1,3-Butanediol Glycol draws interest across chemical manufacturing, cosmetics, and solvent applications because of its unique balance between functionality and safety. It’s a colorless, nearly odorless liquid at room temperature, giving it practicality as both a raw material and intermediate. People dealing with it often notice its moderate viscosity and slightly sweet taste, which show its presence even in small concentrations. Whether in personal care or industrial supply, 1,3-Butanediol makes a difference thanks to a reliable supply chain anchored by its well-understood performance under various conditions. This chemical stands out for consistent handling and minimal surprises—a quality buyers and manufacturers respect.
The molecular formula for 1,3-Butanediol Glycol is C4H10O2. Its structure features two hydroxyl functional groups attached to the first and third carbon atoms, which create a backbone for versatile chemical reactions. Each molecule weighs about 90.12 g/mol, giving it predictable mass and stoichiometry. This simple four-carbon diol configuration, with a straight chain and primary alcohol groups at either end, forms a foundation for esterification, polymerization, and hydrogen bonding. Chemists recognize the arrangement as both sturdy and reactive enough for extensive use in controlled synthesis.
Commonly found as a clear liquid, 1,3-Butanediol provides a density in the range of 0.95 to 1.01 g/cm³ at 20°C. This density places it close to water, allowing for easy measurement and handling. The boiling point rises above 200°C, while the melting point falls below 20°C, supporting storage and transport without risk of solidification in temperate climates. Its solubility proves essential for blending—fully mixable with water, ethanol, and other glycols. As a glycol, it offers hygroscopic properties, so it readily absorbs moisture from air, which keeps materials stabilized in dry environments. Its refractive index stands around 1.44, an indicator for purity that operators use in quality control. Alongside these properties, it resists crystallization and offers stable behavior in the presence of common acids and bases.
Producers supply 1,3-Butanediol Glycol in multiple forms based on industry demand. The liquid version remains the most popular, suited to large drum handling and smaller laboratory use, but it can be found as a solid in lower temperatures, adopting a crystalline structure. There’s limited use for powder or flakes, though certain drying techniques yield these forms for dry blending into specialty formulations. Solid pearls occasionally appear for controlled dosing in processes where dusting must be avoided. For water-borne coatings, personal care creams, and textiles, the liquid enables even dispersion. Some factories incorporate it as a precursor in the creation of more complex polymers, adhesives, and plasticizers. In everyday life, users might touch it in skin care creams, where it softens texture and helps retain hydration. These real impacts reveal the behind-the-scenes story of a simple glycol making modern products easier to enjoy and safer to handle.
Material supplied above industrial grade calls for careful product specifications. Purity above 98% keeps the final product dependable, while strict limits on water content (under 1%) ensure consistent reactivity. Such standards allow manufacturers to trust bond strength or safety in each batch, and buyers won’t have to question what might sneak into the supply chain. 1,3-Butanediol meets well-accepted international codes, listed with an HS Code of 29053990. Various agencies regulate its movement and labeling, which aligns with both customs law and safety manuals in most countries. Documentation for shipment includes a detailed certificate of analysis to check every aspect of quality before drums ship. Knowing the full range of expected specifications before an order cuts risk and closes the gap between what’s supplied and what’s truly needed.
Everyone working with 1,3-Butanediol Glycol values strong safety data. The chemical holds a low level of acute toxicity when compared to more dangerous alcohols or glycols, but care counts in real-world use. Inhalation and skin contact should be limited using gloves and eye protection. The liquid could cause mild skin or eye irritation on direct exposure, and toxic levels require much higher doses than typical use would ever reach. Harmful vapors prove rare due to low volatility, keeping air quality maintained in well-ventilated rooms. Disposal follows local hazardous waste codes due to minor waterway concerns if large amounts spill. Some studies show metabolic conversion to beta-hydroxybutyrate, linking diol glycols to research in medical and nutritional science, though workplace contact almost always stays below those thresholds. Following familiar rules—no eating, drinking, or smoking near handling areas—remains enough for most operations. Fire risk ranks lower than many common organic chemicals; flashpoints rise above 100°C. Basic data sheets recommend dry, cool, and tightly closed containers, with prompt clean-up of any drips or spills. Solid storage in flakes or pearls asks for dust protection, but the overall danger profile stays manageable for experienced handlers.
1,3-Butanediol Glycol joins the roster of safe, useful chemicals underpinning modern industry and daily life. Materials science keeps finding new ways to use glycols more efficiently, reducing waste and cutting hazards thanks to well-outlined data. Product stewardship—everyone’s responsibility—means keeping current with revisions in chemical legislation and biodegradability studies. Routine investment in better packaging, spill protection, and supplier vetting helps avoid headaches. In my experience, the best improvement comes from consistent housekeeping—clear labels, tight seals, and up-to-date safety training for everyone with a hand on the product. It’s easy to overlook these basics, but strong habits stop dangerous mistakes before they start. Suppliers who keep up their end with honest paperwork and clear specifications make it possible. More transparent sharing of real accident data and near-miss stories helps in building a shared culture of respect for raw material handling. Looking forward, industry trends push for greener production, with efforts focused on renewable feedstocks and circular economy models. Smart buyers stick with producers who show progress in these areas, both for regulatory compliance and the reality that safer, less wasteful processes keep costs in check over the long haul. Direct experience proves that progress on the ground depends not on big new breakthroughs but on respect for simple science, teamwork, and a clear view of both risks and rewards in chemical supply chains.
