Chlorobutanol is a colorless to white crystalline compound with a camphoraceous odor and taste. It is widely used as a preservative in pharmaceutical solutions, especially injectables, and is an active ingredient in certain oral sedatives and topical anesthetics. Chlorobutanol is prepared by reacting chloroform and acetone in the presence of a strong base such as potassium hydroxide. It is used as a preservative in pharmaceutical preparations to protect them from chemical change or microbial action.