2-Buten-1,4-diol is a palladium-containing compound that forms cross-links by reacting with an oxygen nucleophile. It reacts with nitrogen nucleophiles in the presence of hydrochloric acid to provide gamma-aminobutyric acid. This reaction mechanism is analogous to the way in which amines react with carboxylic acids to form amides. cis,trans-2-Buten-1,4-diol can be found in kinetic studies and its nmr spectra have been studied extensively.
Colorless to light yellow liquid
It is used to make agricultural chemicalsand the pesticide endosulfan; and as anintermediate for making vitamin B.
2-Butene-1,4-diol has been used as a cross-linking agent for various polymers and is also able to form hydroxyl groups through allylation reactions.
2-Butene-1,4-diol forms furan (narcotic)when treated with dichromate in acidic solution.Dehydration of the cis-isomer overacid catalysts yields 2,5-dihydrofuran (narcotic).Halogens form substitution or additionproducts, 4-halobutenols, or 2,3-dihalo-1,4-butanediol. These are toxic compounds.Ammonia or amine form pyrroline or itsderivatives (moderately toxic).
2-Butene-1,4-diol is a depressant of the Centralnervous system. Inhalation toxicity isvery low due to its low vapor pressure. Theoral LD50 value in rats and guinea pigs is1.25 mL/kg. It is a primary skin irritant.
Noncombustible liquid; flash point (open
cup) 128°C.
