1,2,4-Butanetriol is a clear or slightly yellow, odorless, hydroscopic, flammable, viscous, liquid. It is an alcohol with three hydrophilic alcoholic hydroxyl groups.  It is similar to glycerol and erythritol. It is chiral, with two possible enantiomers.

1,2,4-Butanetriol is used in the manufacture of butanetriol trinitrate (BTTN), an important military propellant.

1,2,4-Butanetriol is also used as a precursor for two cholesterol-lowering drugs, Crestor and Zetia, which are derived from D-3,4-dihydroxybutanoic acid, by using 3-hydroxy-gamma-butyrolactone as a chiral synthon .

(Niu, W (2003). "Microbial synthesis of the energetic material precursor 1,2,4-butanetriol". Am. Chem. Soc. 125 (43): 12998–12999. doi:10.1021/ja036391+. "Biosynthetic Pathways". Retrieved 24 November 2010.)

It is as one of the monomers for manufacture of some polyesters and as a solvent.

Typical Properties :

Formula:                   C4H10O3

CAS#                        3068-00-6

Assay:                        96 – 97%

Color/Form:             Clear yellow to slightly brown liquid

Odor:                          Odorless

Specific Gravity:       1.190 – 1.193

Formula Weight:      106.12

        Melting Point:           -20^oC

        Boiling Point:              190 – 191^oC (at 18 torr)

        Flash Point:                 188^oC

Refractive Index:        1.471 – 1.476 n20/D

Hydroscopic:              Yes

This item is export controlled in larger quantities and may require an “end-use statement”.

Safety Data Sheet (pdf)