1,4-Butanediol

Fire Extinguishing Agents Not to Be Used: Water or foam may cause frothing.

Use water spray, powder, alcohol-resistant foam, carbon dioxide.

Fresh air, rest.

Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse and then wash skin with water and soap.

First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then refer for medical attention.

Rinse mouth. Refer for medical attention .

EYES: First check the victim for contact lenses and remove if present. Flush victim's eyes with water or normal saline solution for 20 to 30 minutes while simultaneously calling a hospital or poison control center. Do not put any ointments, oils, or medication in the victim's eyes without specific instructions from a physician. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim after flushing eyes to a hospital even if no symptoms (such as redness or irritation) develop.

Suitable extinguishing media: Use water spray, alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical or carbon dioxide.

Advice for firefighters: Wear self-contained breathing apparatus for firefighting if necessary.

To fight fire use alcohol foam, mist, foam, carbon dioxide, dry chemical.

Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place. Storage class (TRGS 510): Combustible liquids

1,4-Butanediol can be stored indefinitely. The product is noncorrosive and therefore can be transported in cast iron containers. When it is stored for longer periods, storage tanks of steel or aluminum are necessary in order to avoid traces of iron in the product. In this case, a cover of dry nitrogen also is recommended.

ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES: Personal precautions, protective equipment and emergency procedures: Use personal protective equipment. Avoid breathing vapors, mist or gas. Ensure adequate ventilation. Environmental precautions: Do not let product enter drains. Methods and materials for containment and cleaning up: Soak up with inert absorbent material and dispose of as hazardous waste. Keep in suitable, closed containers for disposal.

SRP: Recycle any unused portion of the material for its approved use or return it to the manufacturer or supplier. Ultimate disposal of the chemical must consider: the material's impact on air quality; potential migration in air, soil or water; effects on animal, aquatic and plant life; and conformance with environmental and public health regulations. If it is possible or reasonable use an alternative chemical product with less inherent propensity for occupational harm/injury/toxicity or environmental contamination.

Product: Offer surplus and non-recyclable solutions to a licensed disposal company; Contaminated packaging: Dispose of as unused product.

Personal protection: filter respirator for organic gases and vapours adapted to the airborne concentration of the substance. Collect leaking and spilled liquid in sealable containers as far as possible. Wash away remainder with plenty of water.

ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES: Personal precautions, protective equipment and emergency procedures: Use personal protective equipment. Avoid breathing vapors, mist or gas. Ensure adequate ventilation. Environmental precautions: Do not let product enter drains.

Precautions for safe handling: Avoid contact with skin and eyes. Avoid inhalation of vapor or mist.

Appropriate engineering controls: Handle in accordance with good industrial hygiene and safety practice. Wash hands before breaks and at the end of workday.

Gloves must be inspected prior to use. Use proper glove removal technique (without touching glove's outer surface) to avoid skin contact with this product. Dispose of contaminated gloves after use in accordance with applicable laws and good laboratory practices. Wash and dry hands.

SRP: The scientific literature for the use of contact lenses by industrial workers is inconsistent. The benefits or detrimental effects of wearing contact lenses depend not only upon the substance, but also on factors including the form of the substance, characteristics and duration of the exposure, the uses of other eye protection equipment, and the hygiene of the lenses. However, there may be individual substances whose irritating or corrosive properties are such that the wearing of contact lenses would be harmful to the eye. In those specific cases, contact lenses should not be worn. In any event, the usual eye protection equipment should be worn even when contact lenses are in place.

The conversion of 1,4-butanediol (1,4-BD) to gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB), a drug of abuse, is most probably catalyzed by alcohol dehydrogenase, and potentially by aldehyde dehydrogenase. The purpose of this study was to investigate the degradation of 1,4-BD in cytosolic supernatant of human liver in vitro, and to verify involvement of the suggested enzymes by means of gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The coingestion of 1,4-BD and ethanol (EtOH) might cause complex pharmacokinetic interactions in humans. Therefore, the effect of EtOH on 1,4-BD metabolism by human liver was examined in vitro. Additionally, the influence of acetaldehyde (AL), which might inhibit the second step of 1,4-BD degradation, was investigated. In case of a 1,4-BD intoxication, the alcohol dehydrogenase inhibitor fomepizole (4-methylpyrazole, FOM) has been discussed as an antidote preventing the formation of the central nervous system depressing GHB. Besides FOM, we tested pyrazole, disulfiram, and cimetidine as possible inhibitors of the formation of GHB from 1,4-BD catalyzed by human liver enzymes in vitro. The conversion of 1,4-BD to GHB was inhibited competitively by EtOH with an apparent K(i) of 0.56 mM. Therefore, the coingestion of 1,4-BD and EtOH might increase the concentrations and the effects of 1,4-BD itself. By contrast AL accelerated the formation of GHB. All antidotes showed the ability to inhibit the formation of GHB. In comparison FOM showed the highest inhibitory effectiveness. Furthermore, the results confirm strong involvement of ADH in 1,4-BD metabolism by human liver.

We report a case of fatal intoxication from 1,4-butanediol (1,4-BD), which was ingested by a young and "naive" gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) consumer during a party with the co-ingestion of alcohol, cannabis, and methylene-dioxy-methamphetamine. The following drug concentrations were found using gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry on autopsy samples and on a cup and a glass found at the scene: 20,350 mg/L (bottle) for 1,4-BD; 1020 mg/L (femoral blood), 3380 mg/L (cardiac blood), 47,280 mg/L (gastric content), and 570 mg/L (vitreous humor) for GHB. The concentration of GHB is difficult to interpret in forensic cases due to the possibility of an endogenous production of GHB. The variable tolerance of the user may also modify the peri- and postmortem GHB concentrations. This case underscores the need to have many different sources of toxicology samples analyzed to avoid the hypothesis of endogenous production of GHB.

Recent reports on fatalities associated with overdoses from 1,4-butanediol (1,4-BD), a precursor of the drug of abuse gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB), pose the need for investigations focusing on possible pharmacologic remedies. Accordingly, the present study investigates whether 4-methylpyrazole (4-MP; also termed fomepizole and Antizol), an inhibitor of alcohol dehydrogenase (the enzyme involved in the first step of the conversion of 1,4-BD into GHB), and the gamma-aminobutyric acid B (GABAB) receptor antagonist (2S)(+)-5,5-dimethyl-2-morpholineacetic acid (SCH 50911), provides protection against 1,4-BD-induced mortality in CD1 mice. Two sets of experiments were conducted with mortality as the outcome measure. In all experiments, mice were initially treated with a lethal dose of 1,4-BD (3 g/kg, intragastric [i.g.]). In the first set of experiments (dose-response curves), once mice had displayed clear signs of 1,4-BD intoxication, animals were randomly allocated in separate groups (n=10) and treated acutely with either 4-MP (vehicle, 3, 10, 30, and 100 mg/kg, intraperitoneal [i.p.]) or SCH 50911 (vehicle, 75, 150, and 300 mg/kg, i.p.). Mortality was recorded every hour for the first 9 hours and 12, 18, and 24 hours after 1,4-BD injection. In the second set of experiments (time course), mice were randomly allocated in separate groups (n=10). A single dose of either 4-MP (30 mg/kg, i.p.) or SCH 50911 (150 mg/kg, i.p.) was administered 15, 30, 60, 90, or 120 minutes after administration of 3 g/kg 1,4-BD (i.g.). Again, mortality was recorded every hour for the first 9 hours and 12, 18, and 24 hours after 1,4-BD injection. In the dose-response experiments, the acute administration of 4-MP and SCH 50911 exerted a dose-dependent resuscitative effect in mice acutely intoxicated by 3 g/kg 1,4-BD. Specifically, 30 and 100 mg/kg 4-MP and 150 mg/kg SCH 50911 protected all treated mice against 1,4-BD-induced mortality. Conversely, all mice treated with 4-MP- and SCH 50911-vehicle died. In the time-course experiments, protection induced by 30 mg/kg 4-MP was complete when administered up to 90 minutes after 1,4-BD injection. Vice versa, the complete protection induced by 150 mg/kg SCH 50911 progressively diminished as the time between 1,4-BD and SCH 50911 administration was increased from 15 to 120 minutes. ...

The toxic action of butane-1,4-diol, (LD50= 11.87-11.90 mmole/kg, ip), was prevented by pre-treatment with pyrazole (225 mg/kg, ip) which competitively inhibited oxidation of butane-1,4-diol by rat liver alcohol dehydrogenase.

For more Interactions (Complete) data for 1,4-Butanediol (6 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

EC50; Species: Selenastrum capricornutum (Algae); Conditions: static; Concentration: >1000 mg/L for 72 hr; Effect: growth measured by biomass change /from table/

EC50; Species: Daphnia magna (Water flea); Conditions: semi-static; Concentration: >1000 mg/L for 48 hr; Effect: immobilization /from table/

EC50; Species: Daphnia magna (Water flea); Conditions: semi-static; Concentration: >85 mg/L for 21 days; Effect: reproduction /from table/

LC50; Species: Oryzias latipes (Medaka); Conditions: semi-static; Concentration: >100 mg/L for 96 hr /from table/

TERRESTRIAL FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 1(SRC), determined from a structure estimation method(2), indicates that 1,4-butanediol is expected to have very high mobility in soil(SRC). Volatilization of 1,4-butanediol from moist soil surfaces is not expected to be an important fate process(SRC) given an estimated Henry's Law constant of 1.2X10-9 atm-cu m/mole(SRC), based upon its vapor pressure, 0.0105 mm Hg(3), and assigned value for water solubility of 1X10+6 mg/L (miscible)(4). 1,4-Butanediol is not expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces(SRC) based upon its vapor pressure(3). An 83% of Theoretical BOD using activated sludge in the Japanese MITI test(5) suggests that biodegradation is an important environmental fate process in soil(SRC).

AQUATIC FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 1(SRC), determined from a structure estimation method(2), indicates that 1,4-butanediol is not expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment(SRC). Volatilization from water surfaces is not expected(3) based upon an estimated Henry's Law constant of 1.2X10-9 atm-cu m/mole(SRC), derived from its vapor pressure, 0.0105 mm Hg(4), assigned value for water solubility of 1X10+6 mg/L (miscible)(5). 1,4-Butanediol is not expected to undergo hydrolysis in the environment due to the lack of functional groups that hydrolyze under environmental conditions(3). According to a classification scheme(6), an estimated BCF of 3(SRC), from its log Kow of -0.83(7) and a regression-derived equation(2), suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low. An 83% of Theoretical BOD using activated sludge in the Japanese MITI test(8) suggests that biodegradation is an important environmental fate process in water(SRC).

ATMOSPHERIC FATE: According to a model of gas/particle partitioning of semivolatile organic compounds in the atmosphere(1), 1,4-butanediol, which has a vapor pressure of 0.0105 mm Hg at 25 °C(2), is expected to exist solely as a vapor in the ambient atmosphere. Vapor-phase 1,4-butanediol is degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals(SRC); the half-life for this reaction in air is estimated to be 10 hours(SRC), calculated from its rate constant of 3.67X10-11 cu cm/molecule-sec(3). 1,4-Butanediol does not contain chromophores that absorb at wavelengths >290 nm(4) and, therefore, is not expected to be susceptible to direct photolysis by sunlight(SRC).

The Panel also concluded that the available data are insufficient to make a determination that 1,4-Butanediol... is safe under the intended conditions of use in cosmetic formulations.

The available data are insufficient to support safety

IDENTIFICATION AND USE: 1,4-Butanediol is a colorless, oily liquid. It is used as an industrial solvent, intermediate in organic synthesis, and polymer feedstock. Two studies have been identified concerning the experimental use of 1,4-butanediol as a sedative. HUMAN STUDIES: It was reported that sleep is induced by intravenous administration or by infusion. Undesirable side-effects which may occur include restlessness and clonic spasms of the muscle of the extremities. Cases of abuse and fatal intoxication have been reported. ANIMAL STUDIES: Gauze patches with undiluted 1,4-butanediol were applied to the intact and abraded skin of rabbits with occlusive dressing for 24 hours. After 1, 24, 48 and 72 hours, no reaction was observed on the intact and abraded skin. The main signs of toxicity seen in mice and rats were accelerated breathing, dyspnea, spasmodic breathing, bradycardia, exsiccosis, exophthalmus, apathy, hyperreflexia, hyporeflexia, areflexia, ataxia, atonia, twitching, reduced motility, analgesia, lying on the side, loss of righting reflexes, sedation, narcosis, hair loss and ruffled fur. Death occurred within 24 hours. Respiratory failure was thought to be the cause of death. Signs of intoxication appeared more quickly after rectal than after oral administration. In rat developmental studies, administration was conducted by gavage at doses of 200, 400 or 800 mg/kg/day from 14 days before mating to 14 days after mating in males and from 14 days before mating to day 3 of lactation in females. The parental animals exhibited no alteration in reproductive parameters including the copulation index, fertility index, gestation length, numbers of corpora lutea or implantation, implantation index, gestation index, delivery index, and behavior at delivery and lactation. Although neither the pup viability nor the incidence of morphological abnormalities was changed by administration of the compound, pup body weight was slightly but significantly decreased in the 800 mg/kg group. In a gene mutation assay using CHO cells, 1,4-butanediol did not induce any reproducible statistically or biologically significant increase in the mutant frequency of the HPRT (hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyl transferase) locus with and without metabolic activation. A gene reverse mutation test was negative in S. typhimurium TA 100, TA 98, TA 1535, TA 1537 and E.coli WP2 uvrA with and without metabolic activation. ECOTOXICITY STUDIES: Toxicity of this chemical to aquatic organisms seems to be low, because all toxicity data obtained were higher than 85 mg/L or 1000 mg/L which were the maximum concentrations of exposure. No fish died, and no toxic symptoms were observed in fish exposed to 92.5 mg/L of this chemical throughout 14 day test period. Also, any reproduction impairment was not observed in D. magna exposed to 85 mg/L.

/AQUATIC SPECIES/ Toxicity of this chemical to aquatic organisms seems to be low, because all toxicity data obtained were higher than 85 mg/L (100 mg/L as nominal concentration) or 1000 mg/L which are maximum concentration exposed. No fish died, and no toxic symptoms were observed in fish exposed to 92.5 mg/L (measured concentration of the nominal 100 mg/L) of this chemical throughout 14 day test period. Also, any reproduction impairment was not observed in D. magna exposed to 85 mg/L (measured concentration of the nominal 100 mg/L).

EPA has released the Interactive Chemical Safety for Sustainability (iCSS) Dashboard. The iCSS Dashboard provides an interactive tool to explore rapid, automated (or in vitro high-throughput) chemical screening data generated by the Toxicity Forecaster (ToxCast) project and the federal Toxicity Testing in the 21st century (Tox21) collaboration. /The title compound was tested by ToxCast and/or Tox21 assays/[USEPA; ICSS Dashboard Application; Available from, as of July 27, 2017: http://actor.epa.gov/dashboard/]

The following link will take the user to the National Toxicology Program (NTP) Test Status of Agents Search page, which tabulates the results and current status of tests such as "Short-Term Toxicity Studies", "Long-term Carcinogenicity Studies", "Developmental Studies", "Genetic Toxicology Studies", etc., performed with this chemical. Testing status for 1,4-butanediol is available.[Available from, as of June 30, 2017: https://ntpsearch.niehs.nih.gov/?e=True&ContentType=Testing+Status]

Using a structure estimation method based on molecular connectivity indices(1), the Koc of 1,4-butanediol can be estimated to be 1(SRC). According to a classification scheme(2), this estimated Koc value suggests that 1,4-butanediol is expected to have very high mobility in soil.

CIR ingredient: 1,4-Butanediol

Used as a chemical intermediate for tetrahydrofuran and other acetylenic chemicals; as a monomer for polybutylene terephthalate resins; as a chain extender for polyurethane resins; as an intermediate in polyester resins; in the production of 1,4-butanediol dimethanesulfonate (myleran); Also used as a humectant; [HSDB] Used as a solvent, an intermediate for plasticizers, and a cross-linking agent in polyurethane elastomers; [Hawley]

Painting (Solvents) [Category: Paint]

1,4-Butanediol is a versatile intermediate for the chemical industry. The most important area of application is the production of polyurethanes and poly(butylene terephthalate). Among the polyurethanes produced from 1,4-butanediol, cellular and compact elastomers are of prime importance.

Industrial solvent; intermediate in organic synthesis; polymer feedstock.

MEDICATION

(1975) NEGLIGIBLE

4.5X10+9 g (EST-EARLY 1980'S)

CHEMICAL PROFILE: Imports totaled 16 million lbs in 1987.

2023: 400,000,000 - <550,000,000 lb

(1974) 2.95X10+10 GRAMS (CONSUMPTION)

(1983) 1.56X10+11 g

251,287,000 Kg in 1992

PRODUCT FOCUS: Worldwide Production Capacities of Butanediol in 2002-2006

For more U.S. Production (Complete) data for 1,4-Butanediol (10 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

60% FOR TETRAHYDROFURAN, 17% FOR GAMMA-BUTYROLACTONE AND DERIVATIVES, 14% FOR POLYBUTYLENE TEREPHTHALATE, 6% FOR POLYURETHANE ELASTOMERS, 3% OTHER (1983 EST)

CHEMICAL PROFILE: End-use pattern for 1,4-butanediol in 1994

CHEMICAL PROFILE: End-use pattern for 1,4-butanediol in 1997

CHEMICAL PROFILE: End-use pattern for 1,4-butanediol in 2000

For more Consumption Patterns (Complete) data for 1,4-Butanediol (18 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

From acetylene and formaldehyde by high-pressure synthesis

1,4-Butanediol is made on a large industrial scale by continuous hydrogenation of the 2-butyne-1,4-diol over modified nickel catalysts. The one-stage flow process is carried out at 80 - 160 °C and 300 bar. An aqueous solution of 2-butyne-1,4-diol (30 - 50%), together with carbon monoxide-free hydrogen and recycled reaction mixture, which acts as medium for dissipation of heat, is lead over a reduced nickel - copper - manganese catalysts on silica gel strands. The initial temperature in the reactor is 80 °C; the temperature must not exceed 170 °C. In order to obtain a better distribution of the liquid, hydrogen is also circulated. The raw product contains methanol, propanol, and butanol as byproducts as well as traces of 2-methyl-1,4-butanediol, hydroxybutyraldehyde, acetals, and triols. The reactor effluent is worked up to pure 1,4-butanediol by fractional distillation.

Mitsubishi uses a three-step process: (1) the catalytic reaction of butadiene and acetic acid yields 1,4-diacetoxy-2-butene; (2) subsequent hydrogenation gives 1,4-diacetoxybutane; and (3) hydrolysis leads to 1,4-butanediol.

Allyl alcohol and synthesis gas (CO + H2) can be converted to 1,4-butanediol ... .

For more Methods of Manufacturing (Complete) data for 1,4-Butanediol (7 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Grade: Technical

Typical commercial specifications are: purity 99.5-99.8%, mp 19.9-20 °C

Plastics Product Manufacturing

1,4-Butanediol: ACTIVE

It is not suitable as substitute for glycerin.

GAF started up first 1,4-butanediol plant in the u.s. In the 1950's

... Gamma butyrolactone (GBL) and 1,4-butanediol are GHB /gamma hydroxybutyric acid/ analogues that can be used as substitutes for GHB. When ingested, these analogues are converted to GHB and produce identical effects. ... Both GBL and 1,4-butanediol have been sold at health food stores and on various internet sites. ... In recent years, gamma hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) has emerged as a significant drug of abuse throughout the United States. Abusers of this drug fall into three major groups: (1) users take GHB for its intoxicant or euphoriant effects; (2) bodybuilders who abuse GHB for its alleged utility as an anabolic agent or as a sleep aid; and (3) individuals who use GHB as a weapon for sexual assault. These categories are not mutually exclusive and an abuser may use the drug illicitly to produce several effects. GHB is frequently taken with alcohol or other drugs that heighten its effects and is often found at bars, nightclubs, rave parties, and gyms.