
1-4 Butanediol Oily Liquid CAS:110-63-4
1,4-Butanediol (BDO) is a versatile organic compound with a wide range of industrial and chemical applications. It serves as a crucial intermediate in various chemical processes and has attracted attention due to its role in the production of plastics, solvents, fibers, and pharmaceuticals. Despite its importance in industrial chemistry, 1,4-butanediol also has potential misuse as a recreational drug, making it a compound of dual significance. This comprehensive overview will cover its chemical nature, properties, synthesis methods, applications across industries, and safety concerns.
1,4-Butanediol is a diol, which means it contains two hydroxyl (-OH) groups. This structure imparts it with significant reactivity, allowing it to serve as a precursor for several important industrial chemicals.
IUPAC Name: Butane-1,4-diol
Molecular Formula: C4H10O2
Molecular Weight: 90.12 g/mol
CAS Number: 110-63-4
Chemical Structure: HOCH2CH2CH2CH2OH
BDO is part of the glycol family of compounds and exists as a colorless, oily liquid. Due to the presence of the two hydroxyl groups, 1,4-butanediol is hydrophilic and can form hydrogen bonds with other molecules, which contributes to its utility in a variety of chemical reactions.

Physical and Chemical Properties
1,4-Butanediol possesses several distinct physical and chemical properties that make it an essential industrial chemical:
●Appearance: Colorless, viscous liquid
●Odor: Slight, characteristic odor
●Boiling Point: 230°C (446°F)
●Melting Point: 20.1°C (68.2°F)
●Solubility: Fully miscible in water, and it can also dissolve in common organic solvents such as alcohol, ether, and acetone.
●Density: 1.017 g/cm³ at 20°C
●Flash Point: 121°C (249.8°F)
●Reactivity: Reactive with acids, bases, and oxidizing agents due to the presence of two hydroxyl groups. Under certain conditions, it can undergo oxidation, dehydration, and polymerization.
These properties enable 1,4-butanediol to function as an intermediate in numerous chemical processes. Its ability to dissolve in both water and organic solvents makes it an ideal candidate for applications in many industries.
Synthesis of 1,4-Butanediol
1,4-Butanediol can be synthesized through several processes, depending on the desired scale and specific application. Some of the key methods include:
1.Hydrogenation of Maleic Anhydride: One of the most common industrial methods for producing 1,4-butanediol is the catalytic hydrogenation of maleic anhydride or succinic anhydride. In this process, maleic anhydride is first converted to maleic acid or fumaric acid, which is then hydrogenated under pressure in the presence of a metal catalyst (such as nickel or palladium) to yield 1,4-butanediol.
2.Reppe Process: The Reppe process is another widely used method that involves the reaction of acetylene with formaldehyde, followed by catalytic hydrogenation. This method is advantageous because it provides a relatively direct route to BDO from simple raw materials.
3.Biotechnological Production: More recently, biotechnology has enabled the development of bio-based methods for producing 1,4-butanediol using microorganisms. These methods rely on engineered strains of bacteria or yeast that can convert renewable biomass feedstocks (such as sugar) into 1,4-butanediol through fermentation. This approach has gained traction due to its sustainability and lower environmental impact compared to traditional petrochemical processes.
4.Dehydration of Tetrahydrofuran (THF): THF can be hydrated to yield 1,4-butanediol under suitable conditions. The reverse of this process, the dehydration of BDO, also yields THF, a valuable solvent and intermediate chemical.
Applications of 1,4-Butanediol
The versatility of 1,4-butanediol stems from its wide range of applications in various industries. Below are the primary uses and applications:
1. Industrial Polymer Production
1,4-Butanediol is most notably used as a precursor in the production of high-performance polymers, particularly polyurethanes and polyesters. Its role as a building block in these materials gives rise to a range of durable products:
●Polybutylene Terephthalate (PBT): PBT is a thermoplastic polymer used in automotive parts, electronics, and fibers. 1,4-butanediol is polymerized with terephthalic acid to form PBT, which is valued for its toughness, high heat resistance, and electrical insulation properties.
●Thermoplastic Polyurethanes (TPUs): TPUs are highly elastic materials with applications in footwear, automotive parts, and medical devices. 1,4-Butanediol reacts with diisocyanates to form TPU, which exhibits both flexibility and chemical resistance.
●Spandex Fibers: Spandex, widely used in clothing and sportswear, is produced from a polymer derived from BDO. These fibers are known for their elasticity and durability, making them ideal for stretch fabrics.
2. Solvent and Chemical Intermediate
1,4-Butanediol serves as an essential solvent in various industries due to its miscibility with water and organic solvents. It is used to dissolve polymers, resins, and dyes in coatings, inks, and adhesives. Additionally, BDO is used as a solvent in the production of pharmaceuticals and as an intermediate in the manufacture of gamma-butyrolactone (GBL).
●Gamma-Butyrolactone (GBL): 1,4-Butanediol is converted into GBL through cyclization. GBL is used as a solvent and as a precursor to chemicals like pyrrolidones, which find applications in various industries, including the manufacture of paints, pharmaceuticals, and cleaning agents.
3. Pharmaceuticals and Health Products
Although not widely used directly in pharmaceuticals, 1,4-butanediol plays a crucial role in the synthesis of drugs and pharmaceutical excipients. As a precursor to GBL, which can further convert into gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB), BDO has drawn attention for its psychoactive properties, although its recreational use is illegal and associated with serious health risks.
●GHB Production: GHB is a central nervous system depressant used in certain medical treatments (e.g., for narcolepsy). However, GHB and its precursors like 1,4-butanediol have gained notoriety due to their misuse as recreational drugs. When ingested, BDO is metabolized into GHB, producing sedative and euphoric effects.
4. Agricultural Chemicals
1,4-Butanediol is used in the production of pesticides and other agrochemicals. As an intermediate, it is employed in the synthesis of certain herbicides and fungicides, contributing to pest control and crop management efforts.
5. Electronics and Automotive Industries
Due to its application in the production of engineering plastics like PBT, 1,4-butanediol is critical in the electronics and automotive industries. PBT's high strength, electrical insulation properties, and thermal stability make it ideal for use in connectors, circuit boards, and sensor housings. In the automotive sector, PBT is used in fuel systems, engine components, and lighting systems.
Benefits of 1,4-Butanediol
1,4-Butanediol offers numerous benefits across various sectors:
●Versatility: BDO's chemical structure allows it to participate in a wide range of reactions, making it a versatile precursor for many important industrial chemicals.
●High Performance in Polymers: As a key component in high-performance polymers like PBT and TPU, BDO contributes to the production of materials with excellent mechanical properties, durability, and resistance to heat and chemicals.
●Biodegradability: BDO-derived polymers like biodegradable polyesters offer environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional plastics, especially in packaging and disposable goods.
●Sustainability: Biotechnological methods of producing 1,4-butanediol from renewable resources have made it a greener option for various industries, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and lowering greenhouse gas emissions.
Dosage and Handling
In industrial and laboratory settings, 1,4-butanediol is typically handled in liquid form. The amount used depends on the specific application, whether in chemical synthesis, polymer production, or solvent use. Given its potential for misuse, strict regulations govern its handling and distribution in some regions, particularly where BDO is diverted for illicit purposes.
1.Safe Handling: BDO should be handled with care to prevent skin or eye contact, as it may cause irritation. Proper protective equipment (gloves, goggles, and protective clothing) is recommended when handling the compound in industrial environments.
2.Storage: BDO should be stored in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and incompatible materials such as strong oxidizers.
Circulation and Half-Life
When 1,4-butanediol is ingested, it undergoes metabolism in the liver, where it is converted into gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) via the enzyme alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH). This metabolic pathway is the same one involved in ethanol breakdown, and the conversion to GHB produces similar sedative effects. BDO has a half-life of approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour, after which GHB continues to exert its effects for several more hours, depending on the dose.
Health and Safety Concerns
While 1,4-butanediol is indispensable in industrial applications, it poses significant health risks when misused. Ingesting BDO, intentionally or accidentally, can lead to severe intoxication, as it is rapidly metabolized to GHB. The effects of GHB include sedation, euphoria, dizziness, nausea, and unconsciousness in higher doses. Furthermore, BDO ingestion is associated with respiratory depression, seizures, coma, and even death, especially when combined with alcohol or other depressants.
In an industrial context, BDO is considered relatively safe when handled with appropriate precautions. However, its psychoactive properties have led to its regulation in many countries. In the United States, for example, 1,4-butanediol is classified as a List I chemical by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), meaning it is subject to strict monitoring due to its potential for diversion to illicit drug production.
Clinical Data
|
Trade names |
Butane-1,4-diol,Tetramethylene glycol |
|
CAS |
110-63-4 |
|
Molar mass |
90.122 |
|
MF |
C4H10O2 |
|
Purity |
Above 98% |
|
Apprarance |
Colorless Viscous Liquid |
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Conclusion
1,4-Butanediol is a multifaceted compound with extensive applications across industries, from the production of polymers and solvents to its role as a chemical intermediate in pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals. Its versatility stems from its unique chemical properties, particularly its ability to participate in diverse reactions due to its diol structure.
While its industrial applications are vast and economically significant, 1,4-butanediol's potential for misuse as a recreational drug adds a layer of complexity to its regulation and handling. As research into bio-based production methods continues, BDO may play an increasingly important role in the shift toward sustainable and eco-friendly industrial processes. However, the balance between its valuable industrial uses and the risks associated with its psychoactive effects will remain an ongoing challenge for regulators and industries alike.
In summary, 1,4-butanediol is a chemical of great importance in modern industry, with benefits that span from high-performance materials to pharmaceutical precursors. However, its safe and responsible use is essential to mitigate the health risks posed by its misuse.
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