23Butanediol

2,3-Butanediol, or butane-2,3-diol, is a colorless, viscous liquid with the molecular formula C4H10O2. Its structure consists of a four-carbon chain with hydroxyl groups on the second and third carbons (CH3-CHOH-CHOH-CH3). This diol exists in three stereoisomeric forms: the enantiomeric pair (2R,3R) and (2S,3S), and the meso form (2R,3S). The racemic mixture of the two enantiomers is common in industry, while enantiomerically enriched samples are used for specific chiral applications.

Production and occurrence: 2,3-Butanediol is produced by several bacterial species during fermentation of sugars, including members of Klebsiella, Bacillus, and Enterobacter. It is formed via the acetolactate pathway, in which pyruvate is converted to acetolactate, then to acetoin, and finally reduced to 2,3-butanediol. It can also be obtained by chemical synthesis, such as the catalytic reduction of acetoin or related intermediates.

Applications: The compound serves as a chemical intermediate for the production of polymers, resins, and various solvents. Enantiopure forms are valued as chiral building blocks in pharmaceutical and agrochemical synthesis. As a relatively versatile diol, it can function as a solvent and as a platform precursor for further transformations into butadiene derivatives and other value-added chemicals.

Properties and safety: 2,3-Butanediol is miscible with water and many organic solvents and is generally handled under standard laboratory or industrial safety practices. It has relatively low acute toxicity compared with some solvents, but appropriate personal protective equipment and ventilation are recommended.