1,4-Butanediol is commonly used as a solvent in the chemical industry to manufacture gamma-butyrolactone and elastic fibers like spandex. It is used as a cross-linking agent for thermoplastic urethanes, polyester plasticizers, paints and coatings. It undergoes dehydration in the presence of phosphoric acid yielded teterahydrofuran, which is an important solvent used for various applications. It acts an intermediate and is used to manufacture polytetramethylene ether glycol (PTMEG), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) and polyurethane (PU). It finds application as an industrial cleaner and a glue remover.
This Thermo Scientific Chemicals brand product was originally part of the Alfa Aesar product portfolio. Some documentation and label information may refer to the legacy brand. The original Alfa Aesar product / item code or SKU reference has not changed as a part of the brand transition to Thermo Scientific Chemicals.
Applications1,4-Butanediol is commonly used as a solvent in the chemical industry to manufacture gamma-butyrolactone and elastic fibers like spandex. It is used as a cross-linking agent for thermoplastic urethanes, polyester plasticizers, paints and coatings. It undergoes dehydration in the presence of phosphoric acid yielded teterahydrofuran, which is an important solvent used for various applications. It acts an intermediate and is used to manufacture polytetramethylene ether glycol (PTMEG), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) and polyurethane (PU). It finds application as an industrial cleaner and a glue remover.
SolubilityMiscible with water, ethanol, dimethyl sulfoxide and glycol ethers. Slightly miscible with diethyl ether. Immiscible with aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons.
NotesIncompatible with strong oxidizing agents, acid chlorides, acid anhydrides and reducing agents.