1,2,4-Butanetriol stands out as an organic chemical compound with the molecular formula C4H10O3. This substance features three hydroxyl groups, which gives it unique characteristics for industrial and chemical synthesis. Many people recognize 1,2,4-Butanetriol as a colorless, odorless compound that shares physical similarities with other triols, showing up in pure form as a viscous liquid or, under specific crystallization conditions, as colorless crystals. Density hovers around 1.17 g/cm³ at 20°C, which means it is denser than water and allows for a wide range of mixing and formulation techniques in chemical labs and manufacturing environments. This compound registers under the HS Code 2905399090 as an alcohol, which places it in a recognized family of base materials for global commerce.
The structure consists of a straight four-carbon backbone, with hydroxyl groups attached at the first, second, and fourth carbon positions. The specific arrangement—1,2,4—creates opportunities for 1,2,4-Butanetriol to participate in diverse chemical reactions. Several forms circulate in commercial supply: besides the standard viscous liquid, some suppliers offer it in flakes, solid mass, or even as powdered pearls. These forms come about through distinct drying and crystallization processes, tailoring to needs like controlled-release reactions or direct solution mixing. As a crystal, 1,2,4-Butanetriol can be ground and measured to meet precise industrial specifications, supporting research and manufacturing tasks that call for accurate dosing down to the gram or milliliter.
Anyone handling this chemical should pay attention to properties like viscosity, solubility, and reactivity. 1,2,4-Butanetriol dissolves readily in water, creating clear, homogeneous solutions without cloudiness or sediment, a feature useful in pharmaceutical production and fine chemical synthesis. From experience, proper storage remains critical. Exposure to heat, open flame, or oxidizers triggers decomposition and the release of potentially harmful vapors; therefore, storing in cool, dry, and well-ventilated conditions with tight sealing prevents unnecessary risk. In industries, 1,2,4-Butanetriol works as a raw material for energetic compounds, especially in the production of butanetriol trinitrate (BTTN), an alternative to nitroglycerin in explosives and propellants. Dedicated protocols must regulate distribution and usage, given the hazards related to energetic derivatives.
1,2,4-Butanetriol has moderate toxicity by ingestion and inhalation. Accidental exposure may irritate the eyes, skin, and respiratory tract. Personal protective equipment always comes standard, and a clear safety data sheet should be reviewed before use. In research and chemical manufacturing roles, routine training on chemical hazards remains a fact of life—those moments when a splash or chemical vapor escapes drive home the need for goggles, gloves, and ventilation. Disposal also falls under stringent guidelines, often requiring neutralization and certified waste handling to prevent environmental release. Emergency response plans need to address spills, with absorbent material and containment capability always at hand in a responsible storage area.
Chemists and materials scientists appreciate 1,2,4-Butanetriol for its flexibility as a building block. As a raw material, it figures in the synthesis of drugs, such as HIV medications, and specialized polymers. On manufacturing lines, 1,2,4-Butanetriol enters reactors in both solid and liquid forms, depending on batch size and target specification. Mixing this compound with other precursors at specified densities yields uniform solutions with controlled viscosity, crucial for scaling up pharmaceutical intermediates or custom adhesives. In laboratories, technicians often weigh the solid or crystalline form, dissolve it in water or alcohol, and filter for clarity. Each batch must fall within specification—not just for concentration but also for contaminants that could wreck a sensitive process down the line.
Suppliers publish certificates of analysis with each lot, reporting actual density, melting point—typically in the range of 16-20°C—and purity percentages above 99%. Filtration removes colored impurities, with solutions appearing as clear as distilled water when made at recommended concentrations. Drums and carboys ship under hazardous chemical labeling, recognizing both the value and the risks of this compound as a raw material. International shipment aligns with HS Code 2905399090, ensuring customs and regulatory checks. Technical teams confirm batch origin, traceability, and safety compliance, which echoes industry-wide lessons about handling chemicals that can switch from safe to hazardous with a single wrong step.
Long experience around chemicals shows no substitute for a strong safety culture, especially with multi-functional alcohols like 1,2,4-Butanetriol. Improved labeling, tighter engineering controls, and recurring safety drills cut down on workplace incidents. Innovation in packing, like single-use containers for lab scale, and better spill containment, keeps risks in check. For those aiming to minimize hazardous waste, research into biodegradable alternatives or greener synthesis methods gains ground every year. Chemistry will lean toward safer, more sustainable processes, but until that shift becomes routine, careful stewardship of chemicals like 1,2,4-Butanetriol remains the standard for quality and safety.
