1,4-Butanediol

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Synonyms: 1,4-Dihydroxybutane

Abbreviations: BDO, BD, BG

Molecular formula: C₄H₁₀O₂

Molecular weight: 90.12

CAS number: 110-63-4

EINECS number: 203-786-5

Structural formula: HOCH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂OH

Physicochemical Properties

A colorless oily liquid, flammable, soluble in water, methanol, ethanol, acetone, and polyether and polyester polyols, slightly soluble in diethyl ether, and immiscible with aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons.

The physical properties of 1,4-butanediol are shown in Table 5-14.

Characteristics and Uses

1,4-Butanediol is a basic chemical and fine chemical raw material, widely used in the production of PBT engineering plastics and fibers, the synthesis of tetrahydrofuran (THF), polytetramethylene ether glycol (PTMEG, obtained by polymerization of THF), polyether-type high-performance elastomers and spandex elastic fibers (synthesized from PTMEG and diisocyanates, etc.), unsaturated polyester resins, polyester polyols, butanediol ether solvents, and in the pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries. 1,4-Butanediol can also be used to produce N-methylpyrrolidone, adipic acid, acetals, maleic anhydride, 1,3-butadiene, etc.

The downstream product of 1,4-butanediol, γ-butyrolactone, is a raw material for the production of 2-pyrrolidone and N-methylpyrrolidone products, from which a series of high-value-added products such as vinylpyrrolidone and polyvinylpyrrolidone are derived, widely used in pesticides, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics.

In the polyurethane field, in addition to being used in the synthesis of polytetrahydrofuran polyols, it is mainly used in the synthesis of polyester diols and as a chain extender for elastomers and microporous polyurethane shoe materials. Polybutylene adipate-based polyurethanes have good crystallinity. Toxicity

Low toxicity; the acute oral toxicity value (LD₅₀) in mice is 1500–1780 mg/kg, and the dermal absorption toxicity value (LD₅₀) in rabbits is >2000 mg/kg.