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
Test Your Vocabulary
Who Knew?
-
- What is a ruelle?

Test your visual vocabulary with our 10-question challenge!
TAKE THE QUIZ
Anagram puzzles meet word search.
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Share butanediol