1,2-Butanediol
[CAS# 584-03-2]

Identification

• Classification: Chemical reagent >> Organic reagent >> Fatty alcohol
• Name: 1,2-Butanediol
• Synonyms: 1,2-Dihydroxybutane; DL-1,2-Butanediol; NSC 24242
• Molecular Formula: C₄H₁₀O₂
• Molecular Weight: 90.12
• CAS Registry Number: 584-03-2 (26171-83-5)
• EC Number: 209-527-2
• SMILES: CCC(CO)O

Properties

• Solubility: Freely soluble (173 g/L) (25 °C), Calc.^*
• Density: 1.0205 g/cm³ (20 °C)^**
• Melting point: -50 °C^***
• Boiling point: 195-196.9 °C^***
• Refractive index: 1.4389 (589.3 nm 25 °C)^****
• Flash point: 93.3±0.0 °C, Calc.^*

^* Calculated using Advanced Chemistry Development (ACD/Labs) Software V11.02 (©1994-2014 ACD/Labs)

^** Mamedov, M. K.

^*** """"Hazardous Substances Data Bank"""" data were obtained from the National Library of Medicine (US)

^**** Sameti, M. Rezaei

Safety Data

• Hazard Symbols: GHS07 Warning
• Risk Statements: H319
• Safety Statements: P264+P265-P280-P305+P351+P338-P337+P317

Hazard Classification

Hazard	Class	Category Code	Hazard Statement
Eye irritation	Eye Irrit.	2	H319

Discovery and Applications

1,2-Butanediol is a diol with the chemical formula C4H10O2 that was first synthesized in the early 20th century as part of the study of aliphatic alcohols. The compound belongs to the butanediol family, which includes isomers with different positions of the hydroxyl groups. 1,2-Butanediol is characterized by the presence of hydroxyl groups on the first and second carbon atoms of the butane chain.

1,2-Butanediol is a colorless, viscous liquid at room temperature with a melting point of -40°C and a boiling point of 207°C. It is hygroscopic, meaning that it readily absorbs moisture from the environment. The compound is soluble in water and many organic solvents, making it versatile in a variety of applications.

1,2-Butanediol is an important intermediate in chemical synthesis and is used to produce tetrahydrofuran (THF) and gamma-butyrolactone (GBL), which are valuable solvents and chemical intermediates. THF is used as a solvent in various polymer and chemical processes, while GBL is used in pharmaceutical synthesis and as a solvent.

In medicine, 1,2-butanediol is used as a solvent in oral drug formulations and as a carrier for active pharmaceutical ingredients. Its ability to dissolve a wide range of substances makes it very useful in drug formulations.

1,2-Butanediol is used as a humectant in cosmetics and skin care products. It helps retain moisture in formulations and improves the texture and efficacy of creams, lotions, and other topical products.

1,2-Butanediol has a variety of industrial applications and is used to make a variety of polymers and resins. For example, it is a key ingredient in the production of polyurethane and polyester resins, which are used in coatings, adhesives, and plastics. The compound is sometimes used in antifreeze formulations because of its low freezing point, which prevents ice from forming in automotive and industrial applications.

Handling 1,2-Butanediol requires proper safety precautions, using gloves and goggles to avoid direct contact. Ensure that areas where the compound is handled or stored are well ventilated. Store 1,2-Butanediol in a cool, dry place away from heat sources and incompatible materials. Proper storage helps maintain its stability and prevents degradation.

1,2-Butanediol has a low environmental impact if handled carefully. It is biodegradable and breaks down relatively quickly in the environment. However, spills and wastes should be managed properly to minimize potential environmental impacts. The compound has low acute toxicity, but exposure should be minimized. Ingestion or prolonged exposure may cause irritation or adverse health effects, so standard safety precautions are recommended.

References

Kelly et al.. The Vibrio cholerae quorum-sensing autoinducer CAI-1: analysis of the biosynthetic enzyme CqsA, Nature Chemical Biology, 2009