butanol

[ byoot-n-awl, -ol ]

noun

, Chemistry.

1. butyl alcohol.
2. butanol that is made from fossil fuels petrobutanol or from certain plants or algae biobutanol, and which is used as an alternative to gasoline.

butanol

/ ˈbjuːtəˌnɒl /

noun

1. a colourless substance existing in four isomeric forms. The three liquid isomers are used as solvents for resins, lacquers, etc, and in the manufacture of organic compounds. Formula: C 4 H 9 OH Also calledbutyl alcohol

butanol

/ byo̅o̅′tə-nôl′,-nōl′,nŏl′ /

1. Either of the two butyl alcohols that are derived from butane and have a straight chain of carbon atoms. Butanols are used as solvents and in organic synthesis. Chemical formula: C 4 H 10 O.

Word History and Origins

Origin of butanol¹

First recorded in 1890–95; butane + -ol ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of butanol¹

C19: from butan ( e ) + -ol ¹