butylene

[ byoot-l-een ]

noun

1. Also any of three isomeric, gaseous hydrocarbons having the formula C 4 H 8 , of the alkene series.

adjective

1. containing the butylene group.

butylene

/ ˈbjuːtɪˌliːn /

noun

1. another name for butene

butylene

/ byo̅o̅t′l-ēn′ /

1. Any of three gaseous hydrocarbons that consist of four carbon atoms in a chain with a double bond between two of the carbons. They are part of the alkene series. Butylenes are used to make synthetic rubber. Chemical formula: C 4 H 8 .

Word History and Origins

Origin of butylene¹

First recorded in 1875–80; butyl + -ene

Example Sentences

The 280-acre complex, built during World War II, manufactured synthetic rubber and dumped chemical waste -- including benzene, propane, butylene and butane -- into unlined pits and evaporation ponds, causing extensive contamination of the soil and groundwater.

From Los Angeles Times

That works fine, but using natural gas and related chemicals turns out a different mix of materials than using petroleum does; one of the chemicals that does not get produced in abundance is butylene.

From New York Times

It has been found that butylene oxide is significantly less toxic than 15 either of the two commonly used oxides.

From Project Gutenberg

Notably, it is easily converted into a commodity chemical called butylene, which has four carbon atoms and is in relatively short supply right now.

From New York Times