Gamma Butyrolactone, Butyrolacton, Oxolanone, GBL, BLO, 96-48-0

Gamma Butyrolactone, Butyrolacton, Oxolanone, GBL, BLO, 96-48-0

GAMMA-BUTYROLACTONE (GBL)

PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION INFORMATION

CHEMICAL STRUCTURE

Gamma-Butyrolactone Structure:

        O
        ||
    H₂C — C
    |       |
    H₂C — CH₂
        \
         O

Structure Description:

• Cyclic ester (lactone) with a four-membered carbon ring.

• Simplest 4-carbon lactone (γ-lactone).

• Colorless, hygroscopic liquid.

• Miscible with water and many organic solvents.

• Used as a precursor to other chemicals (NMP, PVP).

• Metabolizes to gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) in the body.

SECTION 1: CHEMICAL IDENTITY AND DESCRIPTION

SECTION 2: PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES

SECTION 3: GBL vs OTHER LACTONES AND SOLVENTS

SECTION 4: MECHANISM OF ACTION

SECTION 5: PRODUCTION PROCESS

Industrial Production Methods:

Method 1: Hydrogenation of Maleic Anhydride

Process Flow:
Maleic Anhydride → Hydrogenation (Catalyst: Pd or Cu-based) → Gamma-Butyrolactone → Distillation → Purification → Final Product

Description: Maleic anhydride is hydrogenated in the presence of a palladium or copper-based catalyst. The reaction is carried out at high temperature and pressure. GBL is recovered by distillation and purified to ≥ 99.5% purity.

Method 2: Hydrogenation of Succinic Acid

Process Flow:
Succinic Acid → Hydrogenation (Catalyst: Cu-based) → Gamma-Butyrolactone → Distillation → Purification → Final Product

Description: Succinic acid is hydrogenated in the presence of a copper-based catalyst. GBL is recovered by distillation and purified.

Method 3: Dehydration of 1,4-Butanediol

Process Flow:
1,4-Butanediol → Dehydration → Gamma-Butyrolactone → Distillation → Purification → Final Product

Description: 1,4-Butanediol is dehydrated under specific conditions to form GBL. This is a less common method.

SECTION 6: FUNCTIONAL PROPERTIES

SECTION 7: MAIN APPLICATION AREAS

SECTION 8: SAMPLE FORMULATIONS

Lithium Battery Electrolyte Formulation:

Instructions: Mix GBL with co-solvents under an inert atmosphere; Add lithium salt slowly with stirring; Store in a dry, inert environment.

Coating/Solvent Formulation:

Instructions: Add GBL to the formulation as a solvent/dispersant; Mix thoroughly; Apply as a coating.

SECTION 9: QUALITY SPECIFICATIONS

SECTION 10: TOXICOLOGICAL PROFILE

SECTION 11: GHS CLASSIFICATION AND LABELING

GHS Classification (in accordance with CLP and UN GHS):

Signal Word: DANGER (H318)

Hazard Pictograms: GHS05 (Corrosive), GHS07 (Exclamation Mark)

Hazard Statements (H-Codes):

NFPA 704 Hazard Classification:

SECTION 12: PRECAUTIONARY STATEMENTS (P-CODES)

SECTION 13: FIRST AID MEASURES

SECTION 14: FIREFIGHTING MEASURES

SECTION 15: STORAGE AND SHELF LIFE

SECTION 16: PACKAGING OPTIONS

SECTION 17: TRANSPORT INFORMATION

SECTION 18: REGULATORY STATUS

SECTION 19: OTHER NAMES AND SYNONYMS

SECTION 20: SUMMARY TABLE

SECTION 21: CRITICAL WARNINGS AND BEST PRACTICES

CRITICAL WARNINGS:

• HARMFUL IF SWALLOWED (H302): Toxic; Metabolizes to GHB (CNS depressant) in the body; Can cause sedation, respiratory depression, and coma.

• CAUSES SERIOUS EYE DAMAGE (H318): Eye contact is extremely dangerous. EYE PROTECTION IS MANDATORY.

• MAY CAUSE RESPIRATORY IRRITATION (H335): Avoid inhalation of vapors.

• COMBUSTIBLE LIQUID (H227): Keep away from heat/sparks/open flames/hot surfaces.

• HYGROSCOPIC: Absorbs moisture from air; hydrolyzes in water. Store in tightly closed containers.

• RESTRICTED SUBSTANCE: Listed as a controlled chemical precursor in many countries (US DEA List I, EU); Strict reporting and licensing requirements apply.

• IRRITANT: Causes skin and eye irritation.

• HIGH SOLVENT POWER: Excellent solvent; dissolves many polymers and resins.

• PRECURSOR TO GHB: Metabolized to GHB in the body; ingestion may cause intoxication, amnesia, and respiratory depression.

• POTENTIALLY FATAL: Overdose can be fatal; medical supervision required for ingestion.

BEST PRACTICE RECOMMENDATIONS:

• Chemical Industry: Use as intermediate and solvent; Production of NMP, 2-pyrrolidone, PVP; Chemical synthesis; Dosage: Stochiometric conversions; Use in closed systems.

• Electronics & Energy: Use as electrolyte solvent in lithium batteries; Dosage: 5-20% of solvent blend; Dry electrolyte formulations; Use with appropriate lithium salts.

• Coatings & Adhesives: Use as solvent and dispersant; Photoresist formulations, inks, coatings; Dosage: 2-10% of formulation; Dissolve in oil phase or organic phase.

• Pharmaceutical: Use as intermediate or excipient (limited); GHB precursor (regulated); Strict regulatory compliance required.

• Handling: Use in well-ventilated areas; Avoid inhalation of vapors; Use explosion-proof equipment; Grounding and bonding required; Avoid static discharge; Use closed systems.

• Personal Protective Equipment: MANDATORY: Chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile, neoprene), safety goggles or face shield, protective clothing, vapor/gas respirator (organic vapor cartridge), fire-retardant clothing.

• Hygiene: Wash hands thoroughly after handling; Do not eat, drink, or smoke while using; Remove contaminated clothing and wash before reuse.

• Storage: Store in tightly closed, inert containers; Store in cool, dry, well-ventilated area; Protect from moisture and heat; Keep away from sources of ignition; Opened containers must be resealed immediately; Shelf life: 12-24 months under proper conditions.

• Spill Management: Eliminate all ignition sources; Use spark-proof equipment; Absorb with inert material (sand, vermiculite); Collect in suitable sealed container; Do not allow entry into drains or waterways; Report large spills to authorities.

• Disposal: Dispose of in accordance with local, regional, and national regulations; Hazardous waste (toxic, flammable); Use authorized disposal facilities; Incineration with energy recovery possible.

DETECTION METHODS:

GBL vs ALTERNATIVES COMPARISON:

LEGAL DISCLAIMER:
The information provided in this document is based on our current knowledge and experience and is presented in good faith. However, as all conditions of use are beyond our control, it does not constitute a binding specification or warranty. This Technical Data Sheet is for informational purposes only. Users are responsible for testing the suitability for their own applications and for complying with all local, regional, and national regulations. For complete safety, storage, use, handling, waste, and regulatory compliance information, please refer to the official Safety Data Sheet (SDS/MSDS) provided by the manufacturer/supplier. Gamma-Butyrolactone (GBL) is a regulated chemical precursor and a toxic substance; strict handling and safety protocols must be followed at all times. This substance is subject to strict controls in many jurisdictions.