1,3-Butanediol (also 1,3-butylene glycol) is an organic compound with the formula CHO (CHCH(OH)CHCHOH). It is one of four structural isomers of butanediol.
With two alcohol functional groups, the molecule is classified as a secondary alcohol and diol. Without the R (or D) designation, it is racemic. It is a colorless, bittersweet, water-soluble liquid.
1,3-Butanediol is commonly used as a deodorizer and as a solvent for additives that flavor foods. In resin manufacturing, it is a chemical intermediate for making polyurethane and polyesters.
Synthesis It can be manufactured by the aldol condensation of acetaldehyde, then by catalytic hydrogenation.
Hydrogenation of 3-hydroxybutanal gives 1,3-butanediol:
CH3CH(OH)CH2CHO + H2 → CH3CH(OH)CH2CH2OH Dehydration of 1,3-butanediol gives 1,3-butadiene: CH3CH(OH)CH2CH2OH → CH2=CH-CH=CH2 + 2H2O
Manufactured 1,3-butanediol is flammable.
Occurrence 1,3-Butanediol is present in bell peppers (Capsicum annuum).
Uses and research It is used as an air freshener, flavor ingredient in foods, animal foods, and in handicrafts. It is recognized as a safe food ingredient in the United States.
1,3-Butanediol is under preliminary research for its potential use in recovery from intense exercise, although its high cost of production is a barrier to general adoption for this purpose.
It is considered to be a potential oral exogenous ketone agent for treating brain mechanisms influencing weight loss in anorexia nervosa.
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