Hazardous Substance Ecological Fact Sheet and Ecotoxicity Profile sec-Butyl alcohol (2-butanol)

Abstract

sec-Butyl alcohol (2-butanol) is a clear, colorless liquid. Almost the entire production of this chemical is converted to methyl ethyl ketone, which is used extensively as a solvent for a variety of applications. It is also used in solvent mixtures for enamels and lacquers, hydraulic brake fluids, cleaning compounds, paint removers and in the manufacture of other chemicals. It is highly soluble in water, and may enter the aquatic enyironment via effluents from chemical industries where it is manufactured or used, municipal waste treatment plant discharges, or spills.