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2-Butene

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Identification
Molecular formula
C4H8
CAS number
107-01-7
IUPAC name
but-2-ene
State
State

At room temperature, 2-butene is a gas. It is highly flammable and can form explosive mixtures with air. Care should be taken in handling and storage due to its gaseous state and flammable nature.

Melting point (Celsius)
-138.90
Melting point (Kelvin)
134.30
Boiling point (Celsius)
3.70
Boiling point (Kelvin)
276.90
General information
Molecular weight
56.11g/mol
Molar mass
56.1080g/mol
Density
0.5880g/cm3
Appearence

2-Butene is a colorless gas with a slightly sharp odor. It is typically encountered as a mixture of its two isomers, cis-2-butene and trans-2-butene. Both isomers can be distinguished by their different simmering points and how they interact with polarized light.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of But-2-ene

But-2-ene, a simple alkene with the chemical formula C4H8, exhibits interesting solubility characteristics due to its molecular structure and hydrophobic nature.

Key Points on Solubility:

  • Non-polar Nature: But-2-ene is predominantly non-polar, which affects its solubility in various solvents.
  • Solvent Compatibility: This compound is more soluble in non-polar solvents such as hexane and benzene, but has low solubility in polar solvents like water.
  • Vapor Pressure: But-2-ene has a relatively high vapor pressure, which can influence its behavior in certain environments.

In summary, the solubility of but-2-ene can be summarized as follows: it is insoluble in water but soluble in non-polar organic solvents. This property is crucial for its applications in organic chemistry and industrial processes.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts About But-2-ene

But-2-ene is a fascinating compound belonging to the alkene family, characterized by its structural double bond that imparts unique properties and reactivity. Here are some compelling insights about this compound:

  • Isomerism: But-2-ene exhibits geometric isomerism due to the presence of the double bond. It exists in two forms: cis and trans. In the cis form, the substituents are on the same side, whereas in the trans form, they are on opposite sides. This difference significantly impacts its physical and chemical properties.
  • Reactivity: The double bond in but-2-ene makes it more reactive than alkanes. It undergoes addition reactions where other atoms or groups can add across the double bond, allowing for a wide range of derivation.
  • Industrial Use: But-2-ene is a valuable intermediate in the production of various chemicals, including butadiene and polypropylene. Its role in the polymer industry exemplifies its significance in manufacturing plastics.
  • Natural Occurrences: While primarily synthesized from fossil fuels, but-2-ene can also be found in trace amounts in certain natural settings, including the decomposition of organic matter.

Overall, but-2-ene is more than just a simple hydrocarbon; it serves as a model for studying alkene behavior and showcases the fascinating complexity of chemical reactivity. As chemists explore its multitude of reactions and potential applications, but-2-ene continues to intrigue and inspire!

Synonyms
2-BUTENE
107-01-7
.beta.-Butene
beta-Butene
.beta.-Butylene
DTXSID1026748
AKOS032960957
Q3554956