butene
Definition
Noun: 1. An unsaturated hydrocarbon: "butene" refers to any of three gaseous, isomeric hydrocarbons with the formula C₄H₈. It is an alkene, meaning it contains a carbon-carbon double bond, and is used primarily as a chemical feedstock in industrial processes, especially for making synthetic rubbers and plastics.
Examples of Usage
- As a chemical compound:
- The plant separates butene from the other components of the gas stream.
- Polybutene is a polymer derived from the polymerization of butene.
- The chemical properties of butene make it a valuable monomer.
Advanced Usage
- In chemical nomenclature: The three isomers are specifically named: 1-butene, cis-2-butene, and trans-2-butene. The number indicates the position of the double bond in the carbon chain.
- The reactivity differs slightly between 1-butene and 2-butene.
Variants and Related Words
- Butylene (n): A synonym for butene, often used in industrial contexts.
- Butylene is a key feedstock for the petrochemical industry.
- Isobutylene (n): An isomer of butene with a different structural formula (2-methylpropene).
- Isobutylene is used to make butyl rubber for inner tubes.
Synonyms
- Butylene: An equivalent term for this hydrocarbon.
Noun
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any of three isomeric hydrocarbons C4H8; all used in making synthetic rubbers
