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Humectants

2,3-Butanediol

Also known as Butane-2,3-diol, 2,3-butylene glycol, 2,3-Dihydroxybutane

CAS 513-85-9Formula C4H10O2Molar mass 90.12 g/molEC 208-173-6
GHS signal word: Warning 52 suppliers listed
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2,3-Butanediol chemical structure, C4H10O2, CAS 513-85-9
2D chemical structure

Key facts

What buyers check first

All properties
Appearance
Nearly colorless, crystalline solid or liquid
Melting point
19 °C
Boiling point
182 °C
Density
1.045 at 20 °C/20 °C
Flash point
85 °C
HS code
290539
Category
Humectants
Illustrative photo, colourless crystals beside a jumbo bulk bag in a chemical plant
Typical packagingIllustrative packaging image, not the actual product

What is 2,3-Butanediol?

Plain description, key identifiers and synonyms

Butane-2,3-diol is a butanediol in which hydroxylation is at C-2 and C-3. It is a glycol, a secondary alcohol and a butanediol.

Identifiers

Registry numbers, names and line notations, tap to copy

IUPAC name
butane-2,3-diol
CAS number
513-85-9 CAS number cross-checkedOther or deprecated CAS: 123513-85-9, 34439-75-3, 35007-63-7
EC number
208-173-6
Molecular formula
C4H10O2
UNII
45427ZB5IJ
MDL number
MFCD00004523
INCI name
2,3-BUTANEDIOL
InChIKey
OWBTYPJTUOEWEK-UHFFFAOYSA-N
InChI
InChI=1S/C4H10O2/c1-3(5)4(2)6/h3-6H,1-2H3
SMILES (canonical and isomeric)
CC(C(C)O)O

Synonyms

  • Butane-2,3-diol
  • 2,3-butylene glycol
  • 2,3-Dihydroxybutane
  • Dimethylethylene glycol
  • Pseudobutylene glycol
  • Sym-dimethylethylene glycol
  • Dimethylene glycol
  • DL-2,3-Butanediol
  • Omega-butylene glycol
  • 2,3-Butanediol, (R*,R*)-(.+/-.)-
  • 2,3-butanodiol
  • 2,3-Butanediol(mixture of stereoisomers)
  • Butan-2,3-diol
  • d-2,3-Butanediol
  • 2,3-Butanediol, >98%
  • (+/-)-2,3-Butanediol
  • (S,S)-(+)-2,3-Butylene Glycol
  • 2.3-butanediol
  • 2,3-butane diol
  • butane 2,3-diol
  • 2,3-Butandiol
  • a 2,3-butanediol
  • a butane-2,3-diol
  • dimethyl ethyleneglycol
  • 2,3-dihydroxy butane
Show all 36 synonyms
  • 2,3-dihydroxy-butane
  • D-2,3-Butane diol
  • dimethyl ethylene glycol
  • levo-butane-2,3-diol
  • meso-2,3-butane diol
  • a 2,3-butylene glycol
  • 2,3-Butanediol (DL)
  • 2,3-Butanediol, 98%
  • dl-2,3-Butandiol
  • 2,3-Butanediol (Standard)
  • 4-01-00-02524 (Beilstein Handbook Reference)

Physical and chemical properties

Measured values and descriptors computed from the structure

Physical and chemical properties

Measured values, check the supplier specification for your grade

Appearance
Nearly colorless, crystalline solid or liquidexp.
Odour
Odorlessexp.
Taste
Sweet tasteexp.
Melting point
19 °Cexp.
Boiling point
182 °Cexp.
Density
1.045 at 20 °C/20 °Cexp.
Flash point
85 °Cexp.
Autoignition temperature
402 °Cexp.
Solubility
In water, miscible at 20 °Cexp.
Vapour pressure
0.243 mm Hg at 25 °Cexp.

Values vary by grade. Ask suppliers for the COA or TDS of the batch you buy.

Computed descriptors

Calculated from the structure, useful for screening and formulation

Molecular weight
90.12 g/molcalc.
Exact mass
90.0681 Dacalc.
LogP (octanol/water)
-0.25calc.
Topological polar surface area
40.46 Ųcalc.
Hydrogen bond donors
2calc.
Hydrogen bond acceptors
2calc.
Rotatable bonds
1calc.
Heavy atoms
6calc.
Rings
0calc.
Aromatic rings
0calc.
Fraction sp3 carbons
1calc.
Formal charge
0calc.
Stereocentres
2calc.
Lipinski rule of five
Passes (0 violations)calc.

Calculated for screening. Confirm critical figures with the supplier.

Safety and hazards

GHS classification summary, not a safety data sheet

GHS signal word
Warning
110NFPA 704 rating

Hazard statements

  • H227Combustible liquid.
Precautionary statements (5)
  • P210Keep away from heat, hot surfaces, sparks, open flames and other ignition sources. No smoking.
  • P280Wear protective gloves, protective clothing, eye protection and face protection.
  • P370 + P378In case of fire: Use appropriate media to extinguish.
  • P403Store in a well-ventilated place.
  • P501Dispose of contents and container in accordance with local regulations.

GHS classification summary, not a safety data sheet (SDS). Classifications can differ by supplier, grade and concentration. Always check the supplier's SDS.

Full safety data and first aid

2,3-Butanediol suppliers

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Where suppliers are based

52 suppliers in 9 countries

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2,3-Butanediol price

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Uses and applications

What the substance is used for, by industry and function

Resins, solvent for dyes, intermediate, blending agent.

2,3-Butanediol (at least 80% meso isomer, the rest racemic mixture) is used as a crosslinking agent for naphthalene-1,5-diisocyanate in the production of specific hard-rubber products (Vulkollan). Derivatives of 2,3-butanediol are important as insecticides (Sapecron: acetal with methylcarbamate of salicylic aldehyde) and as intermediates in the pharmaceutical industry. 2,3-Butanediols have some interest as humectants and in the synthesis of polymers and plasticizers.

Use classes: Solvents, Safer Chemical Classes.

Cosmetic ingredient, INCI name 2,3-BUTANEDIOL(humectant, fragrance, skin conditioning, solvent)

Functional uses

  • Deodorizer
  • Flavouring and nutrient
  • Fragrance
  • Humectant
  • Softener and conditioner
  • Solvent

Cosmetic functions

  • Fragrance
  • Humectant
  • Skin conditioning
  • Solvent

How it is made

After removal of butadiene and isobutene from crack gases, a C4 hydrocarbon fraction, called C4 raffinate II, is obtained, which contains approximately 77% butenes and 23% of a mixture of butane and isobutane. By chlorohydrination of this fraction with a solution of chlorine in water and subsequent cyclization of the chlorohydrins with sodium hydroxide, a butene oxide mixture of the following composition is obtained: 55% trans-2,3-butene oxide, 30% cis-2,3-butene oxide, and 15% 1,2-butene oxide.

Read more

Hydrolysis of this mixture (50 bar, 160-220 °C, reaction enthalpy deltaH= -42 kJ/mol) yields a mixture of butanediols which is separated by vacuum fractionation. In order to avoid the formation of polyethers during the hydrolysis, an excess of water must be used. ... By this reaction sequence, meso-2,3-butanediol is obtained from trans-2-butene via trans-2,3-butene oxide, the racemic mixture of R,R- and S,S-2,3-butanediol is formed analogously from cis-2-butene via cis-2,3-butene oxide.

Preparation of D(-)- and L(+)-forms from corresponding D- and L-mannitols. (D(-)- and L(+)-forms)

Preparation of meso-form from trans-2,3-epoxybutane and of DL-form from cis-2,3-epoxybutane. (Meso and DL form)

Regulatory status

Inventories, regulations and trade controls that list this substance

Health and food

  • EU cosmetic ingredient inventory

United States

  • Safer Choice ingredient list (USA)
  • TSCA inventory (USA)
    Status: Active in US commerce

HS code and trade data

Customs classification and reported world trade statistics

Global trade

World import and export statistics for the HS code 2,3-Butanediol is traded under.

HS 2905.39Indicative HS code

Diols, other

World exports in 2024
$1.92B
−3.5% vs 2023, imports $2B
2019 to 2024
Top exporters
  1. China22.3%
  2. United States17.9%
  3. Germany16.1%
Top importers
  1. Germany12.0%
  2. China11.3%
  3. South Korea10.5%
Reported customs values in USD, not prices.Full trade data

The HS code shown for 2,3-Butanediol is indicative (it was assigned by structure rules). Confirm the classification with your customs broker before shipping.

Frequently asked questions

Quick answers about 2,3-Butanediol, based on the data on this page

What is 2,3-Butanediol?

Butane-2,3-diol is a butanediol in which hydroxylation is at C-2 and C-3. It is a glycol, a secondary alcohol and a butanediol.

What is the CAS number of 2,3-Butanediol?

The CAS registry number of 2,3-Butanediol is 513-85-9. Other or deprecated CAS numbers: 123513-85-9, 34439-75-3, 35007-63-7.

What is the molecular formula and weight of 2,3-Butanediol?

The molecular formula of 2,3-Butanediol is C4H10O2 and its molar mass is 90.12 g/mol.

What is 2,3-Butanediol used for?

Resins, solvent for dyes, intermediate, blending agent. 2,3-Butanediol (at least 80% meso isomer, the rest racemic mixture) is used as a crosslinking agent for naphthalene-1,5-diisocyanate in the production of specific hard-rubber products (Vulkollan).

Is 2,3-Butanediol hazardous?

2,3-Butanediol carries the GHS signal word "Warning". Main hazards: combustible liquid. This summary is not an SDS, always read the supplier safety data sheet.

What is the HS code of 2,3-Butanediol?

2,3-Butanediol is usually classified under HS code 290539 (Diols, other). This is indicative, confirm it with your customs broker before shipping.

Where can I buy 2,3-Butanediol?

CompoundList lists 52 suppliers of 2,3-Butanediol in China, United States, Canada, Germany and 5 more. Send one free request to get and compare quotes. Your contact details stay private until you accept a quote.

What is the price of 2,3-Butanediol?

Suppliers quote 2,3-Butanediol on request because prices depend on grade, purity, quantity and destination. A free request on CompoundList gets you several quotes to compare.

Guides for buyers

Practical guides that help when you source, ship or handle 2,3-Butanediol

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Data last updated 7 Oct 2026. Details may have changed, please confirm them with the supplier. Report an error on this page
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