Dichlorobutane

Dichlorobutane
The 1,4 isomer of dichlorobutane

Dichlorobutane is a chloroalkane with the molecular formula C4H8Cl2. There are many substances encompassed under this general name (9 structural isomers, 5 of which have optical isomers). They are obtained by common synthesis methods for chloroalkanes (such as free radical chlorination of chlorobutane or nucleophilic substitution of butanediols, depending on the desired isomer).

Dichlorobutane isomers are further utilized in various industrial and laboratory organic syntheses. Of most note is 1,4-dichlorobutane, which can be used, among others, as a precursor for nylon 6,6 (via adiponitrile)[1] or in the obtaining of tetrahydrofuran (THF).[2] Chloroprene can be produced from 2,3-dichlorobutane.[3]

As with most chloroalkanes, dichlorobutanes are irritants and quite flammable.


References

  1. ^ Mark S. M. Alger (1997). In Polymer Science Dictionary. Springer. p. 241. ISBN 0412608707. Google Book Search. Retrieved on August 28, 2008.
  2. ^ Process for the preparation of tetrahydrofuran. Retrieved on August 28, 2008.
  3. ^ Process for the production of 2-chlorobutenes from 2,3-dichlorobutane. Retrieved on August 28, 2008.


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