Presentations：
1,3-Butanediol is a colorless, viscous liquid with a sweet and bitter taste.1,3-Butanediol is used as an intermediate in the manufacture of polyester plasticizers, as a humectant in cellophane and tobacco, and as a glycerin substitute in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries.
Uses：
1,3-Butanediol is an organic chemical which belongs to the family of secondary alcohols.At present, 1,3-butanediol is used mainly in surfactants, inks, solvents for natural and synthetic flavoring agents and serves as a co-monomer inmanufacturing certain polyurethane and polyester resins.
1,3-Butanediol can also serve as a humectant to prevent loss of moisture in cosmetics, particularly in hair sprays and setting lotions.1,3-Butanediol is also used as a humectant and emollient in personal care and cosmetic products, owing to its low toxicity, excellenthygroscopicity, and good water solubility.
Besides, 1,3-Butanediol is pharmaceutically involved in the production of colchicine derivatives as a anticancer agent and in the synthesis oidual peroxisome proliferator-activated gamma and delta agonists acting as a hypoglycaemic agent, which is effective for the treatment of diabetes.
Research in the United States on synthetic sources of dietary calories was initiated in 1958 to develop high nutrient density food for extended manned space travel. Of many known compounds screened, 1,3-butanediol was the most promising. Small amounts in ester form with fatty acids exist in nature, and tests indicate a low acute oral and chronic toxicity similar to that of propylene glycol or glycerol. Multi-generation reproduction, teratological, and mutagen studies have revealed nothing detrimental. Following an adaptation period, 1,3-butanediol furnishes approximately 6 kcal/g if fed at levels not exceeding 20% in the diet of rats. Higher levels result in an impairment in growth and food utilization. In young animals, body fat stores appear to be lessened, as is resistance to the stress of extreme cold. However, dogs fed 20% 1,3-butanediol can maintain sustained muscular work on treadmills, but larger amounts can result in incoordination due to a narcotic effect common to glycols. Little research has been conducted on the behavioral effects of large doses. At present, 1,3-butanediol is used mainly as a solvent for food flavors. If the unpleasant taste problem can be overcome and if given FDA approval, 1,3-butanediol may have an increased role in our food supply as a functional food additive, preservative, and source of calories for man and animals.
In summary, 1,3-butanediol is a multifunctional chemical that plays an important role in a wide range of applications, from the production of plastics and solvents to the manufacture of pharmaceuticals and cosmetics to the field of scientific research.
People also ask：
What is the function of 1,3-butanediol?
What are the applications of 1,3-butanediol?
What is R 1,3-butanediol used for?
What are the side effects of 1,3-butanediol?