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Dibutyl ether

Dibutyl ether, also known as di-n-butyl ether or n-butyl ether, is an with the molecular formula C₈H₁₈O and the (CH₃(CH₂)₃)₂O. It appears as a clear, colorless with a mild , characterized by low solubility (0.113 g/L at 20 °C) and a of 0.764 g/mL at 25 °C. Key physical properties include a of 142–143 °C, a of -98 °C, and a of 25–28 °C, making it volatile and highly flammable. Chemically, it is stable under normal conditions but can form explosive peroxides upon prolonged exposure to air and reacts violently with strong oxidizing agents. Dibutyl ether is primarily utilized as a in , particularly for Grignard, Wittig, and alkyl reactions, due to its ability to dissolve resins, oils, fats, hydrocarbons, and various natural and synthetic materials. It serves as an extracting agent in chemical processes and has applications in , laboratory synthesis, and industrial formulations such as coatings and fuel additives. Emerging research explores its potential as a component or blend due to its high , energy content, and non-miscibility with water, though commercial adoption remains limited. Safety considerations for dibutyl ether include its classification as a (Category 3) that poses risks of skin and eye irritation, respiratory effects, and environmental harm to aquatic life. Proper handling requires ventilation, protective equipment, and storage away from ignition sources and oxidizers to prevent formation.

Properties

Physical properties

Dibutyl ether, with the molecular formula C₈H₁₈O (or (CH₃CH₂CH₂CH₂)₂O), has a of 130.23 g/mol. It appears as a clear, colorless at . The compound exhibits a mild, , often described as pleasant or fruity in character. Dibutyl ether has a of 0.767 g/cm³ at 20 °C, making it lighter than . Its is -98 °C, and the is 142 °C at standard . The vapor is 4.48 relative to air, indicating that its vapors are heavier than air and may accumulate in low-lying areas.
PropertyValueConditions/Source
Solubility in water0.113 g/L20 °C [Sigma-Aldrich]
Solubility in organic solventsHighly soluble (e.g., in acetone)General solvent behavior [Sigma-Aldrich]
Vapor pressure4.8 mmHg20 °C [Sigma-Aldrich]
Flash point25 °CClosed cup [ChemicalBook]
Autoignition temperature185 °C[Sigma-Aldrich]
As a volatile , dibutyl is flammable, with a low that necessitates careful handling to prevent ignition sources. It tends to form peroxides upon prolonged exposure to air, which can affect its stability during storage.

Chemical properties

Dibutyl is classified as a symmetric dialkyl , featuring two n-butyl groups attached to the oxygen atom, which imparts it with characteristic functionality. As a low-polarity, aprotic , dibutyl exhibits minimal ability to form , rendering it unsuitable as a donor and favoring interactions with nonpolar substances. It demonstrates high miscibility with nonpolar solvents while showing immiscibility with due to its limited , typically below 0.2 g/100 mL. Dibutyl ether maintains stability under reducing conditions and basic environments, resisting degradation from common reducing agents or bases. However, it is susceptible to oxidation, particularly forming peroxides upon prolonged exposure to oxygen, light, or , necessitating storage precautions such as the addition of stabilizers like (BHT) or maintenance under an inert atmosphere to mitigate risks. This aprotic character also enables its use as a for reactive organometallics, such as .

Synthesis

Industrial production

Dibutyl ether is primarily produced on an industrial scale through the acid-catalyzed dehydration of , utilizing as a homogeneous catalyst at elevated temperatures typically ranging from 100 to 140 °C. The overall reaction involves the condensation of two molecules of to form the ether and , represented by the equation: $2 \ce{C4H9OH} \rightarrow \ce{(C4H9)2O} + \ce{H2O} This process achieves high yields, often exceeding 80%, depending on reaction conditions and catalyst concentration, with sulfuric acid facilitating protonation of the alcohol to promote ether formation over competing side reactions like alkene production. An alternative industrial method employs heterogeneous catalysis, such as dehydration over alumina or other solid acids like ferric chloride or copper sulfate, conducted in the vapor phase at approximately 140–300 °C to enhance selectivity and ease of catalyst handling. This approach allows for continuous operation and reduces corrosion issues associated with liquid acids, though it requires precise temperature control to minimize butene byproducts. Butanol feedstocks for these processes are sourced from both petrochemical routes, such as the oxo-process from , and renewable pathways via of biomass-derived sugars, enabling sustainable production with yields maintained through dry purification to prevent water inhibition. Byproduct water is efficiently removed via or azeotropic separation, while scale-up challenges, including regeneration for heterogeneous systems through or washing, are addressed to ensure economic viability and long-term operation. The development of dibutyl ether production emerged in the early , driven by growing demand for inert solvents in and extractions, with modern processes incorporating bio-based to align with goals and reduce reliance on fossil feedstocks.

Laboratory preparation

Dibutyl ether can be prepared in the laboratory via a variant of the , involving the of sodium butoxide with under reflux conditions in an anhydrous solvent such as dry or . Sodium butoxide is first generated by treating with sodium metal or to form the , which then acts as a to displace the . The reaction proceeds as follows: \text{C}_4\text{H}_9\text{ONa} + \text{C}_4\text{H}_9\text{Br} \rightarrow (\text{C}_4\text{H}_9)_2\text{O} + \text{NaBr} This method is preferred for symmetrical ethers like dibutyl ether due to the use of a primary alkyl halide, which minimizes elimination side products. An alternative laboratory approach involves acid-catalyzed dehydration of 1-butanol using concentrated sulfuric acid at controlled temperatures around 130–140°C, adapting industrial conditions for smaller scales. The reaction mechanism entails protonation of one alcohol molecule, followed by nucleophilic attack from a second alcohol molecule to form the ether and water. This method is suitable for primary alcohols but requires careful temperature control to favor ether formation over alkene production. Following synthesis, the crude product is purified by under an inert atmosphere, such as , to isolate the (boiling point 142°C) and prevent formation from exposure to air and light. Drying agents like or molecular sieves are employed to remove residual . Laboratory yields for these methods typically range from 70% to 90%, depending on reaction scale and purity of reagents. Precautions include maintaining anhydrous conditions throughout the Williamson to avoid the with moisture, which would reduce yields through side reactions forming . In both methods, all glassware must be dried, and reactions conducted in a well-ventilated due to the volatility and flammability of the reagents.

Reactions

Cleavage reactions

Dibutyl ether, as a symmetrical dialkyl ether with primary alkyl groups, undergoes cleavage primarily through acid-catalyzed reactions that sever the C-O bond, producing alkyl halides or alcohols depending on the reagent and conditions. The reaction with hydrogen halides such as HI or HBr, typically under heating, yields 1-butanol and the corresponding butyl halide. With excess HI at 130 °C, complete cleavage occurs, converting the intermediate alcohol to 1-iodobutane and yielding two equivalents of the alkyl iodide overall. The initiates with of the oxygen by the , generating an that enhances the electrophilicity of the carbon atoms attached to oxygen. This is followed by nucleophilic of the by the via an SN2 pathway, favored for primary alkyl groups like butyl, which minimizes steric hindrance and prevents formation or rearrangement. Under forcing conditions with excess , the resulting undergoes a second SN2 substitution to form the additional alkyl . A representative equation for the initial cleavage step is: (C_4H_9)_2O + HI \rightarrow C_4H_9I + C_4H_9OH The primary butyl chains ensure high selectivity for SN2 products, with no preference between the two identical groups in this symmetrical ether. Partial cleavage to the alcohol-halide pair predominates with one equivalent of HI at lower temperatures, while excess reagent and heat drive full conversion to dihalide. Alternative cleaving agents include hot concentrated H₂SO₄, which protonates the oxygen and leads to , forming and butyl hydrogen sulfate. Boron tribromide (BBr₃) also effects cleavage by coordinating to the oxygen and facilitating attack, ultimately yielding alkyl bromides after aqueous , though it is often employed for more selective transformations in complex molecules.

Oxidation reactions

Dibutyl ether undergoes in the presence of air, leading to the slow formation of hydroperoxides and dialkyl such as dibutyl . This process is a chain reaction initiated by hydrogen abstraction, primarily at the alpha C-H bonds adjacent to the oxygen atom, followed by oxygen addition to form peroxy . The reaction can be represented simplistically as: (\ce{C4H9})_2\ce{O} + \ce{O2} \rightarrow (\ce{C4H9O2})_2 \quad \text{or related hydroperoxides} Autoxidation is accelerated by exposure to light, elevated temperatures, and trace metal impurities, which act as catalysts for radical initiation. The resulting peroxides pose significant risks due to their explosive nature, particularly when concentrated or distilled, as they can detonate upon shock or heating. Peroxides in dibutyl ether can be detected using iodide-starch test paper, where a color change to or indicates their presence through iodide oxidation to iodine. For safe handling, accumulated peroxides are decomposed by treatment with reducing agents such as or ferrous sulfate solutions. Under controlled conditions with common oxidants, dibutyl ether exhibits limited reactivity due to the stability of the ether linkage; for instance, it does not undergo significant oxidation with (KMnO₄) under standard aqueous conditions, as saturated ethers lack readily oxidizable functional groups like double bonds or secondary alcohols.

Applications

Solvent uses

Dibutyl ether serves as an effective aprotic in , particularly for stabilizing reactive species such as organolithium compounds. It is commonly employed to prepare solutions at concentrations around 1.9 M, where its non-protic nature prevents and maintains reagent integrity during storage and use. This application leverages the solvent's ability to solvate organometallics without interfering in their reactivity, as demonstrated in the synthesis of pharmaceutical precursors like sulfonamides. In liquid-liquid extraction processes, dibutyl ether functions as a selective solvent for nonpolar compounds, including hydrocarbons, fats, and oils, owing to its low of approximately 0.11 g/L at 20°C. This property facilitates efficient partitioning of target solutes from aqueous phases, making it suitable for recovering nonpolar extracts in purification workflows. As a reaction medium, dibutyl ether supports formations and subsequent , where its chemical stability under basic conditions is crucial. Early investigations confirmed its efficacy in Grignard syntheses, yielding comparable results to while offering greater thermal stability for elevated temperatures. The solvent's low reactivity with strong bases ensures minimal side reactions, enabling clean conversions in processes like the alkylation of carbonyl compounds. Key advantages of dibutyl ether include its high of 140°C, which allows for operations without excessive volatility. Although it can form peroxides upon exposure to air, it is often considered safer than due to lower volatility, but peroxide testing is recommended. These traits are particularly beneficial in pharmaceutical , such as the production of heterocyclic compounds and aromatic , where high yields and process safety are prioritized.

Other applications

Dibutyl ether serves as an oxygenate additive in blends, enhancing combustion efficiency and reducing particulate emissions such as and . Studies indicate that blending dibutyl ether with can lower and emissions while slightly increasing due to its oxygen content of 12.3% by weight. However, its adoption remains limited primarily due to higher production costs compared to conventional additives like methyl tert-butyl ether. As of 2024, ongoing research explores its potential in blends. In nuclear fuel reprocessing, dibutyl ether functions as an extractant for separating actinides, including and , from aqueous solutions in early solvent extraction processes. Historical investigations explored its use alongside for purifying in media, leveraging its ability to form complexes with metal ions during reprocessing of spent fuel. This application highlights its role in specialized hydrometallurgical contexts, though modern processes favor more selective organophosphorus extractants. Dibutyl ether finds minor application in perfumery and flavor formulations owing to its characteristic fruity, sweet, and alcoholic odor profile, with fruity notes comprising about 76% of its sensory attributes. Its , winey undertones contribute to natural fruity accords in low concentrations, complying with IFRA standards for use in fine fragrances and other cosmetic products without concentration restrictions. Although less common than traditional peroxides, dibutyl ether participates in certain free-radical processes as a component in initiator systems, particularly when complexed with acids like AlCl3 to promote cationic initiation in non-polar solvents. For instance, AlCl3/dibutyl ether complexes have been employed to polymerize , yielding polyisobutylene with controlled end-groups, though such systems are niche compared to standard radical initiators. Global production of dibutyl ether is modest, primarily directed toward specialty chemical applications rather than bulk solvents.

Safety and toxicity

Health hazards

Dibutyl ether demonstrates low overall, with an oral LD50 of 7,400 mg/kg in rats, indicating it is not highly lethal via ingestion. However, it acts as an irritant to , eyes, and upon contact or exposure. Direct contact may cause mild , while eye exposure leads to moderate , potentially resulting in redness and discomfort. Respiratory exposure irritates the , , and lungs, causing coughing and wheezing. Inhalation of dibutyl ether vapors poses risks of , , and at elevated concentrations, with effects akin to those of other ethers, including weakness and potential . The 4-hour LC50 for in rats is 21.6 mg/L, underscoring moderate . These effects are exacerbated by the compound's ability to be absorbed through the skin, amplifying systemic exposure during handling. Dibutyl ether can form peroxides when exposed to air over time, particularly during prolonged storage or without stabilizers, leading to risks of violent decomposition or upon disturbance. Chronic exposure data are limited, with no specific animal studies demonstrating ; however, repeated or skin contact may contribute to ongoing irritation and effects based on acute profiles of similar ethers. No specific occupational exposure limits, such as a TLV from the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) or PEL from OSHA, have been established. Appropriate handling requires good ventilation to minimize airborne concentrations, along with personal protective equipment such as chemical-resistant gloves (e.g., Viton or ), safety goggles, and flame-retardant clothing. In case of or , immediate medical attention is essential: move affected individuals to fresh air, provide oxygen if breathing is difficult, and do not induce for ingestion; for skin or , rinse thoroughly with for at least 15 minutes and seek medical evaluation if irritation persists.

Environmental impact

Dibutyl ether demonstrates low potential in aquatic organisms, characterized by an (log Kow) of 3.35 and factors (BCF) ranging from 47 to 83, as measured in according to Test Guideline 305C. These values indicate minimal tendency to concentrate in the , classifying it as having low environmental persistence through . In terms of biodegradability, dibutyl ether is not considered readily biodegradable under standard aerobic conditions, with only 5% degradation observed over 28 days in an TG 301 D closed test. However, it undergoes atmospheric degradation via reaction with photochemically produced hydroxyl radicals, contributing to its overall environmental fate. Aquatic toxicity assessments reveal a moderate to water organisms, exemplified by an acute LC50 of 32.3 mg/L for (Pimephales promelas) in a 96-hour flow-through test following OECD Test Guideline 203. This aligns with its classification as harmful to aquatic life with long-lasting effects (H412). Dibutyl ether is registered under the EU REACH regulation as a substance of low concern, not meeting the criteria for persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic (PBT) or very persistent and very bioaccumulative (vPvB) classification per Annex XIII. As a (VOC) with 100% VOC content, its emissions are subject to regulation under air quality directives, including the Industrial Emissions Directive, to mitigate atmospheric contributions to formation. Waste management practices for dibutyl ether emphasize in controlled industrial facilities to ensure complete combustion and minimize releases, while is feasible for uncontaminated streams through processes. Spill cleanup involves the use of inert absorbents to contain the liquid, followed by collection and disposal as to prevent and .

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