1,3-Butanediol
1,3-Butanediol is an organic compound with the chemical formula C₄H₁₀O₂. It is one of the four stable isomers of butanediol. This diol is a colorless, water-soluble liquid with a slightly sweet taste. It is used in various industrial applications, including as a solvent, in the production of plastics, and as a precursor to other chemicals.
Chemical Structure and Properties[edit | edit source]
1,3-Butanediol has the structural formula HOCH₂CH₂CH(OH)CH₃. It is a diol, meaning it contains two hydroxyl groups (-OH). The presence of these hydroxyl groups makes it highly soluble in water and gives it hygroscopic properties.
Synthesis[edit | edit source]
1,3-Butanediol can be synthesized through several methods, including the hydrogenation of aldol products derived from acetaldehyde and formaldehyde. Another method involves the reduction of 3-hydroxybutanal.
Applications[edit | edit source]
Solvent[edit | edit source]
1,3-Butanediol is used as a solvent in various industrial processes. Its ability to dissolve both polar and non-polar substances makes it versatile for use in coatings, adhesives, and inks.
Plastic Production[edit | edit source]
In the production of polyurethane and other polymers, 1,3-Butanediol serves as a monomer or a chain extender. It contributes to the flexibility and durability of the final product.
Chemical Intermediate[edit | edit source]
1,3-Butanediol is a precursor to other chemicals, such as butyrolactone and gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB). These compounds have applications ranging from pharmaceuticals to industrial solvents.
Biological Role and Metabolism[edit | edit source]
In biological systems, 1,3-Butanediol can be metabolized into beta-hydroxybutyrate, a type of ketone body. This metabolic pathway is of interest in the study of ketogenic diets and metabolic disorders.
Safety and Handling[edit | edit source]
1,3-Butanediol is generally considered to be of low toxicity. However, it should be handled with care, as it can cause irritation to the skin and eyes. Proper personal protective equipment (PPE) should be used when handling this chemical.
See Also[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
|
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
| Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates, categories Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
