1,3-Butadiene

1,3-Butadiene (CAS 106-99-0), also known as divinyl or bivinyl, is a conjugated diene monomer produced primarily as a byproduct of ethylene manufacturing. It carries no E-code designation. It serves as a foundational building block in synthetic rubber and polymer chemistry.

In plastics and polymer production, 1,3-butadiene undergoes free-radical or anionic polymerization to form polybutadiene and copolymers such as SBR and ABS, providing elasticity and impact resistance. In food and personal care applications, it functions as a precursor in controlled synthesis pathways where trace-level derivatives contribute flavoring or antimicrobial activity.

1,3-Butadiene is supplied as a liquefied gas under pressure in cylinders or bulk tankers, with inhibited grades available to prevent premature polymerization during storage. It falls under REACH regulation and is classified as a Category 1A carcinogen under CLP, requiring full regulatory compliance documentation. No Ph.Eur. or FCC grade is commercially standard.