Chemical Name: 1,4-Butanediol Synonyms: Butane-1,4-diol Molecular Formula: C4H10O2 CAS Number: 110-63-4 Appearance: Colorless, oily liquid Odor: Mild, almost sweet scent Typical Uses: Found in the making of plastics, solvents, some industrial cleaners, and as a chemical intermediate
Health Hazards: Causes drowsiness, dizziness, and may depress the central nervous system if swallowed or inhaled. Repeated or prolonged skin contact can lead to irritation and dermatitis. Fire Hazard: Combustible liquid, poses a fire risk under certain conditions, especially at elevated temperatures. Environmental Risk: Spills may cause localized harm to aquatic life. GHS Classification: Serious eye irritation, specific target organ toxicity (single exposure - narcotic effects)
Main Ingredient: 1,4-Butanediol (typically above 99%) Impurities: Water, trace organic substances
Inhalation: Remove affected person to fresh air, support breathing as needed. Medical help is recommended after exposure due to the risk of central nervous system effects. Skin Contact: Take off contaminated clothing, wash area with plenty of water and soap. Consult medical help if irritation appears. Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes, keep eyelid open, and seek professional attention if the irritation continues. Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting. Rinse mouth, drink water, and contact medical care quickly, as ingestion can lead to serious toxicity.
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use dry chemical, foam, or carbon dioxide. Water can be used to cool exposed containers but may spread spilled material. Specific Hazards: In case of a fire, vapors may form explosive mixtures with air. Chemical can decompose at high temperatures, releasing toxic gases such as carbon monoxide. Protective Gear: Wear full protective clothing and self-contained breathing apparatus in high exposure situations.
Personal Precautions: Use suitable protective gloves, goggles, and avoid breathing in vapors. Spill Management: Absorb with inert materials like sand or earth, then scoop into containers for proper disposal. Environmental Actions: Stop spill from entering sewers or natural waterways. Ventilation: Improve airflow in the spill area to reduce vapor buildup.
Handling: Wear recommended protective gear, avoid inhalation and skin contact. Maintain good workspace hygiene. Use only with adequate ventilation. Storage: Store in a cool, well-ventilated spot, away from oxidizers and strong acids. Always keep containers tightly closed and clearly labeled. Incompatibles: Keep away from heat, flames, and reactive chemicals like peroxides or nitric acid.
Occupational Limits: No established OSHA or ACGIH exposure limits, but keep air levels low with proper ventilation. Engineering Controls: Local exhaust recommended where vapor concentrations might build up. Personal Protection: Chemical-resistant gloves, safety goggles, and protective clothing should be standard practice. Respiratory protection needed if vapor in air exceeds basic limits or if ventilation proves insufficient.
Boiling Point: Near 230°C Melting Point: About 20°C Flash Point: Typically above 100°C (open cup) Vapor Pressure: Low at room temperature Density: 1.017 g/cm³ Solubility: Completely soluble in water Viscosity: Noticeably thicker than water Odor Threshold: Not always easy to detect without instrumentation
Chemical Stability: Remains stable under most storage and use conditions away from heat and strong oxidizing agents. Reactivity: Reacts with strong acids and bases, can decompose when burned or exposed to high heat. Decomposition: Heated or burned, it may produce harmful gases such as carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide.
Acute Effects: Swallowing can slow breathing, cause drowsiness or unconsciousness. Even skin contact may lead to mild irritation if prolonged. Chronic Effects: Repeated exposures might damage internal organs or impact the central nervous system. Routes of Exposure: Skin, eyes, inhalation, ingestion Symptoms: Drunken appearance, nausea, confusion, respiratory depression in serious exposures
Aquatic Toxicity: May harm aquatic creatures in concentrated releases. Persistence: Expected to be biodegradable, breaks down relatively quickly in soil or water. Bioaccumulation: Low risk of buildup in tissues of living organisms due to its chemical nature.
Waste Disposal: Dispose in accordance with local, regional, and national requirements for hazardous chemical waste. Avoid direct release to drains, watercourses, or soil. Good Practice: Always mix with inert absorbent if discarding less-than-full containers or cleaning residues.
Proper Shipping Name: Not regulated as hazardous for road, air, or sea under most conditions, but large bulk transport may require specific handling or labeling Packing Group: Not classified Special Precautions: Use sturdy, sealed containers to prevent leaks; keep away from chemical incompatibles during transport.
Workplace Safety Laws: Covered by chemical hygiene and occupational exposure regulations in many regions Environmental Laws: Subject to spill and reporting requirements where releases might threaten water or soil Product Bans/Restrictions: Certain uses—especially medical or dietary—are limited by government regulation because of toxicity concerns Community Right-to-Know: Industries using 1,4-butanediol often must report inventories to local authorities, reflecting its risk profile and frequent use in manufacturing sectors