1,4-Butanediol

1Identification

Name

1,4-Butanediol

IUPAC name

butane-1,4-diol

CAS number

110-63-4 (also reported: 732189-03-6)

EC number

203-786-5

Molecular formula

C4H10O2

Molecular weight

90.12 g/mol

InChIKey

WERYXYBDKMZEQL-UHFFFAOYSA-N

SMILES

C(CCO)CO

PubChem CID

8064

Synonyms

1,4-BUTANEDIOL, Butane-1,4-diol, Tetramethylene glycol, 1,4-Butylene glycol, 1,4-Dihydroxybutane, 1,4-Tetramethylene glycol, Sucol B, Tetramethylene 1,4-diol, DIOL 14B, 1,4-BD, Agrisynth B1D, RefChem:6711, HO(CH2)4OH, 1,4-Dihdyroxybutane

Recommended uses

• CIR ingredient: 1,4-Butanediol
  Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR)
• 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]
  Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
• Painting (Solvents) [Category: Paint] Plastic Composites Manufacturing [Category: Industry]
  Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
• Intermediate Hardener Surface modifier Plasticizer Not Known or Reasonably Ascertainable Monomers Wrinkle resisting agent Solvent
  EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)
• Hardener Intermediate Not Known or Reasonably Ascertainable
  EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)

Description

• 1,4-butanediol appears as odorless colorless liquid or solid (depending upon temperature). (USCG, 1999)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Butane-1,4-diol is a butanediol that is butane in which one hydrogen of each of the methyl groups is substituted by a hydroxy group. A colourless, water-miscible, viscous liquid at room temperature (m.p. 16C) with a high boiling point (230C), it is mainly used for the production of other organic chemicals, particularly the solvent oxolane (also known as tetrahydrofuran or THF). It has a role as a protic solvent, a prodrug and a neurotoxin. It is a glycol and a butanediol.
  ChEBI
• 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.
  Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR)

2Hazard identification

Signal word

Warning

Pictograms

GHS07

Classification source

European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)

Precautionary statements

Other reported classifications

3 classification records exist across sources. Differences usually reflect purity, physical form or impurities.

NFPA 704 rating

• 1 - Materials that, under emergency conditions, can cause significant irritation.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• 1 - Materials that must be preheated before ignition can occur. Materials require considerable preheating, under all ambient temperature conditions, before ignition and combustion can occur.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• 0 - Materials that in themselves are normally stable, even under fire conditions.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Health hazards

• Ingestion of large amounts needed to produce any symptoms. (USCG, 1999)
  CAMEO Chemicals

Fire hazards

• Special Hazards of Combustion Products: Carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide may be produced in fire. Behavior in Fire: Unstable with heat; may form flammable tetrahydrofuran at 300 °F. (USCG, 1999)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Combustible.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

Hazards summary

• Emergency treatment: Glycols; [HSDB] Pregnant female mice had sedation at 300-600 mg/kg/day by gavage; Increased fetal skeletal defects at 600 mg/kg/day; [NTP] A CNS depressant; [ICSC] A mild skin, eye, and respiratory tract irritant; Metabolized to gamma- hydroxybutyric acid, a CNS depressant; [Reference #1] Causes somnolence and change in righting reflex in lethal-dose feeding studies of rats; [MSDSonline]
  Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases

3Composition / information on ingredients

This page describes the pure substance. Commercial products may be solutions or mixtures. Check Section 3 of your supplier's SDS for concentrations and other ingredients.

4First-aid measures

• 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. SKIN: IMMEDIATELY flood affected skin with water while removing and isolating all contaminated clothing. Gently wash all affected skin areas thoroughly with soap and water.
  CAMEO Chemicals

Symptoms of exposure

• Drowsiness.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

5Fire-fighting measures

• Suitable extinguishing media: Use water spray, alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical or carbon dioxide.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Advice for firefighters: Wear self-contained breathing apparatus for firefighting if necessary.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• To fight fire use alcohol foam, mist, foam, carbon dioxide, dry chemical.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Hazardous combustion products

• Special hazards arising from the substance or mixture: Carbon oxides.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

6Accidental release measures

Spill cleanup

• 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.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• 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.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

7Handling and storage

• Separated from strong oxidants.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place. Storage class (TRGS 510): Combustible liquids
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• 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.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

8Exposure controls / personal protection

No occupational exposure limits found in our sources.

Personal protective equipment

• Eye protection and rubber gloves. (USCG, 1999)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Eye/face protection: Face shield and safety glasses. Use equipment for eye protection tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or EN 166(EU).
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Skin protection: Handle with gloves.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Body Protection: Complete suit protecting against chemicals. The type of protective equipment must be selected according to the concentration and amount of the dangerous substance at the specific workplace.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

9Physical and chemical properties

10Stability and reactivity

Reactivity

• 1,4-BUTANEDIOL is heat and light sensitive. This compound reacts with acid chlorides, acid anhydrides and chloroformates. It also reacts with oxidizing agents and reducing agents. It is incompatible with isocyanates and acids. It is also incompatible with peroxides, perchloric acid, sulfuric acid, hypochlorous acid, nitric acid, caustics, acetaldehyde, nitrogen peroxide and chlorine. (NTP, 1992)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• This chemical is hygroscopic. Water soluble.
  CAMEO Chemicals

Incompatible materials and hazardous reactions

• Incompatible materials: Strong oxidizing agents, acid chlorides, acid anhydrides, reducing agents.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Incompatible with oxidizing materials.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Chemical stability

• Stable under recommended storage conditions.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

11Toxicological information

Routes of exposure

• The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation of its vapour and by ingestion.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

Short-term exposure effects

• The substance may cause effects on the central nervous system. This may result in narcosis.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

12Ecological information

Environmental fate

• 1,4-Butanediol's production and use as a solvent and chemical intermediate may result in its release to the environment through various waste streams. If released to air, a vapor pressure of 0.0105 mm Hg at 25 °C indicates 1,4-butanediol will exist solely as a vapor in the atmosphere. Vapor-phase 1,4-butanediol will be degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals; the half-life for this reaction in air is estimated to be 10 hours. 1,4-Butanediol does not contain chromophores that absorb at wavelengths >290 nm and, therefore, is not expected to be susceptible to direct photolysis by sunlight.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Ecotoxicity

• EC50; Species: Selenastrum capricornutum (Algae); Conditions: static; Concentration: >1000 mg/L for 72 hr; Effect: growth measured by biomass change /from table/
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• EC50; Species: Daphnia magna (Water flea); Conditions: semi-static; Concentration: >1000 mg/L for 48 hr; Effect: immobilization /from table/
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• EC50; Species: Daphnia magna (Water flea); Conditions: semi-static; Concentration: >85 mg/L for 21 days; Effect: reproduction /from table/
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

13Disposal considerations

• 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.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Product: Offer surplus and non-recyclable solutions to a licensed disposal company; Contaminated packaging: Dispose of as unused product.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

14Transport information

Not available in the public sources we compile. Check Section 14 of the supplier's SDS.

How DOT hazard classes work →

15Regulatory information

• 1,4-Butanediol is an indirect food additive for use only as a component of adhesives.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Overview of SDS regulations (OSHA HazCom, WHMIS, REACH/CLP) →

16Other information

Compiled from PubChem CID 8064 and the sources it aggregates (attributed inline). Data retrieved 2026-10-12. This summary describes the pure substance and is not a supplier SDS.