Solvents
REACH
gamma-butyrolactone
CAS Number
96-48-0
EC Number
202-509-5
FEMA Number
FEMA 3291
What is gamma-butyrolactone?
Gamma-butyrolactone (CAS 96-48-0), commonly referred to as GBL, is a high-boiling cyclic solvent used in pharmaceutical manufacturing, electronics, and polymer processing. FEMA 3291.
Where is gamma-butyrolactone used?
- Pharmaceutical synthesis: reaction solvent and intermediate in the production of active pharmaceutical ingredients and specialty chemicals
- Electronics: stripping and cleaning of circuit boards and semiconductor components
- Polymer and resin production: dissolving engineering plastics and monomer precursor, including polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) synthesis
- Printing and packaging: high-performance ink formulations requiring strong substrate adhesion
- It serves as a carrier for demanding formulations where conventional solvents fall short.
Good to know: Technical grade and pharmaceutical-grade meeting USP and BP standards are the primary commercial specifications.
Commercial specifications
- Drums, IBCs, and bulk tanker quantities
Other Names (Synonyms)
tetrahydrofuran-2-one|Tetrahydro-2-furanone|Paint Clean G|oxolan-2-one|gamma-Butyryllactone|gamma-Butalactone|g-Hydroxybutyric acid lactone|g-Butyryllactone
How is gamma-butyrolactone classified and handled safely? Learn More
Danger
GHS05· Corrosive GHS06· Toxic GHS07· Irritant GHS08· Health Hazard
Hazard Statements
H302 Harmful if swallowed [Warning Acute toxicity, oral]
H319 Causes serious eye irritation [Warning Serious eye damage/eye irritation]
H336 May cause drowsiness or dizziness [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure; Narcotic effects]
H371 May cause damage to organs [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure]