1,4-Butanediol is a colorless viscous liquid that can react with strong oxidants. It is an important basic organic chemical raw material, mainly used in the production of polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polyurethane, γ-butyrolactone and tetrahydrofuran.1,4-Butanediol has a wide range of uses. In the United States and Western Europe, more than half is used to produce tetrahydrofuran, followed by γ-butyrolactone and polybutylene terephthalate, the latter of which is a rapidly developing engineering plastic; 1,4-Butanediol is used as a chain extender and polyester raw material to produce polyurethane elastomers and soft polyurethane foams; esters made from 1,4-Butanediol are good plasticizers for cellulose, polyvinyl chloride, polyacrylates and polyesters. 1,4-Butanediol has good hygroscopicity and flexibility, and can be used as a gelatin softener and water absorbent, and a treatment agent for cellophane and other unused paper. It can also be used to prepare N-methylpyrrolidone, N-vinylpyrrolidone and other pyrrolidone derivatives, and is also used to prepare vitamin B6, pesticides, herbicides, and solvents, plasticizers, lubricants, humidifiers, softeners, adhesives and brighteners for electroplating industries in various processes.
