1-Butanesulfonic Acid carries the molecular formula C4H10O3S and stands as a raw material with broad utility in chemical synthesis. Chemists recognize it by its structure: a straight four-carbon butyl chain attached to a sulfonic acid group. The sulfonic acid moiety takes charge, lending strong acidity and water solubility to the molecule. Known by its systematic IUPAC name, butane-1-sulfonic acid, it remains a staple wherever a sulfonic acid group’s reactivity is needed in industrial and laboratory chemistry.
This compound tends to show up as a white or colorless crystalline solid under ambient conditions, though sometimes it appears as slightly moist flakes due to its hygroscopic nature. In some applications, powdered, pearl, or flake forms are common, facilitating easy measurement and use. Its crystals dissolve readily in water, forming acidic solutions that demonstrate high conductivity and strong proton donation. Density lands close to 1.25 g/cm³, a figure you’ll find consistent across references. The molecular weight clocks in at approximately 138.18 g/mol. Every batch exhibits a sharp sulfuric odor—unmistakable and worth preparing for in a controlled space.
Industry purchases often key on purity, moisture content, and form. High-purity batches, typically above 98%, see the most use in organic synthesis and specialty chemicals. Manufacturers provide detailed specification sheets with precise melting point data (usually in the 100-105°C range) and assay results so buyers can confirm suitability for specific reactions. Shipments of 1-Butanesulfonic Acid, like many organic acids, travel under HS Code 29041000, a category used globally for regulatory reporting and customs clearance. Information on packaging—solid, crystal, liquid form, or as a pre-mixed solution—lets users plan safe storage and accurate dosing.
Chemists count on butanesulfonic acid’s combination of non-oxidizing acidity and solubility. It outperforms traditional mineral acids in select cases where control over reactivity and compatibility matter, especially with delicate substrates. In aqueous environments, its dissociation produces butanesulfonate ions, which lack the reactivity of, say, chloride or nitrate ions, another point in favor of sulfonic acid-based catalysts or intermediates. Applications include manufacturing pharmaceuticals, catalysis for organic transformations, and surfactant production where the sulfonate group meets regulatory and safety criteria for end-product formulation. Its use in ion-pair chromatography speaks to its niche as a modifying agent, fine-tuning separation and detection of analytes in complex mixtures.
Every chemist and warehouse operator needs to respect the acid’s strong corrosive power. Direct contact leads to chemical burns, respiratory irritation, and risk to the eyes and mucous membranes. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) always recommend gloves—preferably nitrile—protective eyewear, and access to fresh running water at the bench. Fume hoods limit risk from vapors during weighing or solution preparation, and proper labeling ensures accidental misuse doesn’t happen. As with many strong acids, spills require immediate neutralization and thorough cleaning. Disposal routes follow local hazardous waste standards, never down the drain. The chemical’s sulfonic group, when released, doesn’t persist in the environment quite like persistent organic pollutants, but its acidity means accidental releases into water bodies can shift pH and disrupt natural microbial life. Controlled incineration or chemical neutralization convert it to benign sulfate, limiting impact if facilities follow best practice.
From my own hands-on workbench experience, materials like 1-Butanesulfonic Acid demand planning and respect for both their transformative power in synthesis and the risks that come with mishandling. Its reliability springs from simple, predictable physical and chemical behavior, but like any raw material in the chemical sector, the true value lies in knowing exactly what you have, what it can do, how it reacts, and how to manage any risk safely. For researchers and manufacturers—knowing these details upfront pays dividends on process reliability, worker safety, and end-product performance. Growth in specialty chemical markets and demands in green chemistry push producers toward acids and sulfonates with cleaner reactivity profiles. Regulators and consumers both insist on documented handling, full transparency on cradle-to-grave stewardship, and a solid trail of product knowledge from shipping manifest to final application. In my time coordinating bulk chemical orders, precise specs and genuine communication with suppliers routinely save time, money, and most of all, prevent unsafe mistakes since every bag, drum, and sample bottle has its own storage story. Reliable supply, verified identity, clear labeling, and regular staff training go further than any marketing copy when it comes to chemicals like 1-Butanesulfonic Acid—raw materials where chemistry, safety, and performance blend, but never leave room for shortcuts.
