Gamma-Butyrolactone

Gamma-Butyrolactone (GBL, CAS 96-48-0), also known as γ-BL, 1,4-Butanolide, and Butyrolactone, is a cyclic ester solvent produced by dehydrogenation of 1,4-butanediol. It is miscible with water and most organic solvents, and serves as a precursor to pyrrolidone-based solvents including NMP and NVP.

In electronics manufacturing, GBL dissolves photoresist polymers and acts as a stripping agent in PCB fabrication, where its controlled evaporation rate supports precise coating processes. In pharmaceutical synthesis, it functions as a reaction solvent and intermediate, and in polymer processing it dissolves engineering resins such as polyvinylidene fluoride for battery electrode slurry preparation.

GBL is supplied in technical and high-purity grades, with select batches meeting Ph.Eur. or reagent-grade specifications. It is subject to REACH regulation and listed as a scheduled precursor under EU drug precursor controls, requiring end-user documentation. Packaging is available in drums and IBC containers.