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Send EmailMethyl Trimethylene Glycol, Butylene Glycol, Beta Butylene Glycol, Butanediol, 1,3-Butanediol, 107-88-0
1,3-Butylene Glycol (1,3-Butanediol)
CAS Number: 107-88-0
Chemical Formula: C₄H₁₀O₂
Molecular Weight: 90.12 g/mol
EC Number: 203-529-7
Synonyms: Beta Butylene Glycol, β-Butylene Glycol, 1,3-Butanediol, Methyl Trimethylene Glycol, 1,3-Butylene Glycol, 1,3-Dihydroxybutane, 1-Methyl-1,3-propanediol, Butanediol, BBG
1. CHEMICAL IDENTITY
| Parameter | Information |
|---|---|
| Product Name | 1,3-Butylene Glycol |
| IUPAC Name | Butane-1,3-diol |
| CAS Number | 107-88-0 |
| Molecular Formula | C₄H₁₀O₂ |
| Molecular Weight | 90.12 g/mol |
| EC Number | 203-529-7 |
| Chemical Class | Polyhydric Alcohol, Diol, Glycol |
| Synonyms | Beta Butylene Glycol, β-Butylene Glycol, Methyl Trimethylene Glycol, 1,3-Butanediol, 1,3-Dihydroxybutane, Butanediol, BBG |
2. PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Physical State | Liquid |
| Color | Colorless |
| Appearance | Clear, fluid liquid |
| Odor | Mild, characteristic |
| Taste | Slightly sweet |
| Melting Point | < -50 °C (approximately -54°C to -50°C) |
| Boiling Point (760 mmHg) | 203 - 204 °C |
| Flash Point (closed cup) | 108 °C (226 °F) |
| Density (20°C) | 1.005 g/cm³ |
| Refractive Index (20°C) | 1.440 - 1.442 |
| Vapor Pressure (20°C) | <0.01 mmHg (very low) |
| Viscosity (20°C) | 92.5 mPa·s |
| Vapor Density (air=1) | 3.1 (heavier than air) |
3. THERMODYNAMIC PROPERTIES
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Specific Heat Capacity (25°C) | 2.35 J/g·K |
| Heat of Vaporization | 75.6 kJ/mol |
| Surface Tension (25°C) | 37.4 mN/m |
| Autoignition Temperature | 385 °C (725 °F) |
| Thermal Conductivity (20°C) | 0.20 W/m·K |
4. SOLUBILITY PROPERTIES
| Solvent | Solubility (20°C) |
|---|---|
| Water | Fully miscible |
| Ethanol | Fully miscible |
| Methanol | Fully miscible |
| Acetone | Fully miscible |
| Aliphatic Hydrocarbons (e.g., hexane) | Soluble |
| Benzene | Soluble |
| Toluene | Soluble |
| Carbon Tetrachloride | Soluble |
| Ether | Slightly soluble |
| Vegetable Oils | Slightly soluble to insoluble |
5. CHEMICAL PROPERTIES
| Parameter | Information |
|---|---|
| Hydroxyl Value | ~1245 mg KOH/g (theoretical) |
| Acidity (as acetic acid) | ≤0.05% |
| pH (10% aqueous solution, 20°C) | 6.0 - 7.0 (neutral to slightly acidic) |
| Purity | ≥99.0% (typically 99.5-99.9%) |
| Water Content | ≤0.5% |
| Chemical Stability | Stable under normal conditions |
| Reactivity with Oxidizers | Reacts with strong oxidizing agents |
| Distillation Range | 203 - 204 °C (95% distillate) |
6. PRODUCTION PROCESS
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| Starting Material | Ethyl alcohol (ethanol) - chosen for low cost and easy availability |
| Step 1 - Oxidation | Ethanol is oxidized to acetaldehyde in the anode compartment of an electrolytic cell with NaOH solution |
| Step 2 - Aldol Condensation | Acetaldehyde undergoes aldol condensation to form aldol (3-hydroxybutanal) |
| Step 3 - Reduction | Aldol is reduced to 1,3-butylene glycol in the cathode compartment of the electrolytic cell |
| Alternative Method | Hydrogenation of aldol over a nickel catalyst (conventional chemical method) |
| Emerging Technology | Biomass-based 1,3-butylene glycol production using engineered microorganisms (under research) |
Note: The electrochemical process requires high energy input, representing a significant production cost.
7. FUNCTIONAL PROPERTIES
| Function | Description |
|---|---|
| Humectant | Attracts and retains moisture; prevents products from drying out; forms barrier against moisture loss |
| Solvent | Dissolves water-insoluble ingredients; prevents crystallization of sparingly soluble compounds |
| Viscosity Controlling Agent | Adjusts viscosity of formulations |
| Antimicrobial Agent | Exhibits antimicrobial activity against fungi, molds, and yeasts; strongest antimicrobial among propylene glycol, glycerol, and sorbitol |
| Preservative Booster | Enhances the effectiveness of preservatives; allows reduced preservative concentrations |
| Skin Conditioning Agent | Softens and smooths skin; improves skin feel |
| Penetration Enhancer | Enhances absorption of active ingredients through skin |
8. APPLICATIONS - COSMETICS AND PERSONAL CARE
| Product Category | Function |
|---|---|
| Facial Creams and Lotions | Humectant, solvent, skin conditioning agent; prevents moisture loss; used in anti-wrinkle creams (enhances hyaluronic acid synthesis) |
| Facial Serums | Solvent, humectant, penetration enhancer |
| Skin Lightening Products | Solvent and humectant for hyperpigmentation treatment formulations |
| Anti-Wrinkle Products | Solvent for flavonoid and vitamin B formulations; enhances hyaluronic acid synthesis |
| Hair Care Products (Shampoos, Conditioners) | Humectant, moisturizer; scalp treatment formulations |
| Hair Styling Products (Permanent Waves, Straighteners) | Skin softening, cleansing effect |
| Body Lotions | Moisturizer; mosquito repellent lotions (together with xanthan gum as thickener) |
| Eye Creams | Co-solvent with caffeine for reducing eye puffiness; alternative to propylene glycol |
| Facial Cleansers | Humectant, solvent |
| Deodorants and Antiperspirants | Solvent, humectant |
| Sunscreens | Solvent, film former |
| Makeup (Foundation, Concealer) | Solvent, humectant, texture enhancer |
9. APPLICATIONS - OTHER INDUSTRIES
| Industry | Application |
|---|---|
| Pharmaceutical | Excipient, solvent, humectant in topical and oral formulations; hypoglycemic agent in biological research |
| Industrial | Intermediate in chemical synthesis; raw material for polyester and polyurethane resins |
| Polymer Production | Co-monomer for polyester and polyurethane resins; synthetic rubber resin manufacturing |
| Food Industry | Formulation aid in sausage casing production; humectant; solvent for flavoring substances |
| Agriculture | Component in insect repellent formulations |
| Biotechnology | Hypoglycemic agent; research chemical |
10. 1,3-BUTYLENE GLYCOL vs. OTHER GLYCOLS
| Property | 1,3-Butylene Glycol | Propylene Glycol | Glycerol | Sorbitol |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Molecular Weight | 90.12 | 76.09 | 92.09 | 182.17 |
| Viscosity (20°C, cP) | 92.5 | 56.0 | 1,412 | (solid) |
| Hygroscopicity | High | Moderate | Very High | High |
| Antimicrobial Activity | Strong | Moderate | Weak | Very Weak |
| Skin Feel | Non-sticky, smooth | Slightly sticky | Sticky | Non-sticky |
| Regulatory Status | Widely approved | Widely approved | Widely approved | Widely approved |
| Cost | Higher | Low | Low | Moderate |
Key Advantage: 1,3-Butylene Glycol exhibits the strongest antimicrobial activity among these common polyols.
11. SAFETY AND TOXICOLOGICAL PROFILE
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Acute oral toxicity (rat, LD₅₀) | 18,600 mg/kg (very low toxicity) |
| Acute dermal toxicity (rabbit, LD₅₀) | >10,000 mg/kg |
| Acute inhalation (rat, LC₅₀) | >4.8 mg/L (4 hours) |
| Skin irritation | Mildly irritating (may cause irritation with prolonged contact) |
| Eye irritation | Mild to moderately irritating |
| Skin sensitization | Not a sensitizer |
| Carcinogenicity | Not classified as carcinogenic |
| Genotoxicity | Negative |
| Reproductive toxicity | No evidence at typical use levels |
GHS Classification:
| Hazard Class | Description |
|---|---|
| Not classified | No significant hazards under normal use |
| Eye Irritation | May cause eye irritation in some formulations (Category 2B) |
12. POTENTIAL HEALTH EFFECTS
| Route of Exposure | Effect |
|---|---|
| Inhalation | May cause mild respiratory tract irritation at high concentrations; low vapor pressure reduces inhalation risk |
| Skin Contact | May cause mild irritation with prolonged or repeated exposure; typically non-irritating in cosmetic formulations |
| Eye Contact | May cause mild to moderate eye irritation; redness, tearing, discomfort |
| Ingestion | Low oral toxicity; large amounts may cause gastrointestinal discomfort, nausea, diarrhea |
| Chronic Exposure | No significant adverse effects reported at typical exposure levels |
13. FIRST AID MEASURES
| Exposure | First Aid Procedure |
|---|---|
| Inhalation | Remove to fresh air. If breathing is difficult, give oxygen. Seek medical attention if symptoms persist. |
| Skin Contact | Wash with plenty of soap and water. Remove contaminated clothing. Seek medical attention if irritation develops. |
| Eye Contact | Rinse with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, holding eyelids open. Seek medical attention if irritation persists. |
| Ingestion | Do NOT induce vomiting. Rinse mouth. Drink water to dilute. Seek medical attention if large amount ingested or symptoms develop. |
14. FIRE FIGHTING MEASURES
| Parameter | Information |
|---|---|
| Flash Point | 108 °C (226 °F) (closed cup) |
| Autoignition Temperature | 385 °C (725 °F) |
| Flammability Limits (vol% in air) | Lower: ~1.2%, Upper: ~12.7% |
| Suitable Extinguishing Media | Dry chemical powder, CO₂, alcohol-resistant foam, water spray |
| Unsuitable Extinguishing Media | High-pressure water jet (may spread fire) |
| Firefighter PPE | Full protective clothing with positive pressure SCBA |
| Combustion Products | Carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO₂) |
| Special Hazard | Heated material may release flammable vapors |
15. ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES
| Step | Procedure |
|---|---|
| Personal Protection | Wear appropriate PPE (gloves, goggles, protective clothing) |
| Small Spills | Absorb with inert absorbent material (sand, vermiculite, diatomaceous earth) |
| Large Spills | Dike far ahead of spill to contain. Pump into salvage drums if possible. |
| Environmental Precautions | Prevent entry into sewers, waterways, and groundwater |
| Disposal | Dispose of in accordance with local regulations. Incineration or landfill (non-hazardous waste) |
16. PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE)
| Protection Type | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Respiratory Protection | Not normally required (low vapor pressure). Use NIOSH-approved mask if mist/aerosol is generated. |
| Hand Protection | Nitrile, neoprene, or PVC gloves |
| Eye Protection | Chemical splash goggles (recommended) |
| Skin Protection | Not required for routine handling but recommended |
| Engineering Controls | Local exhaust ventilation if mist/aerosol is generated; eyewash station |
| Hygiene Measures | Wash hands after handling; do not eat, drink, or smoke in work area |
17. STORAGE CONDITIONS
| Parameter | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Storage Temperature | 15-35°C (room temperature) |
| Container Material | Stainless steel, aluminum, HDPE, glass |
| Incompatible Materials | Strong oxidizing agents, strong acids, strong bases |
| Protection | Keep away from direct sunlight; protect from heat sources |
| Ventilation | Store in well-ventilated area |
| Container Closure | Tightly closed |
| Shelf Life (proper storage) | 24-36 months |
| Special Precautions | Hygroscopic - protect from moisture; prevent contamination |
18. TRANSPORT INFORMATION
| Parameter | Information |
|---|---|
| UN Number | Not regulated (non-hazardous under normal transport conditions) |
| Transport Class | Not classified as dangerous goods |
| Packing Group | Not applicable |
| Marine Pollutant | No |
| ADR/RID Class | Not classified |
| IATA (Air) | Not restricted |
| IMDG (Sea) | Not regulated |
Note: 1,3-Butylene Glycol is generally not classified as a hazardous material for transportation due to its high flash point and low acute toxicity.
19. ENVIRONMENTAL INFORMATION
| Parameter | Assessment |
|---|---|
| Biodegradability | Readily biodegradable (OECD 301B: >70% within 28 days) |
| Ecotoxicity (Fish LC₅₀, 96 hours) | >10,000 mg/L (low toxicity) |
| Daphnia magna EC₅₀ (48 hours) | >5,000 mg/L |
| Algae EC₅₀ (72 hours) | >1,000 mg/L |
| Bioaccumulation | Low potential (log Kow = -0.74) |
| Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) | ~1.4 g O₂/g |
| Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) | ~0.8 g O₂/g |
| Aquatic Toxicity | Practically non-toxic to aquatic organisms |
| Environmental Precautions | Avoid large spills to water bodies due to oxygen depletion potential |
20. SUMMARY AND CRITICAL INFORMATION
Description: 1,3-Butylene Glycol (1,3-Butanediol, CAS 107-88-0) is a colorless, clear, fluid liquid belonging to the polyhydric alcohol (diol) class. It has a high boiling point (203-204°C) and is fully miscible with water and many organic solvents. It is valued for its excellent humectant properties, antimicrobial activity, and ability to function as a solvent and skin conditioning agent.
Key Advantages:
-
Excellent humectant – retains moisture; prevents product drying
-
Strong antimicrobial activity – most effective among common glycols against fungi, molds, and yeasts
-
Non-sticky, smooth skin feel – superior to propylene glycol
-
Preservative booster – reduces required preservative concentration
-
Good solvent – dissolves water-insoluble ingredients; prevents crystallization
-
Enhances hyaluronic acid synthesis – used in anti-wrinkle formulations
-
Low toxicity – well-tolerated in cosmetic and pharmaceutical applications
-
Readily biodegradable – environmentally friendly
Key Limitations/Considerations:
-
Higher cost compared to propylene glycol and glycerol
-
May cause mild eye or skin irritation in some individuals (rare at use concentrations)
-
Not suitable for all product types due to specific sensory properties
Typical Use Levels:
| Application | Typical Concentration |
|---|---|
| Cosmetic creams and lotions | 1-10% |
| Hair care products | 1-5% |
| Serums and toners | 1-8% |
| Skin lightening products | 2-10% |
| Preservative booster | 0.5-5% |
Safety Assessment:
-
FDA: Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) for food contact and cosmetic use
-
CIR (Cosmetic Ingredient Review): Safe for use in cosmetics at concentrations up to 50%
-
EU Cosmetics Regulation: Approved and unrestricted
-
Japan: Approved for cosmetic use
-
Low systemic toxicity; well-tolerated in topical applications
Comparison to Propylene Glycol:
| Feature | 1,3-Butylene Glycol | Propylene Glycol |
|---|---|---|
| Skin feel | Non-sticky, smooth | Slightly sticky |
| Antimicrobial activity | Stronger | Weaker |
| Cost | Higher | Lower |
| Humectancy | Excellent | Good |
| Solvent power | Excellent | Good |
Conclusion: 1,3-Butylene Glycol is a versatile, high-performance ingredient widely used in cosmetics, personal care, pharmaceutical, and industrial applications. Its excellent humectant properties, antimicrobial activity, and pleasant skin feel make it a preferred choice over propylene glycol in many premium formulations. It is considered safe and well-tolerated for topical use at typical concentrations and is readily biodegradable, making it an environmentally responsible choice.
