What is "butene"

butene \butene\ n. any of three isomeric singly unsaturated hydrocarbons C4H8; all are used in making synthetic rubbers; -- called also butylene.

Butylene \Bu"ty*lene\, n. [From Butyl.]

1. (Chem.) Any one of three metameric hydrocarbons, C4H8, of the ethylene series. They are gaseous or easily liquefiable; -- called also butene.

2. the hypothetical divalent radical -(CH2)4-; -- used in combining forms; as, butylene diamine.

n. (context chemistry English) Any of several forms of butylene.

n. any of three isomeric hydrocarbons C4H8; all used in making synthetic rubbers [syn: butylene]

Butene, also known as butylene, is an alkene with the formula C H. It is a colourless gas that is present in crude oil as a minor constituent in quantities that are too small for viable extraction. It is therefore obtained by catalytic cracking of long-chain hydrocarbons left during refining of crude oil. Cracking produces a mixture of products, and the butene is extracted from this by fractional distillation.

Butene can be used as the monomer for polybutene but this polymer is more expensive than alternatives with shorter carbon chains such as polypropylene. Polybutene is therefore commonly used as a co-polymer (mixed with another polymer, either during or after reaction), such as in hot-melt adhesives.