Definition

A type of alcohol that is derived from butane, used mainly as a solvent and in chemical reactions.

Example

Butanol is commonly used in the production of plastics and other chemicals.

Conversation

Have you ever worked with butanol in your chemistry lab?

Yeah, I remember using it as a solvent for some experiments.

I find it interesting how butanol can be used in organic synthesis too.

For sure! It's amazing how versatile it is in different applications.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Butanol is formed from "butyric" (from Latin "butyrum", meaning butter) and "-ol" (a suffix used in chemistry to denote alcohols). The word refers to a type of alcohol derived from butyric acid, which is associated with butter.

Memory Tip

Think of 'butyric' relating to butter, and remember that butanol is an alcohol derived from that connection.

Visually Confused Words