Butanone can be produced by oxidation of 2-butanol. Dehydrogenation is catalyzed by a 2-butanol catalyst using copper, zinc, or bronze:
CH 3 CH (OH), CH 2 , CH 3 → CH 3 C (O) CH 2 CH 3 + H 2
This is used to produce about 700 million kilos per year. Other syntheses that have been studied but not implemented are the Wacker oxidation of 2-butene and the oxidation of isobutylbenzene, which is similar to the industrial production of acetone. [5]
Both liquid phase oxidation of heavy naphtha and the Fischer-Tropsch reaction produce mixed oxygenate streams from which 2-butanone is removed by fractionation. [7]
Butanone is biosynthesized by some trees and is found in small amounts in some fruits and vegetables. It is released into the air from car and truck exhausts.