1-Butanol is an industrial solvent that can be obtained either from petroleum feedstock or by biomass fermentation. Some of its characteristic properties include high energy content, low vapor pressure and a better capability to combine with gasoline. Synthesis of di-n-butyl ether (DBE) in a fixed-bed flow reactor via dehydration of 1-butanol in the presence of γ-alumina, zeolites, and Amberlyst ion-exchange resins has been investigated. Its thermophysical properties have been calculated. Formation of fatty acid butyl esters (FABE) via transesterification of rapeseed and jatropha oil with 1-butanol in the presence of acid catalyst has been studied under varying conditions.

1-Butanol may be used for the esterification of lactic acid in the presence of lipase from Candida antarctica and hexane solvent.