Butyraldiols

Butyraldiols are a group of organic compounds that are diols, meaning they contain two hydroxyl functional groups, and are derived from butyraldehyde. Specifically, they are formed by the addition of water across the carbon-carbon double bond of unsaturated aldehydes or by the reduction of dialdehydes. The most common butyraldiols are 1,2-butanediol and 1,4-butanediol. 1,2-butanediol is a colorless, viscous liquid with a mild odor. It is soluble in water and ethanol. 1,4-butanediol is also a colorless, viscous liquid, though it is less volatile than 1,2-butanediol. It is miscible with water and alcohol.

Butyraldiols find various applications in the chemical industry. 1,4-butanediol is a significant industrial chemical used primarily as a precursor for the production of tetrahydrofuran (THF), which is a solvent and a monomer for polymers like polytetramethylene ether glycol (PTMEG). PTMEG is used in the manufacture of spandex fibers and polyurethane elastomers. 1,4-butanediol is also a precursor for gamma-butyrolactone (GBL) and polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), a type of polyester. 1,2-butanediol has fewer large-scale applications but is used in some specialized formulations, including as a solvent and as a component in some hydraulic fluids. Both isomers can be produced through various synthetic routes, including petrochemical processes and, increasingly, through bio-based methods.