Encyclopedia of Chemistry

1,4-Butynediol is an organic compound that is an alkyne and a diol. This yellow crystalline solid is soluble in water and ethanol.

Synthesis

1,4-Butynediol can be produced in the Reppe synthesis, where formaldehyde and acetylene are the reactants:

2 CH₂O + HCCH → HOCH₂CCCH₂OH

Several patented production methods use copper bismuth catalysts coated on an inert material. The normal temperature range for the reaction is 90°C up to 150°C, depending on the pressure used for the reaction which can range from 1 to 20 bar.^[2]

Applications

1,4-Butynediol is a precursor to 1,4-butanediol. It is also used in the manufacture of plant protection agents, pesticides, textile additives, corrosion inhibitors, platicizers, synthetic resins, and polyurethanes.^[3] It is the major raw material of vitamin B6.^[4] It is also used for brightening, preserving, and inhibiting nickel plating.

Safety

1,4-Butynediol is corrosive and irritates the skin and eyes.^[3]

References

1. ^ 1,4-Butynediol at chemicalland21.com
2. ^ Kale S. S. , Chaudhari R. V., Ramachandran P. A. (1981). "Butynediol synthesis. A kinetic study". Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Product Research and Development 20 (2): 309 - 315. doi:10.1021/i300002a015.
3. ^ ^{a b} Hazardous Substance Fact Sheet for 1,4-butynediol
4. ^ 1,4-Butynediol at Sanwei