1,4-Butanediol (BDO) is produced by hydroformylation of allyl alcohol with carbon monoxide and hydrogen, which is then followed by hydrogenation. It is a colorless liquid with high boiling point and low toxicity.

1,4-Butanediol’s product applications:

1. Tetrahydrofuran: pharmaceutical intermediates, polytetramethylene ether glycol, solvent, adhesive.

2. Polytetramethylene ether glycol: polytetramethylene ether glycol (PTMEG) is raw material for spandex fiber and polyurethane elastomer/thermoplastics/leather.

3. Polyester plasticizer: the polyester plasticizer based on 1,4-butanediol has excellent compatibility with the vinyl polymers.

4. Thermoplastic polyester: 1,4-butanediol can be used to manufacture polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), a high strength engineering plastic.

5. γ-Butyrolactone: n-methyl pyrrolidone made from γ-Butyrolactone is a high-grade amide aprotic solvent that is used in petrochemical and other fields.