The difference between R-2-butanol and S-2-butanol is the positioning of the hydroxide group on the second carbon atom. The "R" version has the hydroxide group coming forward in a model, while the "S" version has the hydroxide group going backward in a model. Both versions make the molecule chiral, meaning there is a non-superimposable mirror image version of it. The two different versions are called stereoisomers, meaning they are essentially the same composition except for the positioning of the hydroxide group. Such groups of molecules are said to be enantiomers, or optical isomers. They are also referred to as "right-handed" or "left-handed." It is also a racemic mixture, meaning there are equal parts of the right or left handed version.
2-butanol is an organic secondary alcohol that is soluble in water to some degree, but completely miscible with other organic compounds, such as ether and other alcohols. It is used primarily as a mineral spirit and solvent in paint removers.
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