Isobutanol, primarily used as a solvent, is one of several isomers of butanol, including n-butanol, 2-butanol, and tert-butanol, all holding industrial significance.

• Solvent Usage: Isobutanol serves as a solvent, particularly in varnishes, and as a precursor to esters, such as isobutyl acetate, which find extensive use as solvents.

• Plasticizer Production: Isobutyl esters of phthalic, adipic, and similar dicarboxylic acids are common plasticizers, contributing to the flexibility and durability of various plastic materials.

• Biofuel Component: Isobutanol is a component of certain biofuels, enhancing their properties.

• Industrial Applications: Isobutanol finds application in various industrial processes:

  • Coatings Industry: Often converted into derivatives (esters) for use as a solvent, particularly in acid-curable lacquers and baking finishes.
  • Plastics and Rubber: Used as a derivative in the manufacturing of plastic and rubber mixtures.
  • Paint solvent, varnish remover, floor polishes, cleaning agents, stain removal.
  • Textile Industry: Serves as a solubilizer.
  • Automotive Industry: Used as an additive in gasoline and de-icing fluids.
  • Other applications include serving as a dehydrating agent, mobile phase in thin layer chromatography, feedstock for the production of ethers/acrylates, and anti-corrosion inhibitors in engine oils.

The coatings, plastics, rubber, cleaning, textiles, and motor industries are among the main end-user markets for isobutanol.