Substance profile
1-chlorobutane
1-chlorobutane is a colorless liq with an unpleasant odor.
01 · Identification
What 1-chlorobutane is
1-chlorobutane is a colorless liq with an unpleasant odor. Its molecular formula is C4H9Cl and its molecular weight is 92.57 g/mol. It boils at 78.5 °C, melts at -123 °C.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Danger. It is classed as flammable agents - 3rd degree.
Other names for 1-chlorobutane
- butyl chloride
02 · GHS classification
Hazards and label elements
Harmonised classification under CLP Annex VI. This is the legally binding classification in the EU; other jurisdictions may differ.
| Code | Hazard statement |
|---|---|
| H225 | Highly flammable liquid and vapour. |
03 · Physical and chemical properties
1-chlorobutane properties
Every value is shown with the conditions it was measured under and the source it came from. Where sources disagree, all values are listed rather than one being picked — the difference is usually a different form of the substance, not an error.
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boiling point | 78.5 °C (173.3 °F) | at 760 mmHg | HSDB |
| Melting point | -123.1 °C (-189.6 °F) | HSDB | |
| -123.11 °C (-189.6 °F) | CAMEO | ||
| -123 °C (-189.4 °F) | ICSC | ||
| Density | 0.8862 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | CAMEO |
| 0.89 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | ICSC | |
| 0.881 g/cm³ | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| Solubility | Solubility in water, g/l at 25 °C: 0.87 (practically insoluble) | at 25 °C | ICSC |
| less than 1 mg/mL at 59 °F (NTP, 1992) | at 15 °C | CAMEO | |
| PRACTICALLY INSOL IN WATER (0.066% @ 12 °C); MISCIBLE WITH ALC, ETHER | at 12 °C | HSDB | |
| Vapor pressure | 80.1 mmHg | at 20 °C | HSDB |
| 82.5068 mmHg | at 20 °C | ICSC | |
| Flash point | -9.44 °C (15 °F) | HSDB | |
| -6.67 °C (20 °F) | CAMEO | ||
| -12 °C (10.4 °F) | ICSC | ||
| Autoignition temperature | 460 °C (860 °F) | HSDB | |
| 245 °C (473 °F) | ICSC | ||
| Lower explosive limit (LEL) | 1.8 % by volume | HSDB | |
| 1.9 % by volume | HSDB | ||
| Upper explosive limit (UEL) | 10.1 % by volume | HSDB | |
| Vapor density | 3.2 (air = 1) | HSDB | |
| Odor threshold | Odor low: 3.3352 mg/cu m; Odor high: 6.3293 mg/cu m | HSDB | |
| Odor Threshold Low: 0.93 [ppm] | Haz-Map | ||
| Odor Threshold High: 1.64 [ppm] | Haz-Map | ||
| Critical temperature and pressure | 269 °C (516.2 °F) | HSDB |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Handling and storage
Storing and handling 1-chlorobutane
Reactivity
BUTYL CHLORIDE is incompatible with oxidizing agents and strong bases. Reacts with aluminum powder, magnesium, liquid oxygen, potassium and sodium (NTP, 1992). Emits phosgene gas when heated to decomposition. May be sensitive to heat.
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check 1-chlorobutane in the storage compatibility matrix →