But-2-ene

But-2-ene, also known as 2-butene, is an unsaturated hydrocarbon belonging to the alkene class with the molecular formula C4H8. It exists in four isomeric forms: 1-butene, cis-2-butene, trans-2-butene, and isobutylene (2-methylpropene)[1]. Among these, cis-2-butene and trans-2-butene are geometric isomers due to the presence of a carbon-carbon double bond between the second and third carbon atoms, which restricts rotation and leads to different spatial arrangements of the substituent groups[5].

The physical properties of but-2-ene vary slightly between its isomers. Both cis and trans isomers are colorless gases at room temperature, with boiling points close to 1°C for cis-2-butene and slightly lower for trans-2-butene[2]. The difference in boiling points between the cis and trans isomers can be attributed to the dipole-dipole interactions present in the cis isomer due to its polar nature, which are absent in the nonpolar trans isomer[6]. In terms of melting points, trans-2-butene has a higher melting point than cis-2-butene due to its more symmetrical structure, which allows for better packing in the solid state[6].

But-2-ene is produced through petroleum cracking or recovered from refining gases. It serves as a monomer in the production of polyolefins and is involved in the manufacture of various chemicals, including butadiene and synthetic rubber[2][3]. The reactivity of but-2-ene, like other alkenes, is characterized by its carbon-carbon double bond, which can undergo addition reactions, making it a valuable intermediate in organic synthesis[2].

Safety considerations for handling but-2-ene include its high flammability and potential asphyxiation hazard due to its gaseous state. It is incompatible with strong oxidizing agents and requires precautions to prevent fire and explosion risks[2][4].

In summary, but-2-ene is an important industrial chemical with applications in polymer production and organic synthesis. Its physical and chemical properties, as well as safety measures, are crucial for its handling and use in various chemical processes.

Citations:

[1] https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/2-Butene

[2] https://www.chemicalbook.com/ChemicalProductProperty_EN_CB6449452.htm

[3] https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/chemistry/trans-but-2-ene

[4] https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/sds/aldrich/400890?userType=undefined

[5] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ndsh9FDtPCg

[6] https://chemistry.stackexchange.com/questions/26868/boiling-and-melting-point-of-trans-and-cis-but-2-ene

[7] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Butene

[8] https://produkte.linde-gas.at/sdb_konform/C4H8_10021795EN.pdf

[9] https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/22061661

[10] https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/20189053

[11] https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Octafluorobut-2-ene

[12] https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/UN1012

[13] https://webbook.nist.gov/cgi/cbook.cgi?ID=624-64-6

[14] https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/chemistry/but-2-ene

[15] https://www.fishersci.com/store/msds?countryCode=US&language=en&partNumber=AC414090010

[16] https://www.vedantu.com/question-answer/the-structural-formula-of-but2ene-class-11-chemistry-cbse-60f111bb7db0623233b2cf4e

[17] https://webbook.nist.gov/cgi/cbook.cgi?ID=C624646&Mask=4

[18] https://www.ilo.org/dyn/icsc/showcard.display?p_card_id=0397&p_lang=en&p_version=2

[19] https://study.com/academy/lesson/butene-structural-formula-boiling-point-isomers.html

[20] https://chem.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Organic_Chemistry/Supplemental_Modules_%28Organic_Chemistry%29/Alkenes/Properties_of_Alkenes/Physical_Properties_of_Alkenes