Ethambutol intermediate
The (S)-enantiomer is the key building block for the anti-tuberculosis drug ethambutol.
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2-Aminobutan-1-ol · AB · 2-AB · 2-Amino-n-butyl alcohol
A short-chain amino alcohol that is both a primary amine and a primary alcohol, fully miscible with water. Best known as the backbone of the anti-tuberculosis drug ethambutol, it is also used in surfactant soaps, accelerators and acid-gas absorption. Supplied in drums and IBCs with COA and SDS.
| CAS number | 96-20-8 |
|---|---|
| EC / EINECS number | 202-488-2 |
| MDL number | MFCD00008095 |
| Molecular formula | C4H11NO |
| Molecular weight | 89.14 g/mol |
| Family | Alkanolamine |
| HS code | 2922.19 |
| Appearance | Clear colourless to pale yellow liquid |
|---|---|
| Melting point | −2 °C |
| Boiling point | 176–178 °C |
| Flash point | ≈91 °C |
| Density | 0.944 g/mL at 20 °C |
| Refractive index | 1.452 (n20/D) |
| Solubility in water | Completely miscible; hygroscopic |
2-Amino-1-butanol is a chiral amino alcohol. The racemate serves general industrial uses, while the (S)-enantiomer is the one carried through to (S,S)-ethambutol, which is why resolution and asymmetric routes matter more here than for most alkanolamines.
Like other alkanolamines it neutralises acids exothermically to form soaps and salts, absorbs acidic gases, and buffers aqueous systems around pH 11. It is air sensitive and hygroscopic, so blanketed, sealed storage keeps colour and water content inside spec.
The (S)-enantiomer is the key building block for the anti-tuberculosis drug ethambutol.
Its soaps emulsify oils, fats and waxes in polishes, cutting fluids and cosmetics.
Used in vulcanisation accelerators and as an intermediate for rubber additives.
Absorbs acidic gases and acts as a buffering agent in formulated systems.
| PARAMETER | TYPICAL VALUE | METHOD |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Clear colourless to pale yellow liquid | Visual |
| Assay | min. 99.0 % | GC |
| Water content | max. 0.5 % | Karl Fischer |
| Colour | max. 50 APHA | Pt–Co |
| Density at 20 °C | 0.942 – 0.946 g/mL | Pycnometer |
| Refractive index | 1.450 – 1.454 | n20/D |
Typical values only — batch figures are stated on the certificate of analysis. Custom specifications on request.
200 kg HDPE or MS drums, 1000 L IBCs, and 25 kg carboys. Nitrogen-blanketed filling available on request.
2-Amino-1-butanol is registered under CAS number 96-20-8, EC number 202-488-2, with the molecular formula C4H11NO and a molecular weight of 89.14 g/mol.
Its largest use is as the intermediate for ethambutol, an anti-tuberculosis drug built from the (S)-enantiomer. It is also used in surface-active agents, emulsifiers for oils, fats and waxes, vulcanisation accelerators and acid-gas absorption.
Yes, it is completely miscible with water and also dissolves in alcohols. A 0.1 molar aqueous solution sits around pH 11.
In tightly closed containers in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place away from acids and oxidising agents. It is hygroscopic and air sensitive, so nitrogen blanketing helps hold colour and water content within specification.
Chelora Amines supplies 2-amino-1-butanol in 200 kg drums, 1000 L IBCs and 25 kg carboys, with a certificate of analysis and safety data sheet on every despatch.
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|---|---|---|---|
| 156-87-6 | 3-Amino-1-propanol Propanolamine |
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See all 36 chemicals under A · 333 chemicals in the full glossary
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