Shandong Huashang Chemical Co., Ltd. is a high-tech enterprise specializing in the research and development, manufacturing, and sales of fine chemicals. Headquartered in Jinan, Shandong, China, we are committed to delivering high-quality products to our global partners. Currently, over 90% of our products are exported to developed markets, including North America, Europe, Japan, South Korea, and the Middle East.
Product Description
1,2-Butanediol (CAS: 584-03-2), also known as 1,2-butylene glycol or α-butylene glycol, is a chiral aliphatic diol with the molecular formula C?H??O?. It appears as a colorless, viscous liquid at room temperature, odorless, and with a sweetish taste. The compound is miscible with water and most polar organic solvents (e.g., ethanol, acetone), sparingly soluble in esters and ethers, and insoluble in nonpolar hydrocarbons. Industrially, it is primarily produced by the acid-catalyzed hydration of 1,2-epoxybutane, and is also obtained as a byproduct in the production of 1,4-butanediol from butadiene. As a versatile vic-diol, it serves as a key intermediate in polymer synthesis, a high-boiling solvent, and a building block for various fine chemicals, with wide applications in the chemical, pharmaceutical, and material industries.
Uses
Polymer & Plasticizer Intermediate: Primary application as a monomer for synthesizing polyester resins, alkyd resins, and polyurethane materials, imparting flexibility, durability, and chemical resistance to polymers. It is also a key raw material for manufacturing plasticizers, which improve the processability and elasticity of PVC and other plastics.
Chemical Synthesis Precursor: Used in the synthesis of various fine chemicals and pharmaceutical intermediates, including 2-aminobutanol, α-ketobutyric acid (a precursor for amino acid synthesis), and (R)-2-hydroxybutyric acid. It also serves as a starting material for producing corrosion inhibitors, surfactants, and synthetic lubricants.
High-Boiling Solvent: Employed as a high-boiling, low-volatility solvent for dyes, resins, oils, and fragrances, especially in high-temperature coating and printing ink formulations. Its excellent solvency for polar substances makes it useful in electronic chemical cleaning and pharmaceutical formulation processes.
Other Applications: Used as a humectant and viscosity regulator in cosmetics and personal care products, and as a cryoprotectant in biological research. It also acts as a chain extender in polyurethane production and a raw material for manufacturing biodegradable polymers.
Molecular Formula & Structure
- Molecular Formula: C?H??O?
- Molecular Weight: 90.12 g/mol (90.068079 g·mol?1, precise value)
- IUPAC Name: Butane-1,2-diol
- Synonyms: 1,2-Butylene glycol; α-Butylene glycol; Ethylethylene glycol; 1,2-Dihydroxybutane; DL-1,2-Butanediol; NSC 24242; MFCD00004572; BRN 1731479; PubChem Substance ID: 24892742;
- EC Number: 209-527-2
- CAS Number: 584-03-2
- SMILES Code: CCC(O)CO
- Chemical Structure: The molecule features a four-carbon straight chain with hydroxyl groups (-OH) attached to the 1st and 2nd carbon atoms, forming a vicinal diol structure. The 2nd carbon is a chiral center, so the compound exists as two enantiomers (R- and S-), with commercial products typically being racemic mixtures. The coexistence of two hydroxyl groups endows it with strong hydrophilicity and reactivity, enabling esterification, etherification, and oxidation reactions.
Physical & Chemical Properties
- Appearance: Colorless, viscous liquid; odorless; sweetish taste; hygroscopic.
- Melting Point: -50 °C; Boiling Point: 191–192 °C (747 mmHg); Flash Point: 90 °C (closed cup); Autoignition Temperature: 390 °C. It is a combustible liquid, and its vapor may form explosive mixtures with air at temperatures above 93 °C.
- Density: 1.006 g/cm3 (25 °C); Refractive Index: n??/D 1.4378; Viscosity: 7.3 mPa·s (20 °C); Vapor Pressure: 0.0501 mmHg (25 °C); Solubility: Miscible with water and ethanol, acetone; sparingly soluble in esters, ethers; insoluble in hydrocarbons; LogP: -0.34 (25 °C).
- Stability: Stable under normal temperature and pressure; hygroscopic, so avoid moisture absorption. Incompatible with strong oxidizing agents, strong acids, and strong bases; may undergo dehydration or polymerization under strong acid conditions. No decomposition under normal storage conditions; when heated to decomposition, emits acrid smoke and irritating fumes.
- Toxicity: Low acute toxicity; oral LD?? (rats) = 16,000 mg/kg; skin contact may cause mild irritation, eye contact may cause serious eye irritation (H319). Inhalation of high-concentration vapor may cause respiratory discomfort; no obvious toxicity to aquatic organisms. GHS Labeling: Signal word "Warning"; Hazard statement H319; Precautionary statements P264, P280, P305+P351+P338, P337+P313.
Synthesis & Storage
- Synthesis: Industrial production mainly adopts two routes: (1) Hydration of 1,2-Epoxybutane: 1,2-epoxybutane undergoes ring-opening hydration with excess water (10–20 times) under the catalysis of sulfuric acid or strong acidic ion exchange resin at 150–160 °C and slightly above atmospheric pressure, with a selectivity of 70–92%. (2) Byproduct from 1,4-Butanediol Production: Generated as a byproduct in the process of producing 1,4-butanediol from butadiene via hydroformylation and hydrogenation. The crude product is purified by vacuum distillation to obtain high-purity (≥98.0%) product.
- Storage: Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated warehouse at ≤25 °C; keep containers tightly sealed to prevent moisture absorption and contamination. Packed in clean, dry steel drums or plastic drums, with a net weight of 25 kg or 200 kg per container. Avoid direct sunlight, high temperature, and open flames; keep away from strong oxidizing agents, strong acids, and food materials. Shelf life: 12 months when unopened and stored properly; use promptly after opening to prevent moisture-induced viscosity change.
- Safety: Operate in a well-ventilated area; wear nitrile gloves, safety goggles, and protective clothing during handling to avoid skin and eye contact. In case of skin contact, rinse with plenty of water for 15 minutes; in case of eye contact, rinse with water for several minutes and seek medical attention immediately. In case of fire, use alcohol-resistant foam, carbon dioxide, dry sand, or water spray to extinguish; avoid direct water jet to prevent splashing. Dispose of waste and contaminated containers in accordance with local environmental regulations.
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