The spelling of the word "butanone" may seem complicated at first, but it follows the standard naming conventions for organic compounds. In IPA phonetic transcription, it is pronounced as /ˈbjuːtənoʊn/, with stress on the second syllable. The "but-" prefix indicates a four-carbon chain in the molecule, while the "-anone" suffix indicates the presence of a ketone functional group. By following these naming rules, chemists can easily communicate the structure and properties of compounds to one another.
Butanone is a colorless, flammable liquid compound with the chemical formula C4H8O. It is also commonly referred to as methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) and is classified as a ketone.
Butanone is primarily produced through the oxidation of 2-butanol or the dehydrogenation of 2-butanol. It has a distinctive sweet and pungent odor, similar to a combination of acetone and mint. It is soluble in many organic solvents but only sparingly soluble in water.
In terms of its properties, butanone is a highly volatile compound with a low boiling point of 79.6 degrees Celsius. It is also highly flammable and evaporates quickly when exposed to air. Butanone possesses good solvent properties, making it useful in various industrial and commercial applications.
Butanone finds widespread application in the manufacturing of plastics, textiles, rubber, paints, coatings, and adhesives. Due to its good solvency and strong evaporation rate, it is often utilized as a solvent in chemical reactions and as a cleaning agent. Its ability to dissolve a wide range of substances makes it valuable in the formulation of coatings, adhesives, and inks.
Although butanone has many industrial applications, it is essential to handle it with caution due to its flammable nature and detrimental health effects when inhaled or ingested. Proper safety measures including ventilation, personal protective equipment, and adherence to handling guidelines should be followed when using butanone.
The word "butanone" is derived from the chemical compound it represents, which is called "butyric acid ketone". The term "butyric" comes from the Latin word "butyrum", meaning "butter", as the compound was initially discovered in rotten butter. The suffix "-one" indicates a ketone functional group, which consists of a carbon double-bonded to an oxygen atom.