Isobutyl benzene: Everything You Need to Understand
Isobutylene is a liquid hydrocarbon with multiple applications in the pharmaceutical industry. The chemical formula of Isobutylene is (CH3)2C=CH2. Hydrocarbon manufacturing is a complex process requiring laboratory conditions to prevent contamination. During the manufacturing of Isobutylene, there are no open flames near the chemical. Here is all about the manufacturing and applications of Isobutylene.
Manufacturing of Isobutylene
According to iso butyl benzene manufacturers, to manufacture the hydrocarbon, you will have to dehydrate tertiary butyl alcohol or TBA. You can also manufacture the chemical by catalytic dehydrogenation of isobutane with the help of Catofin technology. The first method is ideal for producing smaller IBB in laboratory conditions. You can use the Catofin technology to make IBB on a large scale.
Iso butyl benzene manufacturers also produce the chemical by reacting toluene with propylene in the presence of a sodium/potassium alloy (NaK2). This reaction is carried out under a controlled atmosphere, producing a mixture of IBB and NBB. The n-butylene is removed from the combination, leaving you with IBB. However, when you use this process to make Isobutylene, you must manufacture the chemical in batches. It cannot be produced continuously, as the mixture has to be distilled to remove the NBB. The pure IBB is then stored in vats and tankers to prevent contamination.
Commercial application of IBB
The CAS number of IBB is 538-93-2, a chemical with significant applications in the pharmaceutical industry. Here are some of the applications of Isobutylene
• The primary use of IBB in the pharmaceutical industry is in manufacturing painkillers, analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs. IBB is the primary ingredient in manufacturing over-the-counter painkillers, analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs. You will have heard of Ibuprofen which is an OTC analgesic which uses IBB as the primary ingredient,
• IBB is also used as a speciality solvent in the perfume industry. A specialized solid acid catalyst is required during perfume manufacturing, and IBB is used as a specialized solvent. It helps in the acylation of aromatic substances.
• IBB has a fruity, sweet, and cherry-like odour. The natural smell of Isobutylene also has balsamic undertones. This makes the hydrocarbon perfect to be used in the perfume industry. It is often used as a base material for producing fragrances.
Thus, several hydrocarbon applications in the pharmaceutical industry make producing uncontaminated IBB essential.
As IBB is a colourless liquid. You might feel that this makes Isobutylene indistinguishable from other hydrocarbons. However, the distinctive sweet fruity smell of Isobutylene makes it easy to identify. You will find that Isobutylene is transported in tankers as it is a liquid hydrocarbon. Since its primary use is in manufacturing analgesics and painkillers as a liquid hydrocarbon simplifies the manufacturing process. The same applies to ingredients used in the manufacturing of perfumes. Thus, IBB is a versatile hydrocarbon with several applications across the pharmaceutical and perfume industry.
Vinati Organics is the leading Iso butyl benzene or IBB manufacturer and ships the product worldwide.