Description

β-Butyrolactone is a versatile four-membered cyclic ester (lactone) with significant utility as a chemical intermediate and solvent. Its reactive lactone ring makes it a valuable building block for synthesizing a wide range of pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and specialty polymers. This compound is essential for manufacturers in the pharmaceutical, fine chemical, and polymer industries seeking a high-purity precursor for condensation and ring-opening reactions.

Application

• Pharmaceutical Intermediate: Key starting material in the synthesis of various active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), including statins and other chiral molecules.
• Polymer Chemistry: Used as a monomer or co-monomer for producing biodegradable polymers, polyesters, and specialty resins with tailored properties.
• Fine Chemical Synthesis: Serves as a precursor for butyric acid derivatives, γ-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) analogs (for research purposes), and other fine chemicals.
• Agrochemical Production: Intermediate in the manufacture of certain herbicides, fungicides, and plant growth regulators.
• Solvent & Reaction Medium: Acts as a polar aprotic solvent for various organic synthesis and polymerization processes.
• Flavor & Fragrance Industry: Used in the controlled synthesis of certain flavoring agents and aroma compounds.

Basic Information

Product Name	β-Butyrolactone
CAS No.	3068-88-0
Molecular Formula	C₄H₆O₂
Molecular Weight	86.09 g/mol
Synonyms	β-Butyrolactone; 3-Hydroxybutyric acid lactone; 3-Hydroxybutyric acid β-lactone; BBL; 2-Oxetanone, 3-methyl-; 3-Methyl-2-oxetanone; Dihydro-3-methyl-2(3H)-furanone
EINECS	221-310-7

Quality Control

Our β-Butyrolactone is produced under a strict quality management system. Each batch undergoes comprehensive analytical testing to ensure it meets high-purity standards suitable for demanding synthetic applications. A Certificate of Analysis (COA) detailing purity, identity, and impurity profiles is provided with every shipment to guarantee consistent quality and traceability.

Storage

Preserve in a tightly closed container, protected from light. Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from incompatible materials such as strong bases and oxidizing agents. Recommended storage temperature is between 15°C and 25°C. Keep container tightly sealed when not in use to minimize moisture absorption and prevent volatility loss.

Specification

Item	Specification
Appearance	Colorless to pale yellow liquid
Identification (IR)	Conforms
Assay (GC)	≥ 98.0%
Water Content (KF)	≤ 0.5%
Refractive Index (n20/D)	1.434 - 1.438
Density (20°C)	1.045 - 1.055 g/mL

Note: Specifications can be tailored. Please contact us for the detailed technical data sheet of a specific grade.