T-Butyl Alcohol, also known as tert-butyl alcohol or 2-methylpropan-2-ol, is an organic compound used in various industrial and cosmetic applications. It is a colorless, flammable liquid with a distinctive odor. T-Butyl Alcohol is primarily used as a solvent, intermediate, and stabilizer in chemical formulations.

Chemical Composition and Structure

Chemical Formula: C₄H₁₀O
Molecular Weight: 74.12 g/mol
Structure: T-Butyl Alcohol consists of a tertiary butyl group (a central carbon atom bonded to three methyl groups) attached to a hydroxyl group (-OH). The structure can be represented as (CH₃)₃COH.

Physical Properties

Appearance: Colorless liquid
Odor: Characteristic, mild, and somewhat sweet
Solubility: Miscible with water and most organic solvents
Boiling Point: Approximately 82°C (180°F)
Melting Point: -25°C (-13°F)
Density: 0.785 g/cm³
Flash Point: 25°C (77°F), indicating it is flammable

Production Process

Synthesis: T-Butyl Alcohol is primarily produced by the hydration of isobutylene (a byproduct of petrochemical processing). The reaction involves combining isobutylene with water in the presence of a strong acid catalyst to yield T-Butyl Alcohol.
Purification: After synthesis, T-Butyl Alcohol is purified through distillation to remove impurities and obtain a high-purity product suitable for industrial and cosmetic applications.
Formulation: The purified T-Butyl Alcohol can be formulated into various products, including solvents, stabilizers, and other chemical formulations.

Applications

Medical: T-Butyl Alcohol is not commonly used in medical applications.
Cosmetics: It is used in cosmetics primarily as a solvent and stabilizer. It helps dissolve other ingredients and maintain the stability of formulations.
Food: Not used in food products due to its specific applications in industrial and chemical formulations.
Industrial Uses: Commonly used as a solvent in the manufacture of chemicals, coatings, and pharmaceuticals. It also serves as an intermediate in the production of other chemicals.

Environmental and Safety Considerations

T-Butyl Alcohol is generally regarded as safe for use in cosmetics when used in accordance with established guidelines. It should be handled with care due to its flammability and potential for irritation. In industrial settings, appropriate safety measures should be taken to avoid exposure and minimize environmental impact. The compound should be used responsibly and disposed of in accordance with environmental regulations to reduce potential hazards.

INCI Functions:


Denaturant. It makes cosmetics unpalatable. It is sometimes added to cosmetics containing ethyl alcohol to make it unsuitable for ingestion. The ionic or polar molecules of this ingredient included in formulations that interact with protein groups, modulate the properties of the solution to suit specific needs.

Solvent. It is the substance for dissolving or dispersing surfactants, oils, dyes, flavourings, bactericidal preservatives in solution.In fact, it dissolves other components present in a cosmetic formulation. Solvents are generally liquid (aqueous and non-aqueous).

Perfuming. Unlike fragrance, which can also contain slightly less pleasant or characteristic odours, the term perfume indicates only very pleasant fragrances. Used for perfumes and aromatic raw materials.
Synonyms:

CAS: 75-65-0 EC number 200-889-7