butanediol

noun

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

Keep scrolling for more

Comments on butanediol

What made you want to look up butanediol? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

WORD OF THE DAY

intoxicate

to affect and impair by alcohol or a drug

Test Your Vocabulary

Words from Greek and Latin Quiz

Which of the following months comes from a Latin word for “ten”?

Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ