25265-75-2

Commercial 1,2-, 1,3-, 1,4-, and 2,3-butanediols are clear, viscous liquids that are miscible with water and alcohol. They all have a molecular weight of 90.12.

Butanediols are not used extensively commercially, but there is considerable interest in them as intermediates for polyester resins. Because of its low toxicity, the 1,3-isomer, has been proposed for cosmetic and pharmaceutical applications.

1,2-Butanediol is a relatively new product that is produced commercially by hydrating the corresponding 1,2-butylene oxide in a manner similar to that described for other simple glycols . According to Curme and Johnston , 1,3-butanediol is prepared commercially by the catalytic reduction of acetaldol but may be produced by other routes as well. 1,4- Butanediol is produced in Germany by hydrogenating 2- butyne-1,4-diol, but other methods can also be used. 2,3-Butanediol is produced by fermentation, and the distribution of optical isomers depends on the species of bacteria used.