Chemical Name: 1,4-Butanediol
Common Names: BDO, Tetramethylene glycol
CAS Number: 110-63-4
Physical State: Clear, colorless, oily liquid
Odor: Almost odorless
Main Use: Intermediate for plastics, solvents, and elastic fibers
Hazard Classification: Harmful if swallowed; risk of serious health effects through prolonged exposure
Signal Word: Warning
Possible Symptoms: Dizziness, drowsiness, headaches, nausea, lowered consciousness
Potential Health Effects: Ingesting even moderate amounts can cause central nervous system depression and respiratory issues
Environmental Risks: Toxins can leach into water and harm aquatic life
Chemical Formula: C4H10O2
Main Ingredient: 1,4-Butanediol — usually present at concentrations over 99% in industrial supply
Common Impurities: Trace glycols, water
Ingestion: Seek medical attention immediately, induce vomiting only on medical advice, give water unless unconscious
Skin Contact: Wash with plenty of water and soap, remove any contaminated clothing
Eye Contact: Flush eyes for at least fifteen minutes, keep eyelids open, access medical help if irritation persists
Inhalation: Move to area with fresh air quickly, provide artificial respiration if breathing stops, seek medical care
Suitable Extinguishers: Water spray, foam, dry chemical, carbon dioxide
Hazards During Fire: Vapors heavier than air, could travel to ignition source, burning releases carbon oxides and other toxic fumes
Protective Actions: Use self-contained breathing apparatus and protective gear
Personal Precautions: Use protective gloves, goggles, and proper clothing
Environmental Precautions: Prevent entry into sewers or waterways
Cleanup Methods: Absorb with sand or inert material, shovel into approved containers, ventilate area
Handling: Maintain good ventilation; avoid breathing in vapors, avoid skin and eye contact, do not ingest
Storage: Keep in tightly closed, properly labeled steel or polyethylene containers, store in cool, well-ventilated place away from oxidizers and strong acids
Special Advice: Regularly inspect containers for leaks, avoid prolonged direct sunlight or heat
Engineering Controls: Use fume hoods or localized ventilation
Personal Protective Equipment: Protective gloves (nitrile or rubber), splash-proof goggles, chemical-resistant clothing
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands before breaks and after use, no eating or drinking in work area
Workplace Limits: No official workplace exposure limit in many areas, but minimizing inhalation and skin contact is essential
Appearance: Clear, colorless liquid
Odor: Almost odorless
Boiling Point: About 230°C
Melting Point: Around 20°C
Solubility: Completely miscible with water
Vapor Pressure: Very low at ambient temperature
Density: 1.017–1.020 g/cm³ at 20°C
Chemical Stability: Stable under normal storage and handling conditions
Reactive Materials: Strong acids, strong oxidizers, chlorinating agents
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Emits carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide in combustion
Other Concerns: Strong heat or contamination could trigger hazardous polymerization or decomposition
Acute Toxicity: Moderate toxicity if ingested; can cause significant central nervous system effects at relatively low doses
Potential Hazards: Prolonged exposure impacts liver and kidney function; ingestion can cause dangerous sedation or respiratory depression
Carcinogenic Risks: Current evidence does not show carcinogenicity
Chronic Risks: High repeated exposure may impair organ systems
Sensitization: No strong evidence that 1,4-butanediol causes skin or respiratory sensitization
Biodegradability: Breaks down in environment but can contribute to oxygen depletion in water bodies
Aquatic Toxicity: Harmful to fish and microorganisms in high concentrations
Soil Mobility: Soluble, can travel with water movement and leach into groundwater
Bioaccumulation: Not expected to significantly bioaccumulate in organisms
Wastes: Collect residuals in designated chemical waste containers
Approved Disposal: Send to licensed chemical waste incineration or treatment facility
Precautions: Never pour down the drain, never mix with household or municipal trash
Legal Guidance: Always follow local, regional, or national waste disposal laws, check if classified as hazardous
UN Number: Not regulated for most standard shipping
Hazard Class: Not classed as a flammable or hazardous good under most transport regulations, though local rules may differ
Packing Group: Not applicable in most regions but confirm before shipping
Special Advice: Proper container labeling, securing against leaks, and safe handling protocols keep accidents rare
US TSCA Status: Listed as a substance in chemical inventories
REACH Registration: Registered for import and use in the EU above a ton per year
Workplace Safety: OSHA requires hazard communication, safe handling procedures, and worker training for chemical risks
Restrictions: Heavily regulated or banned in some countries due to potential misuse and safety hazards