butanediol

noun

bu·​tane·​di·​ol
ˈbyü(ˌ)tān(ˌ)dīˌȯl,
-ˌōl
plural -s
: any of four isomeric glycols C4H8(OH)2: such as
a
: a hygroscopic liquid CH3CHOHCH2CH2OH made usually by hydrogenation of aldol and used chiefly as a humectant and plasticizer

called also 1,3-butanediol, 1,3-butylene glycol

b
: a viscous liquid CH2OHCH2CH2CH2OH made from acetylene, formaldehyde, and hydrogen and used chiefly in making polyurethane resins

called also 1,4-butanediol, 1,4-butylene glycol, tetramethylene glycol

c
: a hygroscopic viscous liquid or crystalline solid CH3CHOHCHOHCH3 known in four optically different forms, obtained usually by fermentation (as of grains or molasses), and used chiefly in organic synthesis

called also 2,3-butanediol, 2,3-butylene glycol

Word History

Etymology

butane + -diol

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Dictionary Entries Near butanediol

Cite this Entry

“Butanediol.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/butanediol. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!