Definition of butanediol
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
