What is "dichlorobutane"

n. (context organic compound English) Any of various chloroalkanes with the molecular formula C₄H₈Cl₂, being flammable irritants.

Dichlorobutane is a chloroalkane with the molecular formula CHCl. There are many substances encompassed under this general name (9 structural isomers, 5 of which have optical isomers). They are obtained by common synthesis methods for chloroalkanes (such as free radical chlorination of chlorobutane or nucleophilic substitution of butanediols, depending on the desired isomer).

Dichlorobutane isomers are further utilized in various industrial and laboratory organic syntheses. Of most note is 1,4-dichlorobutane, which can be used, among others, as a precursor for nylon 6,6 (via adiponitrile) or in the obtaining of tetrahydrofuran (THF). Chloroprene can be produced from 2,3-dichlorobutane.

As with most chloroalkanes, dichlorobutanes are irritants and quite flammable.