Chemical name: 1,4-Butanediol
Synonyms: BDO, Tetramethylene glycol
CAS number: 110-63-4
Intended uses: Industrial solvent, precursor to polyurethanes, intermediate for spandex fibers, and raw material for certain pharmaceuticals and plastics.
Hazard classification: Harmful if swallowed, can cause temporary drowsiness and dizziness, irritates eyes and skin with direct contact, high vapor concentrations lead to central nervous system depression.
GHS label elements: Exclamation mark for acute toxicity and irritation.
Routes of exposure: Inhalation of vapor, ingestion, skin and eye contact.
Symptoms: Headache, impaired coordination, nausea, redness or soreness at contact site.
Substance: 1,4-Butanediol
Purity: Over 99% in most industrial material
Impurities: Trace levels of related glycols or manufacturing residues, typical specification describes less than 1% impurities
Additives: None intentionally added for most bulk chemical shipments
Inhalation: Remove affected individual to fresh air, keep at rest, monitor for respiratory difficulty, seek medical attention for continued symptoms.
Skin contact: Remove contaminated clothing, wash skin immediately with soap and water, seek attention if irritation continues.
Eye contact: Flush with water for at least 15 minutes and avoid rubbing, get medical help if irritation or blurred vision occurs.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, do not induce vomiting, seek immediate medical attention due to potential central nervous system effects.
Flammability: Liquid has moderate fire hazard, burns with a faint blue flame, forms irritating gases such as carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide in a fire
Suitable extinguishing media: Foam, dry chemical powder, carbon dioxide, avoid high-pressure water streams
Protective equipment: Full self-contained breathing apparatus and fire-resistant clothing
Special hazards: Vapors can accumulate at floor level in poorly ventilated spaces since the substance is heavier than air; spilled product can reignite after fire appears suppressed.
Personal precautions: Remove ignition sources, ventilate enclosed areas, use splash goggles and impervious gloves
Environmental precautions: Prevent spillage from reaching surface water or soil, collect using inert absorbent, store waste in sealed containers for disposal.
Clean-up methods: Absorb using sand, diatomaceous earth, or vermiculite, place in appropriate waste drums, wash spills with water and neutral detergent after removal.
Handling: Use local exhaust ventilation in process areas, avoid contact with skin or eyes, never eat or drink in handling areas.
Storage: Store in tightly closed steel or HDPE containers, keep away from oxidizing materials and acids, maintain at moderate temperature, avoid freezing or excessive heat, separate from incompatible chemicals such as strong oxidizers and strong acids.
Occupational exposure limits: No established ACGIH or OSHA PEL, but minimize airborne concentrations by process enclosure or local exhaust.
Engineering controls: Use ventilation—typically fume hoods or extraction fans at points of use
Personal protective equipment: Safety goggles or face shield, chemical-resistant gloves such as nitrile, laboratory coat or chemical apron, for large-scale or open handling use full body suit, in areas with vapor risk use air-purifying respirator with organic vapor cartridge.
Appearance: Clear, colorless oily liquid
Odor: Mild, sweet
Boiling point: 230°C
Melting point: About 20°C – forms crystals below room temperature
Vapor pressure: Low at ambient temperature
Solubility: Miscible with water, soluble in many organic solvents
Specific gravity: Around 1.017 at 20°C
Flash point: Approximately 121°C (closed cup)
Chemical stability: Stable under recommended storage conditions
Possibility of hazardous reactions: Reacts vigorously with strong oxidizers—such as peroxides and nitric acid
Conditions to avoid: Excessive heat, open flames, incompatible chemicals
Decomposition products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, minor amounts of formaldehyde possible at high temperature
Acute toxicity: Harmful if swallowed with LD50 in rats in the range of 1-2 g/kg
Chronic health effects: Prolonged exposure affects central nervous system, repeated dermal contact may dry or crack skin
Sensitization: Rare but possible with repeated contact
Carcinogenicity: No direct evidence of carcinogenicity in animal or human studies at typical exposure levels
Aquatic toxicity: Moderate toxicity to aquatic life in concentrated spills; product is biodegradable under aerobic conditions
Environmental fate: Readily degrades by microbial action; not expected to persist long term in water or soil
Bioaccumulation: Low potential due to its water solubility and degradation profile
Disposal methods: Incineration in a chemical incinerator equipped with afterburner and scrubber for controlled destruction
Regulatory waste code: Subject to local and national hazardous waste regulations
Do not: Pour untreated material into natural waterways or municipal sewers; contaminated packaging must be decontaminated or handled as hazardous waste
UN Number: 2810
Proper shipping name: Toxic liquid, organic, n.o.s. (contains 1,4-Butanediol)
Hazard class: 6.1 – Toxic substances
Packing group: III (if shipped in certain quantities, consult transport guidance)
Special precautions: Secure cargo to prevent movement and leaks, segregate from foodstuffs and incompatible cargoes
Chemical inventory status: Listed on TSCA, REACH, and most major national inventories as a commercial chemical
Labeling requirements: Subject to hazard communication standards in Europe, the United States, and Asia
Worker protection: Covered under occupational safety legislation, mandates training and accessible safety data in the workplace
