1567. 1,3-Butylene Glycol

Nomenclature

CAS number: 107-88-0
1,3-Butanediol; 1,3-dihydroxybutane; β-butyleneglycol; methyltrimethylene glycol; butane-1,3-diol.
C4H10O2; mol wt 90.12.
C 53.31%, H 11.18%, O 35.51%.

Description and references

Usually prepd by catalytic hydrogenation of aldol using Raney nickel: Hancock, Henson, Ind. Eng. Chem. 45, 629 (1953); GB 853266 (1960 to Celanese); F. S. Wagner in Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology vol. 11 (Wiley-Interscience, New York, 3rd ed., 1980) pp 956-962. Toxicity: Smyth et al., Arch. Ind. Hyg. Occup. Med. 4, 119 (1951).

Chemical structure

Properties

Viscous liquid. The pure compd is colorless. d2020 1.004-1.006. One gallon weighs 8.398 lbs at room temp. Viscosity (cSt): 24.6 (50°); 96 (25°); 590 (0°); 3253 (-17.7°); 6059 (-23°). mp < 50°. Because of the high viscosity at low temps heating is necessary for pumping. Very hygroscopic: Will absorb 38.5 wt % of water within 144 hrs. at 81% relative humidity. bp 207.5°. nD20 1.4401. Flash pt (tag open cup): 250°F (121°C). Dielectric constant 28.8 at 25°. Surface tension: 37.8 dynes/cm at 25°. Sol in water, acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, ethanol, dibutyl phthalate, castor oil. Practically insol in aliphatic hydrocarbons, benzene, toluene, carbon tetrachloride, ethanolamines, mineral oil, linseed oil. LD50 orally in rats: 22.8 g/kg (Smyth).

Use

Intermediate in the manufacture of polyester plasticizers, humectant for cellophane, tobacco. Has some mold inhibiting action.