Butane-1,2,3,4-Tetrol, commonly known as butanetetrol, is a compound that has several practical applications in everyday life. This chemical is used in the production of food additives, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. Butanetetrol is also utilized in the manufacturing of some types of plastics, adhesives, and solvents. Its versatility and usefulness make it a valuable component in a variety of consumer products that we encounter on a daily basis.
Table of Contents:
- 💡 Commercial Applications
- ⚗️ Chemical & Physical Properties
- 🏭 Production & Procurement
- ⚠️ Safety Considerations
- 🔬 Potential Research Directions
- 🧪 Related Compounds
💡 Commercial Applications
Butane-1,2,3,4-tetrol, also known as butanetetrol or erythritol, has various commercial and industrial applications. It is commonly used as a low-calorie sweetener in the food and beverage industry, as it has a similar taste profile to sugar without the calories. Erythritol is also utilized in the production of cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and as a component in plastics and adhesives due to its moisture retention properties.
In terms of drug and medication applications, butane-1,2,3,4-tetrol is often used as an excipient in various pharmaceutical formulations. It is known for its stability, non-toxicity, and compatibility with other active ingredients, making it a popular choice in the pharmaceutical industry. Erythritol is commonly found in sugar-free medications and supplements, as it does not contribute to tooth decay and has a minimal impact on blood sugar levels. Additionally, erythritol is used as an osmotic diuretic in certain medical procedures.
⚗️ Chemical & Physical Properties
Butane-1,2,3,4-Tetrol appears as a colorless, odorless solid at room temperature. It is typically in the form of white crystals or powder. When heated, it can sublimate into a gas without passing through a liquid phase.
The molar mass of Butane-1,2,3,4-Tetrol is approximately 122.12 g/mol, and its density is about 1.73 g/cm3. This places it on the lighter end of the spectrum when compared to common food items like sugar or salt, which have higher molar masses and densities.
The melting point of Butane-1,2,3,4-Tetrol is around 103-105°C, and its boiling point is about 276-280°C. These values are higher than those of many common food items such as butter or chocolate, which melt and boil at lower temperatures.
Butane-1,2,3,4-Tetrol is sparingly soluble in water, but soluble in alcohol and acetone. It possesses a low viscosity, making it easy to handle and mix in various solutions. In comparison to common food items like flour or cornstarch, which are highly soluble in water and have variable viscosities, Butane-1,2,3,4-Tetrol exhibits different solubility and viscosity properties.
🏭 Production & Procurement
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Butane-1,2,3,4-Tetrol, also known as butanetetraol, is produced through the hydrogenation of maleic acid. This process involves the reaction of maleic acid with hydrogen gas in the presence of a catalyst to produce Butane-1,2,3,4-Tetrol.
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Butane-1,2,3,4-Tetrol can be procured from chemical suppliers or manufacturers who produce specialty chemicals. It can be transported in liquid form in drums or tanks, and is typically handled with care due to its potential hazards.
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When procuring Butane-1,2,3,4-Tetrol, it is important to ensure compliance with safety regulations and guidelines for handling hazardous chemicals. Proper storage and transportation methods should be employed to prevent accidents or spills.
⚠️ Safety Considerations
Safety considerations for Butane-1,2,3,4-Tetrol, also known as erythritol, include handling the substance with care to avoid skin and eye contact. It is important to wear appropriate personal protective equipment, such as gloves and goggles, when working with this compound. Additionally, Butane-1,2,3,4-Tetrol should be stored in a cool, well-ventilated area away from sources of ignition to prevent fire or explosion.
Hazard statements for Butane-1,2,3,4-Tetrol include “Causes skin irritation,” “Causes serious eye irritation,” and “May cause respiratory irritation.” These statements highlight the potential risks associated with exposure to this compound. It is important to handle Butane-1,2,3,4-Tetrol with caution and take necessary precautions to minimize the chances of harm.
Precautionary statements for Butane-1,2,3,4-Tetrol include “Avoid breathing dust/fume/gas/mist/vapors/spray,” “Wash thoroughly after handling,” and “Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection.” These statements emphasize the importance of following proper safety procedures when working with Butane-1,2,3,4-Tetrol to reduce the risk of adverse effects on health. It is crucial to adhere to these precautions to ensure the safe handling of this compound.
🔬 Potential Research Directions
Potential research directions for Butane-1,2,3,4-Tetrol include investigating its chemical properties and reactivity, as well as its potential applications in organic synthesis. Researchers may also explore the compound’s potential as a renewable feedstock for the production of chemicals and materials.
Further research could involve studying the environmental impact of Butane-1,2,3,4-Tetrol and its derivatives, including their biodegradability and toxicity profiles. Additionally, investigations into the compound’s potential as a pharmaceutical agent or drug candidate could be fruitful areas of study.
Other potential research directions could include exploring novel synthetic routes for the preparation of Butane-1,2,3,4-Tetrol and investigating its potential as a building block for the synthesis of more complex molecules. Studies on the compound’s stability, solubility, and interactions with other compounds could also yield valuable insights into its behavior and potential applications.
🧪 Related Compounds
One similar compound to Butane-1,2,3,4-Tetrol is Ethane-1,2,3,4-tetrol, also known as erythritol. This compound has a similar molecular structure to Butane-1,2,3,4-Tetrol but with only two carbon atoms instead of four. Ethane-1,2,3,4-tetrol is a sugar alcohol that is commonly used as a sweetener in low-calorie foods.
Another similar compound is Propane-1,2,3,4-tetrol, also known as threitol. This compound has a similar molecular structure to Butane-1,2,3,4-Tetrol but with three carbon atoms. Propane-1,2,3,4-tetrol is a four-carbon sugar alcohol that is often used as an ingredient in sugar-free and low-carb foods.
A third similar compound is Butane-1,2,3-triol, also known as 1,2,3-Butanetriol. This compound is structurally similar to Butane-1,2,3,4-Tetrol but lacks one hydroxyl group. Butane-1,2,3-triol is used in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals and in organic chemistry reactions.
