Bio - Based / Green Solvents, High-Purity Solvents

1,4-Butanediol (BDO)

1,4-Butanediol (BDO) is a high-quality intermediate chemical characterized by its colorless, viscous liquid form and significant versatility across industrial sectors. As a primary diol with a linear four-carbon chain and terminal hydroxyl groups, BDO serves as a fundamental building block in the global chemical value chain. It is predominantly produced through the Reppe process, involving the reaction of acetylene with formaldehyde, though bio-based fermentation routes are increasingly prevalent. Its primary function is as a precursor for essential polymers like polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) and polyurethanes, providing structural integrity and flexibility. Beyond polymer science, BDO is a critical solvent and chemical intermediate used to synthesize gamma-butyrolactone (GBL) and tetrahydrofuran (THF). Its unique bifunctionality allows for precise esterification and condensation reactions, making it indispensable in high-performance manufacturing. Safety and regulatory compliance are paramount due to its metabolic conversion properties, requiring stringent handling protocols across global supply chains and manufacturing facilities worldwide today right now.

Attributes

Key Features and Benefits

High-purity chemical intermediate ensuring consistent reaction yields.
Bifunctional nature enables synthesis of diverse thermosetting resins.
Excellent chain extension properties improve elastomer mechanical strength.
Enhanced solvency profile for specialized industrial cleaning applications.
Provides superior heat resistance and durability in thermoplastic polyesters.
Low volatility reduces environmental exposure during polymer processing stages.
Increases hydrolytic stability in final polyurethane product formulations.
Available in bio-based grades to support sustainable manufacturing goals.
Compatible with a wide range of organic solvents and water.
Facilitates rapid crystallization in high-performance engineering plastics production for various industrial uses and specific requirements including chemical and physical stability standards within modern industrial factories.

Specifications

Technical Highlights

Chemical Formula: C4H10O2 with a molecular weight of 90.12 g/mol.
Boiling point: 230 degrees Celsius under standard atmospheric pressure conditions.
Miscible in water, alcohols, and ketones for versatile solubility.
Viscosity measures 71.5 mPa.s at twenty-five degrees Celsius temperature.
Terminal hydroxyl groups allow for linear polymer chain growth.
Refractive index typically measures 1.446 at standard laboratory temperatures.
Low freezing point around 20 degrees Celsius requires heated storage.
High flash point ensures safer handling compared to shorter alcohols.
Vapor pressure is extremely low at room temperature environments.
Density is 1.017 grams per cubic centimeter at twenty degrees Celsius for accurate volumetric chemical measurements.

Download Technical Data Sheet (TDS)

Practical industry uses

Applications

Primary feedstock for Polybutylene Terephthalate used in automotive parts.
Crucial raw material for Tetrahydrofuran synthesis in spandex fiber.
Intermediate for Gamma-butyrolactone production used in specialized solvents.
Chain extender in polyurethane elastomers for high-durability shoe soles.
Component in thermoplastic polyurethanes for consumer electronics and hoses.
Used in the manufacturing of biodegradable plastics like PBAT resins.
Solvent for cellulose acetate and various synthetic resin coating systems.
Additive in pharmaceutical manufacturing processes as a chemical reagent.
Used in agrochemical formulations for improved active ingredient solubility.
Ingredient in industrial cleaners and paint strippers for high efficiency operations across various sectors including the global maritime industry.