1,4-Butanediol: Difference between revisions

'''1,4-Butanediol''' ('''1,4-B''', '''BDO''', '''BD or 1,4-BD''') is a thick, colourless liquid which is nearly odorless with a distinct bitter taste. 1,4-Butanediol is used industrially as a solvent and in the manufacture of some types of plastics, elastic fibers and polyurethanes. In organic chemistry, 1,4-butanediol is used for the synthesis of [[GBL|γ-butyrolactone (GBL)]].<ref>http://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/om048983m</ref>

In humans, it acts as a [[psychoactive class::depressant]] and a [[prodrug]] for [[GHB]] where 1ml is equivalent to 1g of GHB. It is used as a recreational intoxicant with effects similar to [[alcohol]].<ref>http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJM200101113440202</ref>

1,4-Butanediol, as well as [[GBL]], will dissolve most types of plastic over time.<ref>https://www.erowid.org/chemicals/14b/14b_storage1.shtml | 1,4-Butanediol & GBL Storage - 1,4-B & GBL May Dissolve Some Plastics by Erowid  (Jul 2001)</ref> For this reason, it is recommended to only transport and store the drug using a glass container, standard gelatin capsules (not vegetarian), or high-density polyethylene plastic (also known as #2 recycled plastic). To check the type of plastic used on a bottle, one can look at the bottom for a number in the triangle shaped recycling label.