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1,3-Butanediol

An important commercial chemical, it is widely used in personal care products and especially cosmetics like sunscreen, lotions and hair products. 1,3- ButaneDiol is also used as a food flavouring agent. Recently, it has also been used for the synthesis of anti-cancer agents and as an agent in the treatment of diabetes. The compound is a colorless, water-soluble liquid. It has no large scale uses. It is one of four stable structural isomers of butanediol.

Synonyms
1,3 Butylene glycol, 1,3-Dihydroxybutane
Chemical Formula
C4H10O2
CAS Number
107-88-0

Characteristics

Molar Weight
90.122 g/mol
Melting Point
-54 °C
Boiling Point
203-204 °C
Flash Point
121°C
Forms
Liquid (clear)

Uses and Applications

Key applications

  • Flavouring agent
  • Solvents
  • Skin care products
  • Automotive
  • Personal care
  • Cosmetic products
  • Beauty products
  • Anti-ageing products
  • Polyesters

General information about 1,3-Butanediol

1,3-butanediol is an organic molecule that occurs in various organisms such as bacteria, fungi and plants. For example, the alcohol is found in Spanish pepper (Capsicum annuum) and vanilla (Vanilla planifolia). It is also known as 1,3-butylene glycol and is used in various industries.
1,3-Butanediol is an alcohol from the diol group. It is an organic compound composed of four carbon atoms, eight hydrogen atoms and two hydroxyl groups.
1,3-Butanediol can be mixed with water and is also soluble in oils, ethanol, diethyl ether and acetone. The alcohol is a colourless and odourless liquid. It is usually produced by the catalytic hydrogenation of acetaldehyde.
A collection of cosmetics

1,3-Butanediol in the cosmetics industry

1,3-Butanediol is used in the beauty and cosmetics industry as a humectant and solvent in numerous products such as sun and moisturising creams, make-up and hair care products.

1,3-Butanediol in the rubber and caoutchouc industry

1,3-Butanediol is mainly used in the rubber and caoutchouc industry to improve the material properties for processing. As a plasticiser in rubber production, it increases the elasticity and flexibility of the end product.
In addition, 1,3-Butanediol is used as a solvent or plasticising agent to facilitate the bonding of different rubber components and to achieve a homogeneous mixture.
The addition of 1,3-Butanediol can also improve the adhesion of rubber to substrates such as metal, textiles or other polymers. This is particularly important in the production of composite materials or when using rubber in adhesives and sealants.
Furthermore, 1,3-Butanediol as a humectant prevents rubber products from drying out and hardening.

1,3-Butanediol in the automotive industry

1,3-Butanediol is a common chemical in the production of polyurethane foams. These are required for vehicle seats, dashboards and other interior components for upholstery, comfort and insulation.
In the automotive industry, 1,3-Butanediol is used as a solvent for paints and varnishes, as well as for special coatings for car body parts to achieve corrosion protection and surface improvements.
The plastics and polymer materials produced with 1,3-Butanediol are used in bumpers, panelling, interior trim and other parts.
In vehicle cooling systems, 1,3-Butanediol acts as a component of coolants and antifreeze. As a fuel additive, the alcohol improves performance and reduces emissions.

1,3-Butanediol in the pharmaceutical industry

In the pharmaceutical industry, 1,3-Butanediol is used as a solvent and starting material in the manufacture of medicines and medical products. For example, the alcohol is a component of ear drops.

1,3-Butanediol in the animal feed industry

1,3-Butanediol is used in the animal feed industry for various purposes. It is used in particular in poultry and pig feed as a performance enhancer that supports the growth and weight gain of the animals. The alcohol also acts as a source of energy, especially for dairy cows and fattening pigs.
1,3-Butanediol is also used as an appetite stimulant and as a flavouring agent or flavour enhancer.

Further applications of 1,3-butanediol

1,3-Butanediol is used as a solvent in various applications such as paints, varnishes, adhesives and cleaning agents.
In some cases, 1,3-Butanediol is used in the food and beverage industry as an additive to improve the texture of food. It is also used as a solvent for flavourings and colourings.