1-Butene


1-Butene is an organic chemical compound, linear alpha-olefin, and one of the isomers of butene. The formula is CH3CH2CH=CH2. It is a highly flammable, easily condensed gas.

Reactions

1-Butene is stable in itself but polymerizes readily to polybutene. Its main application is as a comonomer in the production of certain kinds of polyethylene, such as linear low-density polyethylene. It has also been used as a precursor to polypropylene resins, butylene oxide, and butanone.

Manufacturing

1-Butene 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. It is distilled to give a very high-purity product. An estimated 12 billion kilograms were produced in 2011.