BUTANE-1,4-DIOL

Butane-1,4-diol is a linear diol widely used as an industrial intermediate and solvent-like coalescent component, and Butane-1,4-diol is a key building block for polymers, solvents, and specialty chemicals.
Butane-1,4-diol is used to manufacture tetrahydrofuran, gamma-butyrolactone, and polybutylene terephthalate, and Butane-1,4-diol is also used in polyurethane systems and reactive formulations as a chain extender.
Butane-1,4-diol is hygroscopic and miscible with water, and Butane-1,4-diol handling requires good industrial hygiene because ingestion is dangerous and exposure can cause irritation or central nervous system effects depending on dose and route.

CAS Number: 110-63-4
EC Number: 203-786-5
Molecular Formula: C4H10O2
Molecular Weight: 90.12 g/mol

Synonyms: Butane-1,4-diol, 1,4-Butanediol, 1,4-BD, BDO, Tetramethylene Glycol, Butylene Glycol (1,4-) (common naming), 1,4-Dihydroxybutane, 1,4-Butylene Glycol, Butane-1,4-diol Industrial Grade, Butane-1,4-diol Chain Extender, 1,4-Butanediol Monomer, Butane-1,4-diol Solvent, Butane-1,4-diol, Butane 1,4-diol, Butane-1,4 diol, Butane-1,4-diol (1,4-BDO), 1,4-Butanediol, 1,4-Butane Diol, 1,4-Butane-diol, 1,4-Butanediol (BDO), BDO, 1,4-BDO, Tetramethylene Glycol, Tetramethylene glycol, 1,4-Butylene Glycol, 1,4-Butylene glycol, Butylene Glycol (1,4-), Butylene glycol (1,4-), Butane-1,4-diyl diol, Butane-1,4-diyl alcohol, Butane-1,4-diyl glycol, 1,4-Dihydroxybutane, 1,4-Dihydroxybutane (IUPAC style), Butane-1,4-diol (IUPAC), Butanediol, Butanediol (1,4-), Butane diol (1,4), 4-Hydroxybutan-1-ol (related/intermediate wording), 1,4-Butanediol anhydrous, Anhydrous 1,4-Butanediol, 1,4-Butanediol 99%, 1,4-Butanediol 98%, 1,4-Butanediol high purity, 1,4-Butanediol technical grade, 1,4-Butanediol industrial grade, 1,4-Butanediol reagent grade, 1,4-Butanediol analytical grade, 1,4-Butanediol solvent (use context), 1,4-Butanediol humectant (use context), 1,4-Butanediol plasticizer intermediate (use context), 1,4-Butanediol polyester intermediate (use context), 1,4-Butanediol polyurethane intermediate (use context), 1,4-Butanediol THF precursor (use context), 1,4-Butanediol PBT precursor (use context), 1,4-Butanediol (CAS 110-63-4), CAS 110-63-4, Butane-1,4-diol (CAS 110-63-4), 1,4-Butanediol (C4H10O2), C4H10O2, Butane-1,4-diol (C4H10O2), 1,4-Butanediol (EC 203-786-5) (common listing), EC 203-786-5, 1,4-Butanediol (EINECS 203-786-5), Butandiol 1,4 (variant), 1,4-Butanediol (butylene glycol) (alt wording), Butylene glycol (tetramethylene glycol) (alt wording), 1,4-Butylene glycol (tetramethylene glycol)

APPLICATIONS

Butane-1,4-diol is used as a key intermediate for producing tetrahydrofuran used in solvents and polymer manufacturing.
Butane-1,4-diol is incorporated into THF production routes where controlled dehydration produces cyclic ether products.
Butane-1,4-diol is used in the manufacture of polytetramethylene ether glycol via THF-based polymerization pathways.

Butane-1,4-diol is used as a feedstock for gamma-butyrolactone production in controlled dehydrogenation processes.
Butane-1,4-diol is incorporated into GBL production to supply solvent and intermediate markets.
Butane-1,4-diol is used as an intermediate in downstream pyrrolidone and specialty solvent manufacturing.

Butane-1,4-diol is used in the production of polybutylene terephthalate to provide the diol component of the polyester chain.
Butane-1,4-diol is incorporated into engineering plastics manufacturing to deliver toughness and heat resistance in PBT resins.
Butane-1,4-diol is used in copolyesters to adjust flexibility and crystallization behavior in polymer design.

Butane-1,4-diol is used as a chain extender in polyurethane systems to increase molecular weight and tune hardness.
Butane-1,4-diol is incorporated into cast elastomers to improve tensile properties and abrasion resistance.
Butane-1,4-diol is used in polyurethane adhesives and sealants to adjust cure profile and final mechanical performance.

Butane-1,4-diol is used in thermoplastic polyurethane production to build segmented polymer structures with controlled flexibility.
Butane-1,4-diol is incorporated into TPU formulations to tune hardness, elasticity, and melt processing behavior.
Butane-1,4-diol is used in TPU films and cables to improve toughness and low-temperature flexibility.

Butane-1,4-diol is used in coatings and inks as a reactive diluent or coalescent-like ingredient in selected systems.
Butane-1,4-diol is incorporated into waterborne coatings to improve film formation and reduce defects in compatible formulations.
Butane-1,4-diol is used in resin synthesis as a diol building block for alkyds and polyesters.

Butane-1,4-diol is used in plasticizer and specialty ester manufacturing as a diol component in esterification.
Butane-1,4-diol is incorporated into lubricant ester production to improve polarity and viscosity behavior.
Butane-1,4-diol is used in specialty surfactant synthesis as a diol intermediate.

Butane-1,4-diol is used in electronics and industrial cleaning in some formulations as a high-boiling polar co-solvent in compatible systems.
Butane-1,4-diol is incorporated into process solvents where low volatility and water miscibility are useful.
Butane-1,4-diol is used in laboratory chemistry as a polar protic solvent and intermediate for synthesis.

Butane-1,4-diol is used in fiber and textile chemicals to produce elastic fibers through polyurethane chemistry.
Butane-1,4-diol is incorporated into spandex and elastomer production routes as a chain extender component.
Butane-1,4-diol is used in specialty polymer intermediates for flexible materials.

Butane-1,4-diol is used as a humectant-like ingredient in some industrial formulations where water binding is useful.
Butane-1,4-diol is incorporated into hydraulic and functional fluids in specialized cases where compatibility is verified.
Butane-1,4-diol is valued because Butane-1,4-diol is a versatile diol building block enabling many important polymers and intermediates across industrial value chains.

Butane-1,4-diol is used as a monomer and intermediate in polymer manufacturing.
Butane-1,4-diol is used to produce polybutylene terephthalate in engineering plastics.
Butane-1,4-diol supports manufacturing of durable PBT resins for automotive and electronics parts.

Butane-1,4-diol is used to manufacture polyurethanes as a chain extender.
Butane-1,4-diol supports formation of higher molecular weight polyurethane elastomers.
Butane-1,4-diol helps improve toughness and mechanical strength in polyurethane products.

Butane-1,4-diol is used in thermoplastic polyurethane production to control hardness and elasticity.
Butane-1,4-diol supports tuning of TPU properties for footwear, cables, and films.
Butane-1,4-diol helps optimize abrasion resistance and flex performance.

Butane-1,4-diol is used as a building block for polyester polyols used in coatings and adhesives.
Butane-1,4-diol supports synthesis of polyols that provide chemical resistance and durability.
Butane-1,4-diol helps improve flexibility and toughness in polyurethane coating systems.

Butane-1,4-diol is used in production of polybutylene succinate and related biodegradable polyesters.
Butane-1,4-diol supports creation of compostable polymer structures in some bioplastic routes.
Butane-1,4-diol helps tune biodegradation rate and mechanical performance of PBS materials.

Butane-1,4-diol is used in manufacture of polytetramethylene ether glycol intermediates in some routes.
Butane-1,4-diol supports production of specialty polyether polyols for elastomers.
Butane-1,4-diol helps improve resilience and low-temperature flexibility in finished polymers.

Butane-1,4-diol is used as a solvent in chemical processing due to good polarity and boiling point.
Butane-1,4-diol supports dissolution of resins and intermediates in specialty chemistry.
Butane-1,4-diol helps provide controlled evaporation behavior in high-boiling solvent applications.

Butane-1,4-diol is used as a reactive diluent in certain resin systems.
Butane-1,4-diol supports viscosity reduction while remaining chemically incorporable.
Butane-1,4-diol helps improve processing and application of reactive formulations.

Butane-1,4-diol is used in coatings as an intermediate for making polyurethane and polyester resins.
Butane-1,4-diol supports production of durable industrial coating binders.
Butane-1,4-diol helps improve chemical resistance and flexibility in finished coatings.

Butane-1,4-diol is used in adhesives and sealants as a precursor to polyurethane prepolymers.
Butane-1,4-diol supports chain extension that improves cohesive strength.
Butane-1,4-diol helps produce flexible bonds with good aging resistance.

Butane-1,4-diol is used in elastomer production for cast polyurethane parts.
Butane-1,4-diol supports manufacturing of wheels, rollers, and industrial wear parts.
Butane-1,4-diol helps improve load-bearing performance and tear resistance.

Butane-1,4-diol is used in fiber production as an intermediate for polyesters and polyurethanes.
Butane-1,4-diol supports manufacture of elastic fibers and textile components.
Butane-1,4-diol helps improve stretch recovery and durability in fiber products.

Butane-1,4-diol is used to produce tetrahydrofuran as a chemical intermediate.
Butane-1,4-diol supports THF production routes used in solvent and polymer supply chains.
Butane-1,4-diol helps enable production of polyether intermediates via THF polymerization.

Butane-1,4-diol is used to manufacture gamma-butyrolactone as a chemical intermediate.
Butane-1,4-diol supports GBL production routes for specialty chemicals.
Butane-1,4-diol helps supply downstream intermediates for industrial chemistry.

Butane-1,4-diol is used in synthesis of 1,4-butanediol-based acrylates for UV-curable systems.
Butane-1,4-diol supports production of diacrylates used in coatings and adhesives.
Butane-1,4-diol helps improve crosslink density and flexibility in UV-cured films.

Butane-1,4-diol is used in 3D printing resins as a precursor to reactive oligomers and acrylates.
Butane-1,4-diol supports formulation of flexible and tough UV-curable resin systems.
Butane-1,4-diol helps tune viscosity and reactivity of photopolymer formulations.

Butane-1,4-diol is used in plasticizer synthesis for polymers and rubbers.
Butane-1,4-diol supports production of esters that increase flexibility.
Butane-1,4-diol helps improve low-temperature performance in flexible polymer products.

Butane-1,4-diol is used in manufacture of lubricants and specialty fluids as a precursor for ester base oils.
Butane-1,4-diol supports synthesis of polyol esters and lubricant additives.
Butane-1,4-diol helps improve lubricity and thermal stability in formulated fluids.

Butane-1,4-diol is used in manufacturing of surfactants and specialty additives as an intermediate.
Butane-1,4-diol supports synthesis of nonionic surfactants in some routes.
Butane-1,4-diol helps provide hydrophilic segments in specialty amphiphiles.

Butane-1,4-diol is used in chemical synthesis as a diol for making cyclic acetals and protective groups.
Butane-1,4-diol supports formation of diol-based derivatives in organic synthesis.
Butane-1,4-diol helps control reaction selectivity by acting as a difunctional reagent.

Butane-1,4-diol is used in pharmaceuticals as an intermediate for API synthesis in controlled manufacturing.
Butane-1,4-diol supports preparation of side chains and linker segments.
Butane-1,4-diol helps build aliphatic diol motifs in medicinal chemistry routes.

Butane-1,4-diol is used in agrochemical manufacturing as an intermediate for formulation components in some routes.
Butane-1,4-diol supports synthesis of ester and ether intermediates used in pesticides.
Butane-1,4-diol helps provide flexible linkers in agrochemical structures.

Butane-1,4-diol is used in resin manufacturing as a chain extender for polyester resins.
Butane-1,4-diol supports improved molecular weight and mechanical properties of polyester binders.
Butane-1,4-diol helps tune hardness and flexibility in resin systems.

Butane-1,4-diol is used in paper and packaging coatings through polyurethane and polyester binder supply chains.
Butane-1,4-diol supports production of flexible coatings for packaging films.
Butane-1,4-diol helps improve abrasion resistance and sealing performance of coated materials.

Butane-1,4-diol is used in electronics encapsulation through polyurethane resin formulations.
Butane-1,4-diol supports potting compounds with controlled hardness.
Butane-1,4-diol helps improve mechanical damping and durability in encapsulated assemblies.

Butane-1,4-diol is used in construction sealants and floor coatings as part of polyurethane chemistry.
Butane-1,4-diol supports resilient floor coatings and joint sealants.
Butane-1,4-diol helps improve abrasion resistance and flexibility in construction materials.

Butane-1,4-diol is used in automotive interior materials as part of polyurethane elastomer production.
Butane-1,4-diol supports seat foams, coatings, and elastomeric parts in supply chains.
Butane-1,4-diol helps improve durability under heat and mechanical stress.

Butane-1,4-diol is used in recycling research to depolymerize or reprocess polyesters in some chemical routes.
Butane-1,4-diol supports glycolysis-type reactions in PET and polyester recycling experiments.
Butane-1,4-diol helps generate reusable oligomers for new polymer synthesis.

Butane-1,4-diol is used in battery materials supply chains as part of separator and binder precursor chemistry in some routes.
Butane-1,4-diol supports production of polymer components used in electrochemical devices.
Butane-1,4-diol helps tune flexibility and mechanical integrity of polymer separators.

Butane-1,4-diol is used in laboratory research as a standard diol for polymer and solvent studies.
Butane-1,4-diol supports benchmarking of viscosity, miscibility, and hydrogen bonding behavior.
Butane-1,4-diol helps validate reaction pathways that involve diol chain extenders.

Butane-1,4-diol is used in quality control to test purity, water content, and aldehyde impurities in diol feedstocks.
Butane-1,4-diol supports specification compliance for polymer-grade raw material.
Butane-1,4-diol helps ensure consistent polymer properties by maintaining consistent monomer quality.

Butane-1,4-diol is used in process engineering to design safe handling of hygroscopic diols in bulk storage.
Butane-1,4-diol supports transfer, heating, and pumping systems for viscous liquids.
Butane-1,4-diol helps reduce process variability by controlling moisture uptake.

Butane-1,4-diol is used in formulation development for low-VOC systems by serving as a high-boiling process solvent in niche contexts.
Butane-1,4-diol supports longer open time and improved wetting in certain formulations.
Butane-1,4-diol helps reduce defects caused by rapid solvent evaporation.

Butane-1,4-diol is used in educational chemistry to illustrate diol reactions and polymer chain extension concepts.
Butane-1,4-diol supports teaching examples of esterification and polyurethane formation.
Butane-1,4-diol helps demonstrate relationships between structure and polymer properties.

Butane-1,4-diol is used in industrial supply chains as a large-volume intermediate for plastics and fibers.
Butane-1,4-diol supports broad downstream markets including PBT, THF, GBL, and polyurethane products.
Butane-1,4-diol is valued for versatility as a difunctional diol building block.

DESCRIPTION

Butane-1,4-diol is an aliphatic diol with the formula C4H10O2 and two primary hydroxyl groups.
Butane-1,4-diol is typically a clear, colorless, hygroscopic liquid with mild odor.
Butane-1,4-diol is miscible with water and many polar organic solvents.

Butane-1,4-diol has a relatively high boiling point, which supports use as a high-boiling solvent and intermediate.
Butane-1,4-diol participates in esterification and urethane formation because of its two reactive hydroxyl groups.
Butane-1,4-diol is widely used as a chain extender and monomer in polymer chemistry.

Butane-1,4-diol is a key feedstock for producing tetrahydrofuran and gamma-butyrolactone via controlled catalytic processes.
Butane-1,4-diol properties and impurity profile strongly influence downstream polymer performance.
Butane-1,4-diol industrial grades are specified for water content, acidity, and aldehyde impurities.

Butane-1,4-diol can be combustible and can cause irritation with improper exposure.
Butane-1,4-diol should be handled with appropriate industrial hygiene and good ventilation.
Butane-1,4-diol should be stored in tightly closed containers to minimize moisture uptake.

Butane-1,4-diol should be kept away from strong oxidizers and strong acids that can promote unwanted reactions.
Butane-1,4-diol should be managed to prevent contamination that could affect polymerization or resin quality.
Butane-1,4-diol is valued for versatile chemistry, reliable reactivity, and broad industrial demand.

Butane-1,4-diol is a clear, colorless, hygroscopic liquid with a mild odor, and Butane-1,4-diol is fully miscible with water and many organic solvents.
Butane-1,4-diol has two primary hydroxyl groups, making Butane-1,4-diol reactive in esterification, etherification, and polyurethane reactions.
Butane-1,4-diol is widely used as an intermediate and monomer because Butane-1,4-diol can be converted into THF and GBL and can be directly incorporated into polyesters and polyurethanes.

Butane-1,4-diol handling requires attention to purity because water content and impurities can strongly affect polymerization and polyurethane reactions.
Butane-1,4-diol can absorb moisture from air, so Butane-1,4-diol storage typically uses tightly sealed containers and sometimes inert gas blanketing for sensitive uses.
Butane-1,4-diol is combustible, and Butane-1,4-diol should be kept away from ignition sources and strong oxidizers.

Butane-1,4-diol should be stored in tightly closed containers in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place.
Butane-1,4-diol should be handled with appropriate PPE to avoid repeated skin contact and splashing into eyes.
Butane-1,4-diol ingestion is dangerous, so Butane-1,4-diol must be kept away from food environments and clearly labeled in industrial settings.

PROPERTIES

Chemical Formula: C4H10O2
Molecular Weight: 90.12 g/mol
Common Name: Butane-1,4-diol (1,4-Butanediol)
Chemical Type: Aliphatic diol
Appearance: Clear, colorless liquid
Odor: Mild characteristic odor
Solubility: Completely miscible with water; miscible with many polar organic solvents
Boiling Point: ~230°C (typical)
Melting Point: ~20°C (typical; can solidify near room temperature)
Flash Point: ~120°C (typical; combustible liquid)
Density: ~1.01 g/cm³ (typical)
Viscosity: Moderate (temperature dependent)
Hygroscopicity: Hygroscopic; absorbs moisture from air
Reactivity: Reacts with acids to form esters; reacts with isocyanates to form urethanes; avoid strong oxidizers
Storage Temperature: 15–30°C, tightly closed; protect from moisture
Shelf Life: Typically 24–36 months in original sealed packaging (supplier dependent)

FIRST AID

Inhalation:
Move to fresh air if mists or vapors are inhaled.
Seek medical attention if respiratory irritation persists.
Avoid breathing aerosols during heated processing and spraying.

Skin Contact:
Wash with soap and water after contact.
Remove contaminated clothing and wash before reuse.
Seek medical advice if irritation develops or persists.

Eye Contact:
Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes.
Remove contact lenses if present and easy to do, then continue rinsing.
Seek medical attention if irritation persists.

Ingestion:
Rinse mouth with water and seek immediate medical attention.
Do not induce vomiting unless directed by medical personnel.
Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person.

Note to Physicians:
Treat symptomatically.
Central nervous system depression may occur after significant ingestion.
Provide supportive care and monitor respiration and consciousness.

HANDLING AND STORAGE

Handling:
Use appropriate PPE including gloves and safety glasses.
Avoid contact with eyes and prolonged skin contact.
Wash hands after handling and before eating, drinking, or smoking.

Ventilation:
Use general ventilation for normal handling.
Use local exhaust if mists can be generated during spraying or high-shear mixing.
Avoid confined spaces during heated processing where vapors may accumulate.

Storage:
Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area.
Protect from moisture uptake, especially for polymer and polyurethane applications.
Keep away from strong oxidizers and ignition sources.

Spill and Leak Procedures:
Contain the spill and absorb with inert material.
Clean surfaces thoroughly to remove slip hazards because Butane-1,4-diol is slick when spilled.
Dispose of waste according to local regulations and facility procedures.

Handling Precautions:
Use dry handling practices and consider inert gas blanketing for high-purity polymer applications.
Verify water content and impurity specifications before use in polyurethane and polyester synthesis.
Rotate stock using FIFO practices to maintain consistent quality and predictable reactivity.