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Chemical Name: 1,4-Butyrolactone
Synonyms: Gamma-butyrolactone, GBL
CAS Number: 96-48-0
Appearance: Clear, colorless liquid
Odor: Mild, faintly sweet
Common Uses: Industrial solvent, intermediate in chemical synthesis, cleaning agents
GHS Classification: Acute toxicity, Category 4 (oral, dermal, inhalation); Eye irritation, Category 2A; Specific target organ toxicity (single exposure), Category 3
Hazard Statements: Harmful if swallowed, in contact with skin, or inhaled. Causes serious eye irritation. May cause drowsiness or dizziness.
Signal Word: Warning
Primary Routes of Exposure: Skin contact, eye contact, inhalation, ingestion
Symptoms of Exposure: Nausea, headache, dizziness, disorientation, drowsiness, possible unconsciousness with high exposures
Substance: 1,4-Butyrolactone
Concentration: Typically >99% by weight in commercial supply
Impurities: Trace quantities of related lactones and water may be found, exact levels vary with supplier and batch
Inhalation: Move person to fresh air; if symptoms persist, seek medical attention. Oxygen or artificial respiration if breathing is affected.
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing. Wash skin thoroughly with soap and water. Get medical attention for persistent irritation.
Eye Contact: Rinse immediately with plenty of clean water, lifting eyelids occasionally. Continue flushing for at least 15 minutes. Medical follow-up is essential.
Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting. Rinse mouth. Get medical help immediately, as ingestion can cause severe central nervous system effects.
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, dry chemical, alcohol-resistant foam, carbon dioxide
Hazards During Fire: Thermal decomposition produces toxic fumes including carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide
Protective Equipment: Self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective gear
Special Considerations: Vapors heavier than air, may travel along floors and ignite from distant sources
Personal Precautions: Evacuate unnecessary personnel, ventilate area, avoid inhalation of vapors
Protective Equipment: Gloves, protective goggles, chemical-resistant clothing when risk of contact exists
Cleanup Methods: Absorb spill with inert material (vermiculite, sand). Place in chemical waste container for proper disposal. Wash spill area thoroughly with water and mild soap.
Environmental Precautions: Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe. Do not allow product to reach aquatic environments or drains.
Handling: Avoid contact with skin, eyes, and clothing. Use only in well-ventilated work areas. Do not breathe vapors or mists.
Storage: Keep container tightly closed in a cool, dry place. Store away from heat and open flames. Segregate from oxidizing agents, acids, bases. Maintain containers clearly labeled.
Exposure Limits: There are no established OSHA, ACGIH, or NIOSH limits, but manufacturers often recommend minimizing vapor and skin exposures
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust ventilation, chemical fume hood if available, to keep airborne levels low.
Personal Protective Equipment: Properly fitted chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile or butyl), splash goggles, lab coat or coveralls. In high vapor areas, respiratory protection may be required; use an organic vapor respirator if necessary.
Form: Liquid
Color: Colorless
Odor: Mild
Melting Point: -44°C
Boiling Point: 204°C
Flash Point: 98°C (closed cup)
Vapor Pressure: Low at ambient temperature
Solubility: Miscible with water
Density: About 1.12 g/cm³ at 20°C
Chemical Stability: Stable under normal conditions; hydrolyzes slowly in water and rapidly under basic conditions
Materials to Avoid: Strong acids, strong bases, strong oxidizers
Hazardous Decomposition: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide from thermal decomposition
Hazardous Reactions: May react with ammonia, amines, anhydrides, and other reactive chemicals to form unwanted byproducts
Acute Toxicity: Moderate toxicity by oral, dermal, and inhalation routes. Oral LD50 in rats is around 1540 mg/kg.
Potential Health Effects: Central nervous system depression, respiratory distress in high concentrations, possible liver and kidney impact from prolonged exposure. Chronic or repeated contact can irritate skin.
Carcinogenicity: No data suggesting carcinogenicity in humans
Mutagenicity: No evidence from animal studies indicating mutagenic effects
Aquatic Toxicity: May be harmful to aquatic organisms at high concentrations. Biodegrades under aerobic and anaerobic conditions in water and soil.
Bioaccumulation: Low potential for bioaccumulation due to high solubility and rapid biodegradation.
Mobility: High mobility in soil and water, with risk of contaminating groundwater if spills are not contained
Waste Treatment: Dispose as hazardous chemical waste via a licensed waste management contractor. Avoid direct discharge to sewers or the environment.
Empty Containers: Rinse thoroughly, then send for proper recycling or disposal.
Precautions: Never mix with incompatible materials during disposal, since this can lead to reactions or hazardous byproducts.
UN Number: 2810
Proper Shipping Name: Toxic Liquid, Organic, N.O.S. (contains 1,4-Butyrolactone)
Packing Group: III
Transport Hazards: Risk of release from damaged containers. Eyes and skin protection recommended during handling of packages. Summary: handle like any moderate hazard organic liquid, using common sense safeguards.
Workplace: Subject to chemical hygiene and hazard communication laws in most countries. SDS required at sites using this substance.
Restrictions: Banned or controlled in some regions due to its role as a precursor in illegal drug synthesis
Reporting Requirements: Some jurisdictions require notification for storage or releases above threshold quantities. Ensure local, state, and national regulations are checked before ordering, using, or disposing.
