INTRODUCTION
γ-Butyrolactone (GBL) is a hygroscopic colorless, water-miscible liquid with a weak characteristic odor. It is the simplest 4-carbon lactone. It is mainly used as an intermediate in the production of other chemicals, e.g., methyl-2-pyrrolidone. In humans GBL acts as a prodrug for γ-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB), and it is used as a recreational CNS depressant with effects like those of barbiturates.
Manufacture
γ-Butyrolactone is produced industrially by dehydrogenation of 1,4-butanediol at a temperature of 180–300 °C and atmospheric pressure in the presence of a copper catalyst.
| Synonyms | γ-Butalactone 1,4-Butanolide Butyrolactone Dihydro-2(3H)-furanone 4-Hydroxybutyric acid τ-lactone |
| CAS no. | 96-48-0 |
| EINECS no. | 202-509-5 |
| Molecular formula | C4H6O2 |
| Molecular weight | 86.09 |
| Structure |  |
Applications
| GBL serves as a chemical intermediate in the manufacturing of all pyrrolidones |
| It is used in the production of pesticides, herbicides and plant growth regulators |
| GBL is key intermediate in the production of a) DL-methionine b) Piperidine c) 4-Phenylbutyric acid d) Thiobutyric acid e) Cyclopropylamine f) 1-Tetralone g) 3-Indolebutyric acid h) Sorbic acid |
| Photochemical etching |
| Electrolytes of small batteries of capacitors |
| Viscosity modifiers in polyurerthanes |
| Surface etching of metal coated plastics |
| Organic paint disbursements for water soluble inks |
| pH regulators in the dyeing of wool and polyamide fibers foundry chemistry as a catalyst during curing |
| Curing agents in many coatings system based on urethanes and amides |
| As solvent in manufacture of Polyacrylonitrile, Cellulose acetate, PMMA |
| As ingredient in Paint removers, Textile aids, Drilling oils |
SPECIFICATIONS
| Test | Unit | Specifications |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | – | Clear and colorless liquid |
| Color | APHA | Max 20.0 |
| Purity (by GC) | % | Min 99.70 |
| 1,4-Butanediol (by GC) | % | Max 0.10 |
| Acid as Butyric acid | % | Max 0.03 |
| Water Content (by KF) | % | Max 0.05 |
STORAGE
Keep containers tightly closed when not in use. Store in cool, dry place, out of direct sunlight.
PACKING
| 200 kg MS drum |
| 1000 kg IBC |
| ISO-tank |
REACH Status
GBL offered by ExSyn is registered under EU REACH regulations.
ExSyn offers GBL on commercial scales and welcomes enquiries. No matter the quantity you need, our exceptional quality and service will make ExSyn your supplier of choice! If you need any additional information or SDS, please get in touch with us.
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