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butanediol

noun
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bu·​tane·​di·​ol | \ ˈbyü(ˌ)tān(ˌ)dīˌȯl, -ˌōl \
plural -s

Definition of butanediol

: 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

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History and Etymology for butanediol

butane + -diol

Learn More About butanediol

Dictionary Entries Near butanediol

butane

butanediol

butanoic acid

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Cite this Entry

“Butanediol.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/butanediol. Accessed 1 Jul. 2022.

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