—provides excellent solubility in both organic solvents and water, making it versatile for diverse applications. Since the 1950s, 1-butanol has been primarily manufactured through the oxo process, which accounts for over 90% of global production.

How It Works

1-Butanol functions as both a solvent and chemical intermediate due to its molecular properties and reactivity. Understanding its industrial roles requires examining its primary mechanisms of action:

Solvent Functionality: The polar hydroxyl group and nonpolar carbon chain make 1-butanol an excellent solvent for diverse substances. It dissolves paints, varnishes, resins, vegetable oils, dyes, and alkaloids, making it indispensable in coating formulations that cover 38% of construction industry solvent applications.
Chemical Intermediate: 1-Butanol serves as a precursor for more complex compounds, particularly in the synthesis of butyl acetate and butyl acrylate. These derivatives account for 3.9 million metric tons of the 5.8 million tons annually produced, demonstrating the scale of downstream chemical manufacturing.
Esterification Reactions: The primary alcohol group readily undergoes esterification, enabling the formation of esters used in adhesives, printing inks, and coating systems. This reactivity makes 1-butanol a critical building block in specialty chemical production.
Biofuel Properties: At 85% concentration in gasoline, 1-butanol provides energy density nearly equivalent to gasoline itself, delivering more energy per volume than ethanol while remaining compatible with unmodified gasoline engines, unlike ethanol which requires higher blend ratios.
Fermentation Production: Beyond the traditional oxo process, bacteria can ferment biomass to produce 1-butanol, offering a renewable alternative that aligns with sustainability initiatives in the chemical industry.

Key Comparisons

Property	1-Butanol	Ethanol	Methanol
Boiling Point	117.7°C	78.4°C	64.7°C
Energy Content vs. Gasoline	~92% equivalent	~66% equivalent	~50% equivalent
Density at 20°C	0.8109 g/cm³	0.7894 g/cm³	0.7918 g/cm³
Flash Point	36-38°C	12°C	12°C
Water Solubility	7.6 g/100g water	Completely miscible	Completely miscible
Global Production Volume	5.8 million metric tons (2023)	~15 billion liters annually	~2.7 million metric tons

Why It Matters

Construction Industry Impact: More than 1.1 million metric tons of 1-butanol are consumed annually in architectural and industrial coatings, making it essential to the construction sector's growth in regions like Asia-Pacific and North America.
Automotive Sector Growth: The automotive industry utilizes approximately 740,000 metric tons annually, driven by expanding vehicle production and increased demand for advanced coating systems in competitive global markets.
Market Expansion: The n-butanol market was valued at US$8.4 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach US$14.4 billion by 2031, growing at a compound annual growth rate of 6.2%, reflecting strong industrial demand across multiple sectors.
Renewable Energy Potential: As a biofuel compatible with existing gasoline infrastructure, 1-butanol offers advantages over ethanol, potentially reducing petroleum dependence without requiring engine modifications or regulatory changes.
Chemical Manufacturing: The production of derivatives like butyl acrylate—which alone accounts for 28% of global consumption—supports textile, adhesive, and plastics industries worth billions in annual revenue.

1-Butanol's continued importance in global chemical manufacturing is assured by its dual role as both a solvent and chemical intermediate. As industries seek sustainable alternatives to petroleum-based compounds, the expansion of fermentation-based production methods offers promising pathways for meeting future demand. The chemical's versatility, proven industrial infrastructure, and growing market demand position 1-butanol as a cornerstone compound in the transition toward more sustainable chemical manufacturing processes while maintaining the performance standards required by demanding industrial applications across coatings, textiles, adhesives, and emerging biofuel sectors.