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Sources and Categories

1,4-Butanediol (1,4-BDO) is a tetracarbon diol and an important commodity chemical. It is synthesized through various chemical processes and can also be produced bio-based approaches. It serves as a platform chemical for the synthesis of various chemicals and materials, including polyesters, polyurethanes, tetrahydrofuran, and γ-butyrolactone.

Market Data

In 2015, the total market size for chemicals and polyesters manufactured using 1,4-BDO as a raw material was valued at over USD 6.19 billion. It is a significant commodity chemical with a growing market.

Mechanism of Action

1,4-Butanediol serves as a precursor in various chemical reactions for the synthesis of polyurethanes, polyesters, and other chemicals.

Industrial Applications

Used in the synthesis of polyurethane elastomers, polyesters (PBT, PBAT), spandex fibers, and special-purpose coatings. Also employed as organic solvents and raw materials for organic synthesis.
Common co-monomer in various polyesters, such as polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) and polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT).

Production Methods

Chemical catalysis processes such as hydrogenation of maleic anhydride, isomerization of propylene oxide, acetoxylation of butadiene, and reaction between formaldehyde and acetylene are the main industrial methods for 1,4-BDO production.
Recent trends involve utilizing renewable sources such as biomass for production, including de novo biosynthesis and biocatalysis in engineered microorganisms like Escherichia coli. Bio-based methods for 1,4-BDO production involve catalytic hydrogenation or bio-conversion of sugars, succinic acid, and furfural. These methods offer sustainability benefits and competitiveness in the post-petroleum era.

General Description

1,4-Butanediol is a versatile chemical intermediate used in various synthetic applications, including the production of macrolides, hydrogels, and marine natural products. It serves as a precursor or building block in reactions such as ring-closing metathesis, esterification, and reductive cyclization, contributing to the synthesis of complex molecules like brevisamide, stagonolide C, and modiolide A. Additionally, it is employed in the fabrication of biocompatible hydrogels, where its incorporation enhances material properties for biomedical uses. Its role in asymmetric synthesis further highlights its utility in producing enantiomerically enriched compounds.