1-Butene (IUPAC name: But-1-ene, also known as 1-butylene) is the organic compound with the formula CH3CH2CH=CH2. It is a colorless gas. But-1-ene is an alkene easily condensed to give a colorless liquid. It is classified as a linear alpha-olefin (terminal alkene).[2] It is one of the isomers of butene (butylene). It is a precursor to diverse products.
Reactions
Polymerization of but-1-ene gives polybutylene, which is used to make piping for domestic plumbing.[3] Another application is as a comonomer in the production of certain kinds of polyethylene, such as linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE).[4] It has also been used as a precursor to polypropylene resins, butylene oxide, and butanone.[5]
Manufacturing
But-1-ene is produced by separation from crude C4 refinery streams and by ethylene dimerization. The former affords a mixture of 1-and 2-butenes, while the latter affords only the terminal alkene.[6] It is distilled to give a very high purity product. An estimated 12 billion kilograms were produced in 2011.[7]
^Chum, P. Steve; Swogger, Kurt W. (2008). "Olefin polymer technologies—History and Recent Progress at the Dow Chemical Company". Progress in Polymer Science. 33 (8): 797–819. doi:10.1016/j.progpolymsci.2008.05.003.