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

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