Isobutylene is the branched C4 molecule. Isobutylene is an olefinic hydrocarbon recovered from petrochemical or refinery manufacturing processes. Isobutylene is a hydrocarbon of significant industrial importance. It is a four-carbon branched alkene (olefin), one of the four isomers of butylene. At standard temperature and pressure it is a colorless flammable gas.

Benefits and Applications

Isobutylene is used in the production of agrochemicals, alkylated phenols used as antioxidants, lube oil additives, butyl rubber and resins.Alkylation with butane produces isooctane, another fuel additive. Isobutylene is also used in the production of methacrolein. Polymerization of isobutylene produces butyl rubber (polyisobutylene). Antioxidants such as butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) and butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) are produced by Friedel-Crafts Alkylation of phenols using Isobutylene.

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