1,4-butanediol

1,4-Butanediol (CAS 110-63-4), commonly abbreviated as BDO, is a four-carbon diol used as a chemical intermediate and solvent in polymer, pharmaceutical, and specialty chemical manufacturing.

Where is 1,4-butanediol used?

• Engineering plastics, elastic fibers, and polyurethane systems: primary building block
• PBT and polyurethane: monomer, chain extender and diol component in rigid and flexible formulations
• Spandex and elastic fibers: reacts with diisocyanates to control segment structure and mechanical performance
• Pharmaceutical and personal care manufacturing: solvent and carrier for active ingredient delivery in topical and liquid formulations
• It also serves as a precursor to gamma-butyrolactone and tetrahydrofuran.

Commercial specifications

• Bulk quantities: ISO tank, drum, and IBC formats
• Technical and industrial grades most common; high-purity grades for pharmaceutical and specialty chemical applications
• ≥99% purity standard for most industrial procurement; specifications align with customer-defined purity thresholds