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.

Synonymsγ-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 formulaC4H6O2
Molecular weight86.09
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

TestUnitSpecifications
AppearanceClear and colorless liquid
ColorAPHAMax 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.

More Products
In focus: Ginkgo Biloba Extract 24%
Products in focus · 10/06/2025

Ginkgo Biloba 24% extract is a standardized herbal formulation derived from the leaves of the Ginkgo biloba tree, one of the oldest living tree species. The “24%” typically refers to the content of flavone glycosides, while the product may also contain 6% terpene lactones. These active constituents are responsible for its medicinal properties.

READ MORE
In focus: 1,3-Dibromopropane
Products in focus · 03/06/2025

1,3-Dibromopropane is an organobromine compound.  A bifunctional alkyl halide, it has two bromine leaving groups that can participate in substitution or elimination reactions. It is widely used as a an intermediate in production of wide range of products including pharmaceuticals, insecticides, quaternary Ammonium compounds, flavouring agents ,fragrances and in polymer chemistry.

READ MORE
In focus: Tributyltin Hydride (Stabilized with BHT)
Products in focus · 27/05/2025

Tributyltin Hydride (TBT-H) stabilized with BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene) is a tin-based organometallic compound commonly used in organic synthesis, especially in radical reactions. It is air-sensitive and decomposes to tributyltin oxide in  presence of oxygen and light. It works by donating a hydrogen radical (H·) to a carbon radical intermediate.

READ MORE
In focus: Sodium Chloro Acetate
Products in focus · 20/05/2025

Sodium chloroacetate (chemical formula: CH₂ClCO₂Na) is a white, crystalline solid that is highly soluble in water and organic solvents like ethanol, chloroform, ether, and benzene. It is the sodium salt of chloroacetic acid and is prepared by treating chloroacetic acid with sodium carbonate

READ MORE
In focus: 2,4,6-Trimethylpyridine
Products in focus · 13/05/2025

2,4,6-Trimethylpyridine (also known as collidine) is a derivative of pyridine, featuring three methyl groups at the 2nd, 4th, and 6th positions. This compound is a colorless to yellow liquid with a strong, pungent odor. Due to its basicity and steric hindrance, it is widely used as a catalyst, solvent, and chemical intermediate in various industrial and pharmaceutical applications.

READ MORE
In focus: L-Phenylalanine USP
Products in focus · 06/05/2025

L-Phenylalanine (L-Phe) is an essential and  proteinogenic amino acid that helps build proteins and produces brain chemicals like dopamine and norepinephrine. L-Phenylalanine is one of the 20 standard amino acids that form long chains called polypeptides (proteins).The body cannot produce it, so it must be obtained through diet or supplements.

READ MORE
In focus: L – Carnitine Hydrochloride
Products in focus · 29/04/2025

L-carnitine Hydrochloride is a water soluble, stable salt form of L- Carnitine. It is a naturally occurring amino acid derivative.  It is often used as a dietary  supplement due to its role in energy production and fat metabolism.

READ MORE
In focus: Dimenhydrinate USP
Products in focus · 22/04/2025

Dimenhydrinate is an antihistamine drug commonly used to prevent and treat motion sickness, nausea, and vertigo. It is a combination of diphenhydramine and 8-chlorotheophylline, where the latter reduces the sedative effects of diphenhydramine. It is available in tablet, liquid, and injectable forms under various brand names.

READ MORE
In focus: o-Nitrophenyl Disulfide
Products in focus · 15/04/2025

o-Nitrophenyl Disulfide is a chemical compound used in organic chemistry and biochemistry. It is a disulfide derivative where two o-nitrophenyl groups are connected by a disulfide bond (-S-S-) It is used in various organic synthesis reactions, as a reagent in the preparation of thiol-reactive compounds, in pharmaceutical research and laboratory applications.

READ MORE