butyl alcohol

noun

, Chemistry.

1. any of four flammable, isomeric, liquid alcohols having the formula C 4 H 9 OH, used as solvents and in organic synthesis.

butyl alcohol

noun

1. another name for butanol

butyl alcohol

1. Any of four isomeric compounds that are alcohols and have four carbon atoms. Butyl alcohols are used as solvents and in organic synthesis. The two straight-chained isomers are called butanol. Chemical formula: C 4 H 10 O.

Word History and Origins

Origin of butyl alcohol¹

First recorded in 1865–70

Example Sentences

Investigators found high levels of butyl alcohol, isopropanol, and acetone as well as ethylene glycol.

From Seattle Times

Normal propyl alcohol is contained in the fusel oil of the marc brandy of the south of France, and isoprimary butyl alcohol in that of beet-root molasses.

From Project Gutenberg

Nencki showed, however, that if both these organisms occur together, the resulting products contain large quantities of normal butyl alcohol, a substance neither bacterium can produce alone.

From Project Gutenberg