Butanol

/ˈbjuːtəˌnɔl/ noun

Definition

A four-carbon alcohol used as a solvent in manufacturing and in biofuels, with different isomeric forms.

Etymology

From 'butyl' (four carbons) combined with '-ol,' the suffix for alcohols. Named systematically in organic chemistry nomenclature of the early 20th century.

Kelly Says

Butanol is the next-generation biofuel that scientists are betting on—it can be produced from agricultural waste like corn stalks and contains more energy than ethanol, potentially revolutionizing renewable fuel.

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